An insect lands on the open leaves of a Venus flytrap plant, drawn to an appealing scent. It noses around and accidentally brushes one of the trap’s trigger hairs. An action potential shoots across ...

Imagine a houseplant that can feel you brushing against it — and then decides whether or not to eat you. That’s essentially what the Venus flytrap does every day. Its leafy jaws make decisions based ...

To trap its prey, the Venus flytrap sends rapid electrical impulses, which are generated in response to touch or stress. But the molecular identity of the touch sensor has remained unclear. Japanese ...

It’s only recently, thanks to advances in molecular biology, that scientists have been able to learn more about how carnivorous plants work. While most plants are food themselves, carnivorous plants ...

Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. The Venus fly trap (Dionaea muscipula) captivates with its clever ...

Grownups are well aware of the power of the slow count and its ability to shut down rambunctious behavior. (Think a teacher yelling “I’m going to count to five. . . ” to a rowdy classroom of students.

Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting. Venus flytraps only grow in the Carolinas, in an area of southeastern North Carolina ...