Plants : Science World Report

May 20, 2015 12:31 PM EDT

You Can Now Buy Your Very Own Green Glowing Plant Online: The Starlight Avatar

Imagine walking into a garden at nighttime. While this would be beautiful in and of itself, imagine that these plants are glowing with their own light-a bit like fireflies or jellyfish. It sounds impossible, but that's exactly what one scientist is working toward.

May 08, 2015 08:30 AM EDT

Bamboo May Spread Hantavirus by Encouraging Seed-Eating Mice

Bamboo may be spreading hantavirus. Scientists have discovered that with the plant's prolific seed production, there's a boom among seed-eating deer mice that carry the disease.

Apr 28, 2015 11:12 AM EDT

Scientists Investigate How Sunny Dandelions Produce Rubber

Dandelions are everywhere; they pop up from the ground, taking over entire suburban lawns. But did you know that dandelions can produce rubber?

Mar 13, 2015 05:49 AM EDT

Study on Plant Immune Systems May Lead to Better Tomatoes, Rice and Other Crops

Understanding plants' immune systems may just lead to better tomatoes and other plants.

Mar 04, 2015 09:22 AM EST

How Tropical Plants Pick the Best Hummingbirds to Pollinate Their Flowers

Tropical flowers may actually pick and choose the best pollinators rather than waiting patiently for one. Scientists have found that some plants are able to recognize the best suitors and "turn on" to increase the chance of success.

Feb 24, 2015 07:44 AM EST

Carnivorous Bladderwort Plant Stuns Scientists by Having Less DNA But More Genes

A certain carnivorous plant may seem complex, but it has a tiny genome. Now, scientists are taking a closer look at its genetic makeup.

Feb 17, 2015 10:37 AM EST

Plants Out-Survive Animals Through Mass Extinction Events

When it comes to surviving mass extinctions, plants do a lot better than animals. Scientists have taken a closer look at the mass extinctions over the course of Earth's history and have found that plants are especially resilient during these events.

Jan 05, 2015 12:11 PM EST

New Model Reveals How Climate and Genetics Impact How Plants Grow

Scientists are taking a closer look at how plants react to environmental and genetic factors.

Dec 18, 2014 07:57 AM EST

Mistletoe Isn't Just for Kissing: Christmas Plant May Ward Off Obesity-Related Liver Disease

When you sneak a kiss under the mistletoe during holiday season, do you ever wonder where the tradition comes from? And do you ever consider exactly what the plant can be used for? It turns out that mistletoe is far more than meets the eye.

Nov 19, 2014 01:06 PM EST

The Evolution of Seed Dormancy: Adaptation May be as Old as the Seeds Themselves

It turns out that seed dormancy is about as old as the seeds themselves. Scientists have taken a closer look at the evolution of seeds and have found a bit more about the intriguing phenomenon.

Nov 12, 2014 07:07 AM EST

Scientists Launch Massive Plant Database with Information from Species Across the Globe

Scientists have taken a big step forward when it comes to plant research. Botanists have launched a database with information that documents significant events for nearly 600 plants species across the globe. The findings could help with future research in plants.

Sep 26, 2014 08:50 AM EDT

Scientists Unlock the Secrets Behind Plant Cell Division

During division, cells copy and split DNA while breaking safely into two viable daughter cells, a process called cytokinesis. Yet the molecular basis of how plant cells accomplish this feat without mistakes has been unknown--until now.