Plants

Plants

Let’s learn about trees

These long-lived woody plants provide shade for people, homes for animals — and help protect the planet against climate change.

Plants

Let’s learn about the future of food

Technology and a warming world will change what you eat and how it gets to your plate.

Climate

5 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.

Plants

Scientists 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.

Animals

Scientists Say: Species

This word describes organisms grouped by their similarities in genetics and physical traits. But defining species can be tricky.

Plants

Meat-eating pitcher plants feast on baby salamanders

Scientists didn’t think meat-eating plants in North America ate vertebrates. They now know differently.

Ecosystems

A 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.

Environment

City 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.

Plants

Need 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.

Ecosystems

Warming 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.

Environment

Life 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.

Plants

This houseplant can clean indoor air

Houseplants may be able to help clean up polluted indoor air. Scientists gave this one a boost by givng it a gene from a rabbit.