Nature’s Depths

Walking through nature with John Palka, a neuroscientist who loves plants and ponders big questions

2016 April

Swamp Lantern Portrait

Lanterns of the Western Woods

Exploration

Walking in the western woods in springtime, from Alaska to California, you may notice flashes of brilliant yellow coming from what look like big flowers. What you are seeing is Lysichiton americanum, commonly known as swamp lantern or western skunk cabbage. Both names for these spectacular plants are highly appropriate.

Read More

Tags:

Friendship in Science

Rumination

Scientists have a reputation of being solitary and introverted, their labs functioning as isolated silos and their teams driven by competition. However, friendship and collaboration are at least as important, as are shared passions outside the world of science.

Read More