Living with Plants

Why Macadamia Nutshells Are So Hard: Nature’s Strongest Biomaterial

Discover why macadamia nutshells are the hardest in the world. Learn about their lignin-rich structure, evolutionary role, nutritional benefits, biomimetic applications, and safe cracking methods.
2025.08.23
Living with Plants
Research

Projected 25% Dulling of Alpine Autumn Foliage Colors｜The Science Linking Earlier Springs and Autumn Color Brightness

A new study predicts that alpine autumn foliage in Japan could lose up to 25% of its brightness due to climate change. Discover the science connecting earlier springs to fading autumn colors.
2025.08.16
Research
Plant hack‗EN

Standing Up to Relentless Heat – Scientific Approach to Mitigating Crop Heat Stress with Ethanol Application

As extreme heat continues to damage crops and home gardens, low-concentration ethanol sprays are gaining attention for enhancing heat tolerance. Learn the latest research and practical methods proven in tomatoes and other plants.
2025.08.14
Plant hack‗EN
Living with Plants

Chia Seed Research Frontline 2025 | A Deep Dive into Efficacy, Mucilage Function, Agronomic Innovation, and Safety

A 2025 evidence‑based guide to chia: practical benefits for beginners, plant traits and short‑day physiology, sowing and irrigation/intercropping strategies, mucilage’s multifunctional applications, clinical outcomes, and EU safety/regulation. Fully referenced and ready for a 2026 update.
2025.08.13
Living with Plants
Research

Liberica Coffee: The “Third Path” Revealed—Reclassification Unveils Three Distinct Species

A new study reveals Liberica coffee is three distinct species, reshaping flavor diversity, breeding strategies, and conservation priorities.
2025.08.10
Research
Research

Barley’s NAC Genes Pave the Way for Salt Stress Resilience — Evolution and Breeding Strategies Revealed by Pan-Genome Analysis

Pan-genome analysis of 20 barley lines uncovers the evolution, diversity, and expression patterns of NAC genes, highlighting their potential in breeding salt- and drought-tolerant crops for future food security.
2025.08.09
Research
Research

The Ballistic Secrets of the Squirting Cucumber—How Ecballium elaterium Launches Seeds 12 Meters

The Mediterranean squirting cucumber explosively launches its seeds at 10 m/s. Discover the 53° launch angle, six‑row seed magazine, and rapid‑curing cellulose glue revealed by 3D µCT and high‑speed imaging—plant biomechanics explained in 10 minutes.
2025.08.07
Research
Research

“Mostly Trash, Occasionally Treasure”—Making Sense of Plant eccDNA

Most eccDNA is junk, but some boosts gene copies or logs TE activity. A new Arabidopsis atlas maps full-length eccDNA and its epigenetic control.
2025.08.06
Research
Living with Plants

Taīu Tokidoki Furu — Summer Rainstorms and the Coolness of Cucumbers

Explore Japan’s microseason of “Taīu Tokidoki Furu”—a time of summer rainstorms, leafy plant care, and seasonal cucumbers. Includes tips on disease prevention and a chilled hiyajiru recipe.
2025.08.04
Living with Plants
Research

Stomata Are “Two-Sided” by Design — How the Division of Labor Between Light-Activated Potassium Channels Saves Water

Leaf stomata use different K⁺ channels on upper vs. lower surfaces. Learn how KAT1 and AKT1 balance light responses, CO₂ uptake, and water‑use efficiency.
2025.07.30
Research
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