The path of turning to carnivory seems to be quite limited for mild-mannered flowering plants. Scientists have observed that many distantly related species of carnivorous plants, like pitcher plants, sundews, Venus flytraps, and butterworts, have all independently evolved to repurpose ancient enzymes to digest animal matter through their leaves. This convergent evolution sees transporter genes found in roots, which shuttle nitrogen and potassium throughout the plant, moved to the leaves; the only difference is that the leaf genes are only switched on when the plants sense nutrients from decaying bodies. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
