Articles for category: Ecology, Insects, Plants

Treedome - living architecture.

Can We Grow Buildings? The Science of Living Architecture

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine stepping into a world where buildings breathe, adapt, and even heal themselves. This is not the plot of a futuristic novel but a burgeoning reality as scientists and architects explore the possibilities of living architecture. The concept of growing buildings has captivated the imagination of many, blending the boundaries between biology and architecture. But ...

Glowing Trees and Living Lights: Bioluminescence as the Future of Sustainable Lighting

April Joy Jovita

Bioluminescence, the natural phenomenon where living organisms emit light, has captivated scientists and designers alike. From fireflies to deep-sea creatures, its biochemical process is now inspiring sustainable lighting solutions. Recent advancements in bioluminescent technology, including glowing trees and bacteria-based lighting, highlight its potential to revolutionize urban and domestic lighting systems. The Science Behind Bioluminescence Bioluminescence ...

Infected cassava plants.

The Cassava Mosaic Virus: A Hidden Threat to Food Security in the Tropics

Trizzy Orozco

In the lush, verdant landscapes of the tropics, cassava stands as a vital lifeline for millions. But beneath its leafy canopy, a silent enemy lurks—one that threatens the very fabric of food security in this region. The Cassava Mosaic Virus (CMV) is a formidable adversary, stealthily impacting the lives of those who rely on cassava ...

Carnivorous plants.

The Plants That Hunt Insects—and How They Do It

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine a world where plants are not just passive green entities swaying with the breeze, but active hunters that capture and consume unsuspecting insects. This is not the plot of a science fiction novel; it’s a reality in the fascinating world of carnivorous plants. These extraordinary plants have evolved unique mechanisms to trap and digest ...

The Trees That Still Wait for Mammoths: How Some Species Are Struggling Without Their Ancient Dispersers

The Trees That Still Wait for Mammoths: How Some Species Are Struggling Without Their Ancient Dispersers

Annette Uy

Imagine a world where mammoths roamed vast landscapes, their presence shaping the environment in profound ways. These magnificent creatures, now extinct, played a crucial role in the survival and spread of certain tree species. Today, in their absence, these trees face unique challenges, waiting in vain for their ancient dispersers. This intriguing relationship between trees ...

Salt-Tolerant Crops: Engineering Food That Grows in Rising Seas

Salt-Tolerant Crops: Engineering Food That Grows in Rising Seas

Annette Uy

Imagine a world where our food supply is threatened by the very seas that surround us. With climate change causing sea levels to rise, the salty waters are encroaching on fertile lands, rendering them barren and unsuitable for traditional agriculture. But what if we could engineer crops that thrive in salty conditions? This is not ...

Detailed close-up shot of a dried upland cotton plant with brown background.

The Plant That Sparked a War: Cotton’s Complicated Legacy

Few plants have shaped human civilization quite like cotton. This seemingly innocent white fiber has orchestrated empires, fueled industrial revolutions, and tragically, provided the economic foundation for one of history’s most devastating conflicts. From ancient civilizations to modern fashion runways, cotton’s journey through time reveals a story far more complex than its soft, fluffy appearance ...