Plant of the Month: Agave
The international popularity of tequila threatens the quantity, health, and biodiversity of all species of agave.
The Ancient Roots of Apple Cider
Alcoholic apple cider has been around for centuries. So why does "hard cider" feel like a new trend?
Facts and Fancies About Amber
It's taken scientists a long time to figure out what amber is made of, and what we can learn from it.
The Landlord Asks for a Christmas Rose
Bizarre customs of landholding—from demands for flowers to ritualized flatulence—reflect the philosophy that developed under the feudal system.
Catching Cats With Cologne
The cat-attracting ability of perfume has been known since at least the 18th century. Will it help authorities catch a killer tiger?
From the Belly of a Goat to the Mouth of a King
Bezoars, a strange lump formed in the belly of a goat, once were considered a panacea, and worth more than their weight in gold.
Are You Wearing Seaweed?
Are you wearing seaweed? People have been for hundreds of years, in sizing, patterns and fibers, although they might not have known it.
West Coast Infernos, Midday Mudslides, and the Little Cool Beans that Might Save the World
Wildfires and public health, predicting floods, and substituting beans for beef were top stories in environmental news this week.
The Many Unexpected Jobs of the Clubmoss Spore
The first working internal combustion machine debuted in 1807, powered by lycopodium powder, which is made of explosive plant spores.
The Delicious Origins of the Domesticated Blueberry
Frederick Coville and Elizabeth White, two strangers, domesticated the blueberry together. They valued beauty and worked to support local communities.