Chemistry
Ancient recipes helped scientists resurrect a long-lost blue hue
Led by medieval texts, scientists hunted down a plant and used its fruit to make a blue watercolor with mysterious origins.
Plants
More Stories in Plants
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Climate5 things to know about the climate-saving benefits of tree planting
A recent analysis of the benefits of massive efforts to plant more trees triggered a firestorm of controversy.
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PlantsScientists look to hack photosynthesis for a ‘greener’ planet
Photosynthesis turns sunlight into energy for plants. Scientists want to know more about it, imitate it — even improve it.
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AnimalsScientists Say: Species
This word describes organisms grouped by their similarities in genetics and physical traits. But defining species can be tricky.
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PlantsMeat-eating pitcher plants feast on baby salamanders
Scientists didn’t think meat-eating plants in North America ate vertebrates. They now know differently.
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EcosystemsA million species could vanish, and people are to blame
Human activities are putting a million plant and animal species at risk of extinction, a new study finds. But it’s not too late to save many of them, scientists add.
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EnvironmentCity living makes trees grow fast but die young
Many cities plant trees to absorb carbon dioxide. But city trees grow fast and die young, which means they absorb less carbon dioxide than forest trees do.
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PlantsNeed a little luck? Here’s how to grow your own
A 2019 Intel ISEF finalist used a plant hormone and extra fertilizer to boost the numbers of multi-leafed clovers — including lucky four-leafed plants — she could reliably grow.
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EcosystemsWarming pushes lobsters and other species to seek cooler homes
Plants and animals are moving toward the poles, changing timing of important events and more — all in response to climate change.
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EnvironmentLife on Earth is mostly green
A new survey of life on Earth finds that plants and microbes dominate. But even though humans are in the minority, they still play a major role.