The University of Cambridge is making waves in the world of plant science. The city is abuzz with botanical breakthroughs, from cutting-edge floral research at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to high-tech conservation efforts for a 360-year-old tree. Here’s how Cambridge scientists and engineers are shaping the future of flowers and forestry.
Cambridge Lab Brings Flower Science to RHS Chelsea
For the first time, Cambridge’s Sainsbury Laboratory will showcase its research at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Their exhibit, Blooming Numbers, will highlight the science behind plant growth and petal patterns. Visitors can get hands-on with UV cameras, scanning electron microscopes, and even build a plant mini-genome.
Dr Edwige Moyroud, a researcher at the lab, hopes the exhibit will change how people see plants. “We want visitors to marvel at the beauty and complexity of flowers,” she said. The exhibit is a collaboration with the University’s Engineering Department, ensuring the science is both engaging and interactive.
Ancient Tree Gets High-Tech Conservation Help
A historic plane tree in Ely, gifted by King Charles II in the 1670s, is getting a modern rescue mission. Cambridge engineers are using laser scanning to map the tree’s structure. This will help experts predict how it moves and how best to support its ageing branches.
With a £121,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Italian specialists will analyse the tree’s morphophysiology. Their goal? To preserve it for future generations. Dr. James Talbot, an engineering professor, believes this digital modelling could set a precedent for conserving other ancient trees.
From flowers to forestry, Cambridge continues pushing plant science’s boundaries. Whether it’s through high-tech engineering or hands-on learning, the city remains a hub of botanical innovation.
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