An image of a pale, dead tree taken from the ground, so that the tree limbs stretch up into the sky.

Certain Tree Species Are More Susceptible to Death by Lightning

Expected increases in lightning strikes due to climate change could alter the botanical composition of tropical forests.

Certain Tree Species Are More Susceptible to Death by Lightning

Expected increases in lightning strikes due to climate change could alter the botanical composition of tropical forests.

wood

Leaping Larvae Intrigue Scientists

Chloe Tenn | Jan 20, 2022 | 6 min read

The Scientist spoke with entomologist Matt Bertone about the characteristics of Laemophloeus biguttatus larvae jumps—a previously unreported behavior in this group of beetles.

Image of the Day: Not What You Think

Carolyn Wilke | Apr 4, 2019 | 2 min read

Newly discovered and rather phallic-looking clams dwell at the bottom of the ocean and are some of only a few animals known to eat wood.

Oldest Known Wood

Jef Akst | Aug 12, 2011 | 1 min read

Two newly described fossils suggest that wood is some 10 million years older than previous believed.