Plants vs Floods!

Excessive rain can be a nuisance, but for agriculture and our economy, it can be a crisis.

Excessive rain creates excessive run-off, and very important things are simply washed away – damaging the land.

However, a collaboration of BBSRC-funded scientists came up with a new type of grass which develops huge roots. These huge roots change the structure of the soil, allowing it to hold much more water than usual.

This innovation can reduce water run-off by up to 51%, so that nutrient-rich topsoil can be protected.

This is one way scientists are making plants do amazing things.

For more amazing plant science, visit: www.bbsrc.ac.uk./plantpower

Plants vs obesity 

Seaweed isn’t technically a plant, but it does have some serious plant power.

Researchers found that alginate from seaweeds, especially kelp, helps to stop the body from digesting fat. And we don’t get the side effects that come with other obesity treatments. Alginate is in lots of foods we eat, but there isn’t enough to do the trick.

Fat busting alginates are easily extracted and incorporated into other foods. When researchers used it in bread, tasters actually preferred the seaweed bread. No seaweed flavour, same great texture, extra fat busting magic.

This is one more way that everyday plants (and seaweed) are doing amazing things. 

Greenery

Vegan paradise