The origin and genetic basis of plant spines

Prickles on the stem of Solanum aculeatissimum Why do plant have spines? Spines are common in many terrestrial plants, habitats, and biomes. Why would plants produce spines and exactly what are their functions? These questions have for a long time fascinated both...

Black in Nature: But which Black?

Last week, the world celebrated Black in Nature. Twitter was lit with the #BlackinNature, #BlackBirdersWeek, #BlackAfindSTEM and #BlackAndSTEM hashtags. This important activity highlighted the interests, and experiences of black and other people of colour (POC) in...