Tropical forests are chemical factories

brazil-rainforest-waterfall-bathing.png

A new study led by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and the Missouri Botanical Garden has uncovered a surprising layer of diversity in tropical forests. Not only are the forests populated by a dizzying number of tree species, but each of those species takes a different approach to chemistry, increasing the array of natural compounds that provide important functions for the plants — and potentially for humans.

Read more

Microlightning in water might have sparked life

shower-together-save-water.png

The energy from ‘microlightning’ might have powered chemical reactions that formed the building blocks for life on Earth. When water sprays as a fine mist — after the crash of a wave, for example — it forms minute, charged droplets. The proximity of oppositely-charged droplets to one another generates an electrical discharge and a tiny flash of light.

Read more

Beyond Consumer Trends: The Holistic Approach to Sustainable Product Success Ashley Kleckner, SVP, Terviva

Ashley-Kleckner-greenprophet.jpeg

Sustainable products must solve real challenges for stakeholders. This means developing solutions that meet consumer demand, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. Companies should prioritize innovative approaches that regenerate ecosystems, optimize resource use, and create value across the supply chain.

Read more

Saudi Arabia initiates a wild plant survey

saudi-arabia-plants.png

Saudi Arabia until recently was hermetically sealed to the outside world. But times are changing and the Kingdom of Saud which once dwelled in mud palaces are opening up the oil-wealthy kingdom to tourists, archeologists, divers, hydroponics companies, and lately for seeds banks. The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has […]

Read more