Stories with Tag Botany

• Backyard Cyanide

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  Posted: 2025-03-11 17:46:01

  Verbose tl;dr

  The blog post "Backyard Cyanide" details the surprising discovery of cyanide in the author's plum pits after her dog cracked and ate some. Alarmed, she researched and found that many common fruit seeds and pits, including apples, peaches, and cherries, contain amygdalin, which the body converts to cyanide. While a few pits might not be harmful, larger quantities can be toxic to both humans and animals. The author emphasizes the importance of awareness, particularly for pet owners, urging caution and suggesting discarding pits to prevent accidental ingestion. She highlights that cooking doesn't eliminate the risk and recommends contacting a veterinarian or poison control if ingestion occurs.

  The blog post "Backyard Cyanide" by Suzie Petryk meticulously details a surprising and potentially hazardous discovery within the author's own backyard: the presence of cyanogenic glycosides within the leaves of the common chokecherry tree ( Prunus virginiana). The narrative commences with the seemingly innocuous observation of wilting leaves on a branch of the chokecherry, a phenomenon initially attributed to the prevailing dry conditions. However, upon closer examination, Ms. Petryk notes a distinctive almond-like scent emanating from the afflicted branch, a sensory cue which triggers a connection to her previous scientific readings regarding cyanide. This olfactory observation sparks a thorough investigation into the potential presence of cyanogenic glycosides within the chokecherry leaves.

  Ms. Petryk provides a comprehensive explanation of the chemical processes involved, elaborating on the biosynthesis of these compounds within the plant tissues and the subsequent enzymatic release of hydrogen cyanide upon tissue damage. She elucidates the mechanism by which these glycosides serve as a natural defense mechanism for the chokecherry, deterring herbivores through the production of the highly toxic hydrogen cyanide. Furthermore, the author underscores the ubiquitous nature of cyanogenic glycosides within the Prunus genus, including commonly cultivated species such as peaches, apricots, and cherries, while emphasizing that the concentrations are typically low and pose minimal risk to humans under normal consumption circumstances.

  The blog post then transitions into a detailed account of the experimental methodology employed by Ms. Petryk to confirm the presence of cyanide within the wilting chokecherry leaves. She meticulously describes the creation of a makeshift field test utilizing readily available materials, including cut-up leaves, a small jar, and filter paper soaked in a solution of sodium bicarbonate and picric acid. The subsequent color change observed on the test paper, transitioning to a reddish-brown hue, serves as visual confirmation of the presence of hydrogen cyanide gas released from the damaged leaf tissues.

  Finally, Ms. Petryk concludes her exposition with a cautionary note regarding the potential dangers of cyanide poisoning, particularly for livestock that might consume large quantities of wilted chokecherry leaves. She also emphasizes the importance of proper identification of plant species and an awareness of their potential chemical composition. The narrative effectively weaves together personal observation, scientific explanation, and practical experimentation to provide a compelling and informative account of the unexpected presence of a potentially lethal compound within a common backyard plant.

  • cyanide
  • poison
  • plants
  • gardening
  • backyard
  • toxicity
  • prunus species
  • fruit trees
  • stone fruit
  • leaves
  • pits
  • seeds
  • amygdalin
  • hydrogen cyanide
  • Safety
  • nature
  • Botany

  Summary of Comments ( 39 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43335110

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss the practicality and safety concerns of extracting cyanide from apple seeds. Several commenters point out the extremely low yield and the dangers of working with even small amounts of cyanide, emphasizing that the process is not worth the risk. Some highlight the inefficiency and difficulty of separating amygdalin, the cyanide-containing compound, effectively. Others discuss the history of cyanide and its uses, as well as the different forms it can take. A few users question the author's methodology and the accuracy of some claims in the original blog post. The overall consensus is that while theoretically possible, extracting cyanide from apple seeds is impractical, inefficient, and dangerous for the average person.

  The Hacker News post titled "Backyard Cyanide" spawned a vibrant discussion with 25 comments exploring various facets of the original blog post about extracting cyanide from apple seeds. Several commenters focused on the practicality and safety of the described process.

  One compelling thread questioned the efficiency and yield of the extraction method. A commenter pointed out the relatively low concentration of amygdalin in apple seeds and the potential difficulty in achieving a lethal dose, even with a large quantity of seeds. This prompted further discussion on the variability of amygdalin content across different apple varieties and the importance of precise measurements for any would-be experimenter (though strongly discouraged). The overall consensus seemed to be that while theoretically possible, extracting a dangerous amount of cyanide from apple seeds would be a complex and inefficient undertaking.

  Safety was another prominent concern. Several comments highlighted the dangers of working with cyanide, emphasizing its toxicity and the potential for accidental poisoning. One user specifically mentioned the risks associated with hydrogen cyanide gas, a byproduct of the extraction process. This led to a brief discussion about appropriate safety precautions and the importance of conducting such experiments in a well-ventilated area, preferably with professional equipment and expertise. The thread underscored the significant risks involved and implicitly discouraged any attempts to replicate the experiment.

  A few commenters also delved into the historical and cultural aspects of cyanide. One user mentioned its use in Nazi concentration camps and the tragic consequences. Another commenter discussed the role of cyanide in various natural processes and its presence in certain foods like cassava, highlighting the importance of proper preparation to mitigate risks.

  Finally, some comments addressed the ethical implications of publishing such information. While acknowledging the scientific curiosity behind the blog post, concerns were raised about the potential for misuse of the information. The thread briefly touched upon the balance between freedom of information and the responsibility to prevent harm.

  Overall, the comment section provides a nuanced perspective on the original blog post, exploring the scientific, practical, safety, historical, and ethical dimensions of cyanide extraction from apple seeds. The prevailing sentiment seemed to be one of caution, emphasizing the dangers involved and discouraging replication of the experiment.

• The Forbidden Garden of Leningrad: Science and Sacrifice in a City Under Siege

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  Posted: 2025-01-31 20:44:28

  Verbose tl;dr

  During the 900-day siege of Leningrad in World War II, the Vavilov Institute, home to a vast collection of seeds and plant material, became a poignant symbol of resistance and sacrifice. Facing starvation, the scientists working there protected the invaluable collection, even choosing to die of hunger rather than consume the edible seeds and tubers under their care. This act of extraordinary dedication preserved crucial biodiversity for future generations, highlighting the enduring power of scientific commitment amidst unimaginable hardship. The article explores this story, emphasizing the difficult ethical decisions faced by the scientists and the lasting legacy of Nikolai Vavilov, the Institute's founder who perished in a Stalinist prison.

  Jessie Childs's article, "Resident Bean Expert," published in the London Review of Books, delves into the extraordinary story of the Vavilov Institute of Plant Industry in Leningrad during the agonizing 872 days of the Nazi siege. The institute, a globally significant repository of agricultural biodiversity, housed millions of seed samples, a veritable ark of future sustenance, meticulously collected by the renowned botanist Nikolai Vavilov and his team from across the globe. Childs paints a vivid and harrowing picture of the scientists' unwavering dedication to safeguarding this irreplaceable collection even as starvation gripped the city.

  Facing unimaginable hardship and constantly bombarded by artillery fire, the researchers at the institute prioritized the preservation of the seeds over their own survival. They meticulously cataloged and protected the collection, fighting off rats, combating dampness, and enduring freezing temperatures, all while themselves succumbing to the ravages of hunger. Childs poignantly recounts the tragic tales of scientists who perished surrounded by edible seeds, choosing to protect the future of agriculture rather than succumb to the immediate pangs of hunger. One particularly heart-wrenching anecdote details the sacrifice of rice specialist Dmitri Ivanov, who, surrounded by rice samples, starved to death while preserving the genetic diversity represented by his collection.

  The article meticulously contextualizes the siege within the broader historical framework of Stalinist Russia, including the politically motivated persecution of Vavilov himself, who was arrested in 1940 on fabricated charges and ultimately perished in a gulag in 1943, even as his institute valiantly struggled for survival. Childs highlights the irony of Vavilov’s tragic fate, juxtaposing it with the unwavering dedication of his colleagues who, despite the regime's betrayal of their mentor, continued to uphold his vision of safeguarding global biodiversity for the benefit of humanity.

  Beyond the immediate narrative of survival, Childs explores the deeper philosophical and ethical questions raised by the scientists’ sacrifices. Their actions, she argues, represent a profound testament to the enduring power of human dedication in the face of extreme adversity. The preservation of the seeds, symbolic of hope for a future beyond the horrors of war and famine, transcended mere scientific endeavor and became an act of almost spiritual significance. The article powerfully demonstrates the inherent tension between individual survival and collective responsibility, highlighting the profound commitment of these scientists to a greater cause than themselves, a cause rooted in the enduring power of scientific knowledge and its potential to nourish and sustain future generations. In their unwavering dedication, the scientists of the Vavilov Institute offer a powerful testament to the enduring resilience of the human spirit and the enduring importance of safeguarding the world's biodiversity.

  • World War II
  • Leningrad
  • Siege of Leningrad
  • Soviet Union
  • Russia
  • History
  • Science
  • Botany
  • agriculture
  • Vavilov
  • Nikolai Vavilov
  • Genetics
  • Seed Bank
  • Famine
  • Survival
  • Sacrifice
  • Resilience

  Summary of Comments ( 15 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42891754

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters largely focused on the astounding dedication of Vavilov and his team of scientists. Several highlighted the irony of researchers starving to death amidst a seed bank containing the potential to alleviate global hunger. Some debated the practicality of seed saving in a besieged city, questioning if distributing the food would have been a better short-term solution. Others drew parallels to contemporary seed banks like the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity. A few comments offered additional historical context about Lysenko and his detrimental impact on Soviet agriculture, or about other sieges where similar acts of sacrifice occurred. Several commenters expressed gratitude for the article, finding it both informative and moving.

  The Hacker News post titled "The Forbidden Garden of Leningrad: Science and Sacrifice in a City Under Siege" (linking to an article in the London Review of Books about scientists preserving a seed bank during the Siege of Leningrad) has several comments discussing various aspects of the story and its historical context.

  Several commenters express admiration for the scientists' dedication and the incredible sacrifices they made to preserve the seeds, especially given the horrific conditions of the siege. One commenter highlights the poignant contrast between the scientists starving to death while surrounded by edible seeds, demonstrating their commitment to the future of agriculture. Another commenter points out the immense value of these seed banks, not just historically, but also for current and future research, particularly in the face of climate change and potential future disasters.

  The discussion also delves into the historical context of the siege, with some commenters mentioning other instances of similar sacrifices made by scientists and researchers in times of war and conflict. One commenter recalls a story about scientists in Kyiv transporting liquid nitrogen across battle lines to preserve biological samples, further illustrating the lengths people will go to for scientific preservation. The conversation touches upon Lysenkoism, a pseudoscientific theory promoted by Trofim Lysenko in the Soviet Union, which suppressed legitimate genetics research and had devastating consequences for Soviet agriculture. Commenters discuss the potential impact of Lysenkoism on the seed bank and the scientists involved, speculating on the difficulties they might have faced navigating the political landscape of the time.

  Some commenters provide additional information and resources, such as links to other articles and books about the siege, seed banks, and the history of Soviet science. One commenter shares a personal anecdote about their grandmother’s experiences during the siege, adding a personal touch to the historical discussion.

  There's a short thread discussing the technical aspects of seed preservation, including the challenges of maintaining seed viability over long periods. This leads to a discussion about the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a modern seed bank designed to protect crop diversity for the future.

  Overall, the comments on Hacker News demonstrate a deep appreciation for the scientists’ sacrifice and the importance of preserving biodiversity. They also provide valuable context and further avenues for learning about the Siege of Leningrad, the history of Soviet science, and the critical role of seed banks in safeguarding the future of agriculture.