One of "world's worst" weeds invading US Northeast
The toxic weed can prevent sunlight from entering the water and lead to decreased oxygen levels, killing fish and other species.
Ancient Maya ball court may have been blessed, hallucinogenic find hints
Experts have found a "special" ritual deposit below an ancient ball court that includes psychoactive and ceremonial plant remains.
Darwin's 'abominable mystery' haunts new plant tree of life
Darwin was once flummoxed as to how so many flowering plants evolved, but researchers may have finally cracked the code.
Mysterious burnt seeds found in Roman pot may be cannabis
The ancient pot was found at a site that preserves evidence of Roman settlement and agricultural activity.
Mystery of fairy circles explained by "death zone" discovery
The circles may form due to the topsoil within them being very prone to drying out, meaning that grasses cannot grow inside.
"Supercharged" flowers blooming after California's atmospheric river
The brilliant yellow flowers are blooming near Death Valley, the driest (and hottest) place in North America.
Secrets of ancient rituals in biblical home of Goliath revealed
Researchers studied preserved plant remains found at a temple site associated with the mysterious ancient Philistine culture.
"Extraordinary" fossil discoveries reveal plants from 30 million years ago
Despite their age, some of the plant specimens preserve delicate soft tissues, such as those of the fruits and seeds.
Healthier potato chips promised as "toxic" problem cracked
"It has the potential to affect every single bag of potato chips around the world," said plant geneticist Jiming Jiang.
First-ever moondust-grown chickpeas game changer for astronauts
"Food sustainability is one of the most significant barriers to long-term space travel," the researchers wrote in the paper.
Zombie tree reanimates leaves into roots: "Truly novel"
This is the first time the unique regrowth has been reported in a tree, according to scientists.
Pennsylvania could face a potato shortage
A bacterial species found in Pennsylvania potato fields, named P. actinidiae, has not previously been seen in the U.S.
News
Trees could help predict volcanic eruptions, say geologists
A new study found that changes in vegetation before and after volcanic eruptions can be seen from space, a possible new way to detect them.
Modern Wise Men find mystery fossil is fruit of the frankincense family
The mystery identity of several fossils that have puzzled scientists for decades has been unraveled.
Better Planet
Fairy circles mystery may be solved as physicist reveals missing link
Scientists have found these fairy circles may actually be a stress response to a lack of water.
Christmas Tree Syndrome Explained for Those With Mystery Symptoms
If you find you always have cold-like symptoms after putting up your Christmas tree, you may have what is known as Christmas Tree Syndrome.
Better Planet
How to pick the most sustainable Christmas tree, according to a scientist
As the environment comes under increasing threat, it may be wise to think about how to sustainably decorate your home.
Christmas trees specially bred by geneticists may eliminate seasonal chore
While many enjoy having a real Christmas tree at home, the dropping needles can make a mess—but scientists may have found a way to stop this.
Venus flytraps ate my skin, says scientist. Could they eat whole humans?
"Much to my simultaneous pleasure and horror, I found that the plants consumed the nasty, thick, dried callus tissue with gusto," Barry Rice told Newsweek.
Plants revealed "talking" to each other about insects in video
Scientists shine a spotlight on the secret conversations of plants with first ever real-time footage.
Why are carrots orange? Scientists reveal the answer
"We identified three genes responsible for the accumulation of alpha and beta carotene, which make carrots orange," study author Massimo Iorizzo told Newsweek.
News
Tree thought extinct discovered after 2 centuries in "incredible" find
The tree, found in urban Brazil and called the Ilex sapiiformis, or Pernambuco holly, was first discovered in 1838 and has not been seen since.
California superbloom captured in stunning photos and videos
California's deserts are seeing vibrant displays of colourful poppies and other wildflowers following a particularly wet winter.
Strange carnivorous plants discovered using slime attack
Researchers have described two new plant species that live high in the mountains and use an unusual method to trap their unsuspecting prey.
News
How will 2023 compare to the great California superbloom of 2019?
California has seen historic rainfall sweeping across the state recently, meaning parts of it could be in for a particularly stunning "superbloom."
Historic California rain could bring one of the best superblooms for years
Botanist Nick Jensen told Newsweek that this year, the superbloom could be "really spectacular" in some places.
Century Plant Almost Two Stories High Is About To Flower in Texas
Century plants are common throughout Texas, although it is rare for them to grow to the impressive proportions that one example in a backyard in Houston has reached.
Budget DIY Tabletop Greenhouse Made With Thrifted Frames Stuns Internet
Through the summer months, tender crops such as cucumber, egg-plant, peppers, or tomatoes will thrive in a greenhouse.
Fukushima Radiation Made Japanese Fir Trees Go Haywire After Disaster
Conifer trees in Fukushima showed similar mutations to those found in the Chernobyl exclusion zone in the former Soviet Union.
Secretly Carnivorous Plant Has Been Hiding in Plain Sight, Say Scientists
"Our study serves as a vivid reminder that other cryptic carnivores may yet remain to be discovered," noted the researchers behind the discovery.