Articles tagged with Ethnobotany
Researchers analyzed stone tools from 14 archaeological sites and found starch granules from the Four Corners Potato, supporting early domestication. The study reveals that Indigenous people intentionally cultivated and transported the tuber across the Colorado Plateau.
A new study found that medieval European societies supported plant diversity around Lake Constance, driven by agricultural practices and land management. Researchers integrated fossil pollen data with historical records to reconstruct the region's 4000-year history of biodiversity change.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
Farmers in Middle East prioritized viticulture over olive growing due to irrigation, which maintained grape cultivation. This suggests that grapes and wine held cultural and economic value.
Researchers at Linköping University and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have discovered that lentils grown in the Canary Islands have a 2,000-year history, with genetic analysis revealing they originated from North African varieties brought by indigenous people. The study suggests these well-adapted lentil varieties may be...
An ethnobotanist from the Pataxó Hã-Hã-Hãi Indigenous Land in Brazil has revived ancestral healing knowledge to treat diseases like parasitic worms, diabetes, and hypertension. He discovered 43 medicinal plants used for these diseases, with 79% consistent with recent scientific literature.
A new study suggests Caligula was knowledgeable about medicine, particularly medicinal plants like hellebore, contrary to the traditional portrayal of him as a bloodthirsty tyrant. The Roman Empire's Antikyra spa town was renowned for its perceived efficacy in treating various ailments.
Researchers identified the earliest known use of Peganum harmala, a medicinal and psychoactive plant, in fumigation practices and inhalation nearly 2,700 years ago. The study reveals ancient Arabian therapeutic and sensorial practices using native plants for bioactive and psychoactive properties.
A comprehensive study explores reciprocity with nature worldwide, highlighting its impact on sustainability and social well-being. The research showcases diverse cultural practices that foster reciprocal relationships with nature, offering hope for a more sustainable future.
Researchers propose reawakening ancient native crops to address climate change, leveraging knowledge from Indigenous communities. The alternative approach combines food production and biodiversity protection, offering a low-input solution for adapting to changing climate conditions.
A Penn State research team has documented the first scientific use of ghost pipe in North America, revealing its growing popularity as a medicinal plant. The study found that respondents used ghost pipe for various reasons, including pain management, relaxation, and anxiety relief.
Researchers extracted starch granules from bedrock metates, revealing insights into ancient Indigenous diets and traditions. The team used new techniques to recover the tiny structures within plant cells, providing evidence of plant processing on these ancient cooking implements.
Researchers at Penn State found that Indigenous communities played key roles in the adoption and dispersal of peaches across the continent. Peaches were likely widespread across Interior Southeast settlements as early as 1620, 100 years after Spanish expeditions in Florida and Georgia.
Scientists at Brain Chemistry Labs discovered a promising compound called kalata B1 from violets that enhances the activity of chemotherapy TMZ against glioblastoma cells. The synthetic version of kalata B1 showed equal efficacy to the natural molecule, offering a potential new treatment option for patients.
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of early plant farming in east Africa, revealing a pattern of gradual introductions of different crops that originated from different parts of the continent. The study found domesticated cowpea, sorghum, and finger millet seeds dating back to around 2,300 years ago.
Researchers discovered evidence of ceremonial plant offerings beneath a ballcourt in Yaxnohcah, Mexico. Environmental DNA analysis revealed the presence of plants with religious and medicinal significance, indicating a possible blessing ritual during construction.
In Central Italy, traditional land management practices like leaf litter raking and sheep grazing reduced wildfire risk. However, these practices have been largely forgotten due to historical classism and sexism. The research highlights the importance of remembering these ancient practices in mitigating future wildfires.
The study reveals unprecedented insights into Philistine cultic rituals and beliefs, connecting them with broader Mediterranean religious traditions. The discovery of plant species with psychoactive and medicinal properties underscores the significance of nature in Philistine spirituality.
A new study by ICTA-UAB calls for a biocultural approach in nature conservation, incorporating human perspectives and cultural values. The research team compiled a list of 385 culturally important species that have a recognized role in supporting local identity, providing a common sense of place and belonging.
A special issue in Botany journal explores relationships among plants, people, science, and medicine, promoting decolonial approaches to ethnobotanical research. The collection highlights the healing potential of plants and emphasizes Indigenous-led projects on medicinally useful plants.
A new study reveals the Maya had nearly 500 edible plants available to them, many of which are highly drought-resistant. This analysis debunks the assumption that drought led to the collapse of ancient Mayan civilization.
Researchers explore human-forest interactions across space and time to understand the origins of the Anthropocene in tropical forests. The study reveals that traditional Indigenous land management has long-term significance in tropical regions, highlighting the need for fairer and more sustainable futures.
A new film series by Sarah Betcher explores Alaskan indigenous uses of wild plants for food, medicine and construction materials. The 'Ties to Alaska's Wild Plants' project documents Iñupiat traditions and aims to preserve traditional knowledge in the face of climate change.
A study in Albania found that traditional communities' understanding of local plants is crucial for their well-being. The researchers recorded 418 plant uses, highlighting the overlap between cultures and the importance of preserving this knowledge for science and community improvement.
Dr. Michael J. Balick was honored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his tireless efforts to promote scientific collaboration in ethnobotany. He received the award for preserving traditional knowledge and supporting local scientists, as well as his research on plant domestication and conservation.
Researchers found BMAA in increasingly higher concentrations in the food chain of Chamorro people on Guam, potentially linking their diet to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS-PDC. Biomagnification of BMAA was also detected in Canadian patients with similar conditions.