Single parenthood doesn’t pay off for plants. National Evolutionary Synthesis Center, November 8, 2010. Plants that can pollinate themselves are more likely to go extinct, says a new study of the nightshade plant family.
Category Archives: plants
DNA barcoding exposes fake ferns
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DNA barcoding exposes fake ferns in international plant trade. Duke Today, May 4, 2010. DNA testing of garden ferns sold at plant nurseries in North Carolina, Texas, and California has found that plants marketed as American natives may actually be exotic species from other parts of the globe. Picked up by the Raleigh News and Observer and the Charlotte Observer.
Scientists flag possible risks from soy formula
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Scientists flag possible risks from soy formula. Charlotte Observer, April 26, 2010. Soy formula has been used for decades as an alternative to milk formula for children who are lactose intolerant or whose families wish to maintain a vegan diet. In recent years, however, studies in laboratory animals have raised concerns about the safety of soy.
Pine pollen still potent miles from the tree
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Gone with the wind: Far-flung pine pollen still potent miles from the tree. National Evolutionary Synthesis Center, April 5, 2010. Pollen from the loblolly pine—the most commonly planted tree in the southern US—can still germinate after drifting long distances, which may make it difficult to contain transgenic trees. Picked up by Science News, the Raleigh News and Observer, and the Durham Herald-Sun.
Flowering plants may be older than previously thought
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Molecular study could push back angiosperm origins. National Evolutionary Synthesis Center, March 15, 2010. Flowering plants may be considerably older than previously thought, says a new analysis of the plant family tree.
Woody plants adapted to past climate change more slowly than herbs
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Woody plants adapted to past climate change more slowly than herbs. National Evolutionary Synthesis Center, September 23, 2009. Can we predict which species will be most vulnerable to climate change by studying how they responded in the past? If past is prelude, trees and shrubs may have a harder time keeping pace with global warming. Picked up by USA Today.
Prevent invasive plant species from taking over the Eno
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Prevent invasive plant species from taking over the Eno. Duke Today, August 28, 2008. A Duke biologist is arming citizens with hand-held GPS navigation devices to mark the locations of non-native plants along state park trails while they enjoy the park.