Pitcher plant port-a-potties

Pitcher plant port-a-potties: brought to you by adaptation via natural selection.

Internet Resource Spotlight: Parasite of the Day

If you liked my recent post on parasites that give their hosts a death wish, you'll want to check out Parasite of the Day.

How to stay cool in the summer without air conditioning

Here are some things that I learned from my grandmother (who never had air conditioning in her Dover, PA house) and during 6 years living without AC at home in Ithaca, NY.

How to succeed in carnivory without really trying: a guide for plants

Want to survive in today’s “red in tooth and claw” world? If so, consider diversifying your portfolio of nutrient acquisition strategies by giving carnivory a try.

DIY Micro Aquaponics

This aquaponics set-up is the most basic sort: a passive system where the plants’ roots are constantly bathed in liquid rather than pumping water to the roots.

Internet Resource Spotlight: Punk Domestics

My new favorite companion for wild edible foraging, syrup recipes, and creative preserves is a website called Punk Domestics.

Stop phantom draw from sucking your power

Energy.gov suggests that eliminating phantom draws by disconnecting electronics while not in use could save households up to 10% on electricity.

These parasites give their hosts a death wish

One of the creepiest topics in parasitology is that of parasites that alter the behavior of their hosts, essentially leading to suicidal behavior.

No, you don’t need a Keurig

Single cup coffee is incredibly easy with an inexpensive coffee filter holder.

Plants that dupe insects into performing sexual favors

Most flowering plants spend resources on rewards for pollinators like sugary nectar. Others don’t bother, and rely on trickery instead.