Introducing Transparent Soil

October 11, 2012 / esfein / Leave a comment

Biologists have developed a new transparent soil to be able to study roots and root bacteria without disrupting their environment. The new soil is a composite of a material called nafion. Although it is not identical to real soil, the physical and chemical properties are extremely similar.

Plant biologist Laurent Laplaze stated that:

“This is a completely new way to look at roots in a more realistic setup than usually used. It is a major technical breakthrough that opens new avenues for plant physiology, plant breeding and the study of plant-microbe interactions.”

Scientists are confident this new creation will lead to improved crops and the identification of new ways of preventing outbreaks of food poisoning.

Plants Can Cry For Help

September 26, 2012 / esfein / 1 Comment

When predatory insects lay eggs on a plant, the plant will change its scent and structure to attract other bugs that eat those eggs. They will also preemptively emit scents that ward off known pests.

A research team focused on the parasites of the cabbage plant and discovered that cabbage can very specifically alter its scent and structure in order to selectively attract certain insects. If a butterfly lays eggs on the cabbage plant, the plant may emit a scent that attracts wasps which like to feed on the eggs. This is all done well before the hungry caterpillars hatch.

Although it is strange, plants are just as alive and conscious as any other form of life.

For a vast amount of evidence and information regarding plants and consciousness I highly recommend reading The Secret Life of Plants. It documents a wide range of research in the field of biology on plants that you have probably never even heard of.

All Tea Comes From the Same Plant

September 10, 2012 / esfein / Leave a comment

Green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea, and all the rare in-betweens are actually the same plant. The difference is the way each tea is grown and prepared. Harvest time, climate, altitude, plant part and method of drying all play a crucial role in the final product that results.

It’s amazing that such subtle changes can alter a single plant so dramatically and change the way our taste buds respond with such a wide array differences.

In case you were interested, although I prefer buying loose leaf tea in bulk, my favorite brand of tea bag is Yogi Tea. They are completely organic, extremely effective, and have a great variety to choose from.

Drop the soda, pick up the tea! (allow it to cool first)

All Tea Comes From the Same Plant: Camellia sinensis

September 10, 2012 / esfein / 1 Comment

http://yinzhen.com/ Camellia sinensis on the hill

Green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea, and all the rare in-betweens are actually the same plant, the Camellia sinensis. The difference is the way each tea is grown and prepared.

Related Article: Green Tea Power: Surprising Health Benefits

Harvest time, climate, altitude, plant part and method of drying all play a crucial role in the final product that results. Each tea variety is created using a unique combination of the aforementioned growing aspects. It’s amazing that such subtle changes can alter a single plant so dramatically and change the way our taste buds respond with such a wide array of differences. Of course Camellia sinensis isn’t the only tea out there. There are many types of herbal teas on the market made from other plants and are very good for a variety of functions.

Although I prefer buying loose leaf tea in bulk, my favorite brand of tea bag is Yogi Tea. They are completely organic, extremely effective, and have a great variety to choose from. Yogi tea has a variety of teas derived from Camellia sinensis, herbal tea and teas which are mixtures of the two. Explore the wonderful world of tea and enter into a healthier lifestyle with Camellia sinensis.

In addition to being delicious tea is much healthier than some of the market’s tasty alternatives. Soda and diet soda are quite unhealthy and easily replaced by hot tea or even refreshing iced tea.

Drop the soda, pick up the tea! (allow it to cool first) Camellia sinensis might be your new best friend.

Sources:

http://www.teatime-anytime.com/articles/black-green-white-tea-the-same.html

http://www.yogiproducts.com/