Give and Take: Plant parasites dole out genes while stealing nutrients

Parasites are the ultimate moochers, earning a living by stealing hard-earned nutrients from their hosts. Now, a new study in plants suggests that parasites sometimes give something back: foreign genes.

HOW’S THAT GRAB YOU? Parasites in the genus Cuscuta wrap their tendrils around many types of plants, including this ground ivy, and may transfer genes to them.