The strange sounding name gymnema sylvestre is actually a plant that has a medicinal use in India and also in various parts of Asia as a homeopathic treatment for diabetes (which is also known in these parts as “sweet urine”). The plant’s active ingredient is gynmnemic acid and it is taken from...
Jicama is the name of an edible root that is crispy and has a sweet taste. Jicama actually looks somewhat like a turnip even though both plants are not related to each other. This edible root is actually planted and cultivated in many countries in South America for many centuries now. It actually...
Aesop's FablesBy Aesop Translated by George Fyler Townsend The Wolf and the Lamb Wolf, meeting with a Lamb astray from the fold, resolved not to lay violent hands on him, but to find some plea to justify to the Lamb the Wolf's right to eat him. He thus addressed him: "Sirrah, last year you...
Any substance, no matter how seemingly benign it may be, can cause damage to an organism. Something as simple as water can be considered toxic as most toxins are dose dependent. Whether whole or in part, toxicity is a huge problem on this planet we all rely on for survival. Though we do our best...
Horny goat weed is a leafy plant that can be found in Asia and in the Mediterranean. This plant has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine, and is fast gaining popularity in other parts of the world as well. Other names for horny goat weed are epimedium and yin yan huo. Horny goat weed is...
Though tea originated in Southeast Asia—according to legend, the first cup was drunk by Chinese emperor Shennong in 2,700 BCE—it has become popular all over the world. People not only drink it because it is delicious, but because many find it relaxing and soothing. It is taken at the start of the...
Marijuana growing in NYC's Union Square Park has been uncovered by witnesses. Photos and information emailed to Gothamist on June 15, 2010 depicted a very large marijuana plant surrounded by seedlings, tucked into a Union Square garden. Gothamist sent Danny Danko, High Times Senior...
Loofahs are a bathroom staple, used to scrub the skin and create the luxurious foam that most people associate with a refreshing and cleansing shower. One would never expect that the loofahs have their origins in a dishrag – or rather, a dishrag vine. This is closely related to the cucumber or...
Lycopene is a red carotenoid pigment that occurs in many red fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is found in red carrots, watermelons, tomatoes and papayas. The most common source of lycopene in modern diets is tomatoes. In plants, lycopene is involved in the photosynthesis process. It protects...
The 15 Coolest Cases of Biomimicry listed such great ideas as Velcro, Gecko Tape and Whalepower Wind Turbines to illustrate some applications of the developing engineering practice of designing sustainable human technologies inspired by nature. Here are some more examples coming out of the biomimetics...
