You’ve never seen cabbage like this….

http://insideinsides.blogspot.com/

The theme? People cannot live without plants!

Gallery of pictures:  http://www.popsci.com/technology/gallery/2010-05/gallery-inside-seed-cathedral
News Article: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/04/awe-inspiring-seed-cathedral-shanghai-world-expo-2010.php

By turning the page on this often violent and unjust century, then, one would expect that our new millennium would be noted for its relative calm, peace, and sense of justice. Unfortunately, however, it remains fact that numerous problems continue to plague both our globe and its billions of inhabitants until this very day. One of the most challenging and at the same time simplistic of these problems is that of water contamination. It is estimated that over a billion humans around the world (or one-sixth of the entire population) routinely drink unhealthy water. This leads to the deaths of approximately 5 million people every year with 1.4 million of these being children.

For this reason, researchers from Uppsala University in cooperation with the University of Botswana are testing a simple and sustainable solution to this global issue that implements nothing more than the seeds of the Moringa oleifera tree.

In commonly used water purification processes, the flocculation of impurities is often seen as an important first step. The problem facing currently used methods, however, is that they implement aluminum and iron salts which often have accompanying undesirable health effects. Therefore, the research team at Uppsala University took it upon themselves to discover a more natural way to accomplish the same end goal and found that a natural extract from the seeds of the Moringa oleifera tree does just that without the unwanted side effects of aluminum and iron salts.

The way these seeds work is that small amounts of a protein found in their natural extract bind strongly to contaminant particles and cause an aggregation of these impurities into large and readily removable lumps. Adrian Rennie, a Professor of Physics at Uppsala University, said of the study, “It is nice to see how the basic interactions of molecules can play a role in solving practical problems. Understanding of the process may lead to further development in water purification with materials that are locally available and environmentally friendly.”

It is remarkable that despite the increasing trend towards genetic engineering and the use of artificially made chemicals in our current age of technological advancement, it is often simple, natural extracts from plants that still seem to best solve some of the most pressing challenges that face the world today.

Discussion Question: Given your knowledge of bonds (and more specifically, hydrogen bonds found in water), what sort of chemical explanation do you think can be given for the ability of this natural seed extract to readily bind to water impurities?

News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100218102452.htm
Scientific Article: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/la9031046

Researchers at the Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal (CNRS) have uncovered a new eco-friendly strategy for converting solar energy into electrical energy.   By inserting a biofuel cell into a cactus leaf, scientists recorded that the cell could generate power of 9μW per cm2.

In the process of photosynthesis, plants transform sunlight into glucose and oxygen.  To then convert this chemical plant energy into electrical energy, the biofuel cell, composed to two enzyme-modified electrodes, uses the glucose and oxygen products of photosynthesis to generate an electrical current.  In testing this theory, the electrodes were implanted into the cactus leaf and scientists could observe an electrical current after switching on a desk lamp hooked onto the cell.  As glucose and oxygen yield is proportional to light intensity, stronger illumination allowed for accelerated production of photosynthesis by-products and higher fuel levels in the operating cell.

Along with having the ability to monitor electrical current generated, scientists could observe real-time course of glucose levels in the plant during photosynthesis.  This monitoring ability will offer better understanding of the mechanisms behind photosynthesis, and possibly pave the way for a new, renewable method of generating electrical energy.

Discussion Question: What type of advanced experiment might expose whether photosynthesis could become a main source of electrical energy for society in the future?

News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100218092846.htm
Paper Abstract: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ac902537h

(Photo credit: Rhino Studios)

The researchers discovered that in exchange for the extremely important service of pollination provided by wasps to fig plants, the fig fruit offers the wasp a safe refuge for their still developing offspring.

However, when wasps do not keep up their end of the bargain by pollinating these plants, the fig trees ‘punish’ these ‘rebels’ by dropping the unpollinated fruit, killing the developing wasps inside.

Describing this unique relationship, Allen Herre, STRI staff scientists says, “ “This is really about the all-too-human theme of crime and punishment. We found that in actively pollinated fig species — when wasps expend time and energy to collect and deposit pollen– wasps that did not provide the basic service of pollination were sanctioned. However, in passively pollinated species — when the wasps do not need to make an effort to pollinate–sanctions were absent.”

Unique discoveries like these continue to amaze the scientific community with the level of sophistication often witnessed in seemingly simple life forms such as plants. More than anything else, my work here at greenseedling.com over the past couple of years has increased my appreciation for not only plants, but for all other species of life on earth as well.

Discussion Question: Given your knowledge of evolution, how do you think this particular relationship developed and what are its consequences?

News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100114143513.htm
Scientific Article: http://jnason.eeob.iastate.edu:8080/NasonLab/publications/pdf-folder/nason_et_al_1998.pdf

While this evolutionarily selected form of communication restricts plants to only being able to communicate amongst one another, a team of researchers at the CSIC Institute of Acoustics have recently discovered a means by which ultrasound waves can be added to this communication link, effectively resulting in the ability of scientists to establish a firm connection with the leaves of plants.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of this cutting edge technology is the fact that it is non-intrusive. Moreover, it doesn’t require any sort of intermediary substance such as the gels often used by doctors to catch a glimpse of a developing child in the womb of a mother. Instead, this technology relies on the transmission of broadband ultra sound waves from a portable device that cause the leaves of a plant to vibrate thus sending waves of critical information about the plant back to the original transmission device.  Such useful information as the water content of the leaves, their thickness, and their density can all be relayed from this inherently simple technology.

Describing the process, Tomas E. Gomez stated, “The voice of the leaves itself is what gives us information about their status and their properties, all in an innocuous and silent way since communication is established by ultrasound, with above-audible frequencies”. Even previously difficult data to obtain such as the water potential of these leaves can now be accurately estimated using this state of the art technique.

This is truly an amazing discovery as it has finally established a non-invasive, non-intrusive method for humans to being able to communicate with perhaps the most important life forms on the planet. Innovations like these prove that in instances where evolution limits us, humans have often been able to step in and fill the void with technology. As the years go on, I believe that we will continue to see a sharp rise in this trend.

Discussion Question: We have seen that various wave frequencies such as X-Rays cause intense radiation that can be harmful to human life. Do you predict that technologies like these will have any sort of negative impact on plant life?

News Article Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100203111628.htm
Scientific Article Link: http://scitation.aip.org/getabs/servlet/GetabsServlet?prog=normal&id=APPLAB000095000019193702000001&idtype=cvips&gifs=yes&ref=no

How about an almond tree? Although almonds may have many health benefits associated with their consumption, the nectar of an almond tree actually has quite the opposite effect.

After studying the almond tree, researchers at the Department of Science Education at the University of Haifa-Oranim have uncovered that the plant’s nectar contains a toxin, which can form the by-product cyanide.  The toxin, termed “amygdalin,” evolved with the intention of giving the almond tree an advantage over other vegetation in the surrounding area.

Before conclusion of the recent study, previous research revealed that 4-10 milligrams per liter of amygdalin could be found in almond nectar, a deadly amount for most small mammals.  While nectar in the tree’s flowers would normally serve as an insect attractant for pollination, the presence of amydalin seems to defeat the original purpose of functioning as a medium to increase the plant’s reproductive success.  However, examining bee nectar preference allowed scientists to discover that the toxic nectar is surprisingly advantageous.

Exposing honeybees to plates of nectar with varying concentrations revealed that bees prefer nectar that contains amygdalin, as opposed to an amygdalin-free option.

Although amygdalin is poisonous for mammals, the toxin contains a stimulant that attract insects, who are unaffected by the poison and have the opportunity to pollinate the plant, thus increasing reproduction in almond trees.

Discussion Question:  How might one explain, in terms of evolution, the need for the almond tree to develop nectar that is only poisonous to small mammals?

News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100128091750.htm
Scientific Abstract: http://www.springerlink.com/content/p31q717704r16llr/

Because plants use their bright coloration to acquire food through photosynthesis or to attract pollinators, camouflage in plants seems to be unwarranted.  However, a recent study by Matthew Klooster from Harvard University uncovers that the woodland plant, Monotropsis odorata, might have adapted its own camouflage, much like animals, to avoid predation.

Instead of performing photosynthesis to obtain nutrients, this woodland plant species actually relies on mycorrhizal fungus that resides within its roots for nutrition.  As a result, the plant no longer needs green coloration necessary for photosynthesis.  Brown colored bracts grow around the reproductive stem and flower.  Klooster discovered that these bracts function as a camouflage and help the plant blend in with its surroundings.

The bracts on the plant resemble leaf litter and conceal the deep purple reproductive stem, as well as the lavender buds.  By removing dried bracts from some plants, the research team concluded that the bracts actually increase plant fitness by helping the plant avoid predation by herbivores.

Because the Monotropoideae continue to rely on animals for pollination and seed dispersal, the researchers hypothesize that the flowers emit highly fragrant odors that will attract pollinators and allow for reproduction of the plant.

Therefore, next time you’re in the woods and assume that a brown plant must be a dead plant, think again!

Discussion Question: Why do you think that more plants have not evolved a camouflage system?  What type of environment would make camouflage in a plant necessary?

[Enjoyed this story?  Check out another story about plant camouflage in our archives.]

Link to News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091125145825.htm
Link to Journal Abstract: http://www.amjbot.org/cgi/reprint/ajb.0900124v1

As it turns out, she really had no trick up her sleeve, except to be patient and let the flowers grow without interference from little fingers stroking their delicate petals. Although my grandmother’s growing method may not work for every flower’s success, a recent study published in HortTechnology uncovers that the African violet’s growing success rate greatly depends on touch.

African violets attract many people because of their bright purple flowers and hairy leaves, but according to Julia C. Brotton and Janet C. Cole from the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University, these attractants may actually harm the plant.

Since many African violet growers work in conditions that lead to dry, irritated skin, the use of body lotion for replenishing moisture to hands becomes a common occurrence; therefore, the researchers studied the damaging effects of touching or “brushing” African violet leaves when body lotion or other skin care products are applied to hands before contact with the leaves.

To test the plants, five brushing treatments were applied to the leaves: no brushing, brushing for 30 and 90 seconds with a latex-gloved hand, and brushing for 30 and 90 seconds after application of lotion to a nongloved hand. After five weeks of testing, the plants were harvested so that damage could be assessed. The study revealed that plants that were brushed with a gloved hand had less damage, greater leaf areas, and greater leaf numbers than those brushed by a nongloved hand with lotion.

Overall, the study suggests that African violets that do not experience leaf brushing by a hand to which lotion has been applied have greater quality and size than those which have experienced brushing. So whether or not your grandmother teaches you that touching the flowers may not be best, you should always remember to keep your hands off the plants!

Discussion Question: Could using gloves during cultivation be beneficial for all flower growers? Why or why not?

News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103171915.htm
Journal Abstract: http://horttech.ashspublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/19/3/613

This past summer, severe drought in the state of California led to many forest fires that left some areas of the state in ashes. While we often think of wildfires as a bad thing given their extremely high cost both in terms of human life and property, at least some species of plants seem to benefit.

Brian Beckage and his research team at the University of Vermont discovered that some savanna trees actually contribute to the likelihood of a fire in order promote their own prosperity at the expense of their competitors. “We used a mathematical model to show that positive feedback loops between fire frequency and savanna trees, alone or together with grasses, can stabilize ecological communities in a savanna state, blocking conversion of savannas to forest,” said Beckage.

The self promotion on the part of savanna trees simultaneously ensures their livelihood and dominance in the competitive environments in which they live. The very fact that trees can actually engineer the environment around them sheds light on the great complexity even seemingly simple life forms can sometimes display.

In sum, if the recent onslaught of pro-recycling campaigns and anti-deforestation laws haven’t helped to increase your awareness of trees, maybe a fear of their potential wrath will!

Discussion Question: Can you think of any other plants that engage in “self-defense” tactics to ensure their survival?

News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028192613.htm#at
Scientific Article: http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/648458