Pathogens hitchhike on commercial bees that escape from greenhouses. These escapees bring disease to wild bumblebees.

The parasitic vine known as dodder really sucks. It pierces the tissue of other plants — some of which are important crops — extracting water and nutrients needed for its own growth. But it also consumes molecules that scientists could manipulate to bring on the parasite’s demise.

The discovery of Tahitian vanilla’s heritage could set off a custody battle between nations.

Probing the distinction in what you call the stuff that mud is made of.

The Smithsonian is out to share the "secrets" of soil.

The failure of the G-8 Summit to put some teeth in greenhouse-gas limits suggests it may be time for a global climate czar.

A detailed inventory of toads in Florida finds that, as land becomes more agricultural, more cane toads resemble females both inside and out.