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Reposted by Carlos G. Santiago-Marrero

Welmoed Out @welmoedo.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

📢Save the date 📢 15th International Meeting on Phytolith Research (IMPR) / III Brazilian Symposium of Archaeobotany The call for abstracts and registration will open on 1 st June 2026. The organisation looks forward to welcoming you in São Paulo!

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Reposted by Carlos G. Santiago-Marrero

Kew Gardens @rbgkew.bsky.social · 27/07/2025

Why do some plants grow tiny glass-like structures called phytoliths? New research by @jehovalourenco.bsky.social reveals that monocots evolved this trick twice - and some later dropped it. A story of convergent evolution, loss, an cellular creativity 🧪 doi.org/10.1002/ajb2...

Silica mapping (in red) in leaf transverse sections of Asparagales. (A–E) Orchidaceae–Epidendroideae, silica deposits mostly restricted to bundle sheath cells (with fragments elsewhere), absent from epidermis. (A–D) Dendrobium ×delicatum (Epidendroideae–Orchidaceae), (A) entire vascular bundle with phytoliths in bundle sheath cells, (B) single phytolith inside bundle sheath cell, (C: silica 0.8%) leaf section, and (D) group of phytoliths on bundle sheath surface. (E) Bletilla striata (Epidendroideae–Orchidaceae), phytoliths mostly restricted to bundle sheath cells. (F) Astelia fragrans (Asteliaceae–Asparagales), showing part of epidermis and vascular bundle; no silica detected throughout leaf. Map sum spectra of elements shown in C and F (inset). Scale bars: A, C = 100 µm; B = 5 µm; D = 10 µm, E = 50 µm; F = 100 µm.

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Carlos G. Santiago-Marrero @carlos-sm.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

Today we concluded the 14th International Meeting on Phytolith Research in Barcelona after six amazing days of workshops, presentations, and great people. Looking forward to the next meeting in São Paulo, Brazil!

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Carlos G. Santiago-Marrero @carlos-sm.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

🌾Almost ready for the next International Meeting on Phytolith Research!!

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Carlos G. Santiago-Marrero @carlos-sm.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

We took a break to visit El Yunque National Rainforest. It's also impressive how the forest has recovered from the devastating Hurricane Maria.

Source: 11.03.2017
Photo by Master Sgt. Joshua DeMotts
1st Combat Camera Squadron

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Carlos G. Santiago-Marrero @carlos-sm.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

We're back in Puerto Rico to continue our archaeological work at Caguana! Over the past months, we've processed some of the sediment samples with great results. Now it’s time to dive into lab work and take a closer look at materials from one of the most promising excavation units.🌿🏺🔬

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