When asked to sketch a tree, you'll likely draw branches reaching towards the sky and roots delving into the earth. Sounds alright, but have you ever wondered how trees know where the earth is? 

If you were to tip over a potted plant, its roots wouldn't... click to read more

Cultivated plants are the core of human nutrition. To ensure our food supply, plant breeders are in an ongoing race with newly emerging pests and diseases. Deterioration of growing conditions due to climate change and ever-increasing demand provide further challenges. Traditionally, plant breeders wait an... click to read more

Deep in the rainforests of eastern Australia, all along New South Wales up to south-eastern Queensland, one can find Dendrocnide excelsa, the giant stinging tree. Key to its name, the stinging tree possesses thin, felt-like hairs on its leaves that, in reality, act as densely... click to read more