Maya used hallucinogenic plants in “ensouling” rituals for their ball courts
eDNA analysis found traces of xtabentum, as well as lancewood, chili peppers, and jool. Enlarge / A decorative ring made from carved stone is embedded in the wall of a ballcourt in the ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza. (credit:.....»»
Study reveals key gene protecting plants from harmful metals in soil
The negative impact of human activity on Earth doesn't just affect our planet's atmosphere—it goes much deeper, into its soils. For instance, excessive application of manure or sewage sludge can increase heavy metal concentrations in agricultural l.....»»
Rare butterfly is behind "mass destruction" of rare Miami plants: Can both be protected?
A small butterfly once thought extinct has staged such a comeback in South Florida that it is now considered a bit of a garden pest—and a persistent problem for a renowned research facility where its caterpillars feast on a curated collection of tr.....»»
From roots to leaves: The nitrogen connection to photosynthetic efficiency
Photosynthesis efficiency in plants is influenced by the type of nitrogen absorbed. Ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-) are the primary nitrogen sources, each affecting plant physiology differently. Variations in leaf anatomy, such as cell wall thickn.....»»
Duckweed, a small aquatic plant, could revolutionize the food of tomorrow
The idea of eating aquatic plants might sound unappetizing at first......»»
Understanding willingness to pay for nationwide wastewater surveillance in Japan
Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased likelihood of other such outbreaks in the future warrant the strengthening of epidemic surveillance systems. Among these, continuous wastewater surveillance at wastewater treatment plants is considere.....»»
Modular design: New insights into protein factories in human mitochondria
The "power plants" of living cells, the mitochondria, probably evolved through endosymbiosis: A bacterium migrated into a primordial cell and eventually developed into an organelle that provides the cell with energy, among other things. Mitochondria.....»»
Smart soil can water and feed itself
A newly engineered type of soil can capture water out of thin air to keep plants hydrated and manage controlled release of fertilizer for a constant supply of nutrients......»»
One of the best Apple TV+ comedies, Loot, scores season three renewal
Apple TV+ had its first big hit with a beloved comedy: Ted Lasso. Now, one of the service’s other top comedies has scored a season three renewal. Maya Rudolph’s workplace comedy, Loot, will return for another season of billionaire antics. mor.....»»
North America auto manufacturing footprint unlikely to change through 2029, Chicago Fed says
Many existing plants will provide flexibility across propulsion systems as EV demand and consumer preferences fluctuate......»»
Craig Wright’s claim of inventing bitcoin may get him arrested for perjury
UK judge refers Wright to prosecutors, suggests arrest warrant and extradition. Enlarge / Dr. Craig Wright arrives at the Rolls Building, part of the Royal Courts of Justice, on February 6, 2024, in London, England. (credit: Dan.....»»
"Alien invasion": Researchers identify which exotic animals may soon hitchhike into Australia
Australia is renowned for its native flora and fauna, but did you know the continent is also home to about 3,000 "alien" species of animals, plants, fungi and microbes?.....»»
Land use impacts Minnesota"s invasive tansy spread, study finds
Common tansy, whose scientific name is Tanacetum vulgare, is an invasive plant found in Northeastern Minnesota spreading rapidly throughout the state. It can quickly establish dense monocultures that squeeze out native plants and is difficult and cos.....»»
How Forvia"s Lego-like automated robots help its plants become more efficient
Forvia says its flexible, automated door panel manufacturing lines at plants in Michigan and Tennessee give the French supplier a giant leg up on its competition......»»
Scientists unravel transition of survival strategies in grape family
In a study published in Nature Plants, scientists have identified the Eocene, Oligocene, and Miocene boundaries as turning points for the transition of survival strategies in the grape family (Vitaceae)......»»
Minneapolis is on the leading edge of biochar, a carbon sequestering material full of promise and still under research
Minneapolis is on track to become one of the first U.S. cities to invest in biochar, a multifunctional, charcoal-like material said to help grow bigger plants, reduce storm water runoff and remove carbon from the atmosphere......»»
Wild plants and crops don"t make great neighbors: Study finds pathogens spill from one population to the other
Native plants and non-native crops do not fare well in proximity to one another, attracting pests that spread diseases in both directions, according to two new UC Riverside studies......»»
Supreme Court’s Message in First Amendment Case: Tech Is Free to Moderate Social Media
The Supreme Court kicked two cases challenging social media moderation laws in Florida and Texas back to lower courts.....»»
Photosynthesis powers our world, but what fuels this fundamental process?
It's hard to overstate the importance of photosynthesis, the biochemical pathway by which plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert the sun's energy into the organic material that feeds the entire living biosphere. But there are still aspects of th.....»»
Tiny TnpB: The next-generation genome editing tool for plants unveiled
Genome editing stands as one of the most transformative scientific breakthroughs of our time. It allows us to dive into the very code of life and make precise modifications. Imagine being able to rewrite the genetic instructions that determine almost.....»»
Certain bacteria or fungi could combat a plant pathogen that attacks common vetch
Anthracnose, a severe disease caused by the Colletotrichum spinaciae plant pathogen, often occurs in common vetch, a widely grown legume. Chemicals are not recommended for disease management because the plants are used as livestock feed. A new study.....»»