A photograph of bananas from the book Birds and Nature, 1900

Fruit Geopeelitics: America’s Banana Republics

The one-way movement of wealth in the banana trade contributed to the political and economic conditions that challenged its hegemony after World War II.
Illustration of Drosera arcturi

Plant of the Month: Sundew

Beautiful but deadly, the carnivorous sundew has long fascinated amateur and expert botanists alike—and may possess untapped medicinal value.
An autumn leaf on a branch

Will We Lose Fall Foliage to Climate Change?

The brilliant hues of autumn are created by a variety of factors that shift year by year. A warming planet is already one of them.
Tepary Beans, Squash and Corn

Returning Corn, Beans, and Squash to Native American Farms

Returning the "three sisters" to Native American farms nourishes people, land, and cultures.
Rosalind Franklin

Seven Beautiful Illustrations of Women Scientists You Should Know

When we talk about inspiring girls to study STEM, do we also consider how important it is to ...
Penguins in Antarctica

Antarctic Ice Reveals Temporary Side Effect of Carbon Pollution: Happy Plants

The rate of photosynthesis has increased dramatically over the past century. Plants have been shielding us from some of the effects of climate change.
Ada Yonath

Six Women in Science You Should Know

Six female scientists—historical and contemporary—who don’t have much name recognition but who have done important, interesting work.
Rafflesia consueloae. Image credit: Edwino S. Fernando.

The Smallest Corpse Flower

A relatively tiny member of the Rafflesia genus of giant corpse flowers has just been discovered. 
Bees swarming on a honeycomb

The Lowdown on Bees and Pesticides

New research suggests that declines in wild bees may be due to a specific pesticide.