Scientific American Features Dr. Bruno Basso on “Corn Sweat”

July 14, 2026

In a recent discussion with Scientific American, of the Midwest’s so-called “corn sweat” phenomenon, Michigan State University agricultural systems scientist, Dr. Bruno Basso, emphasized that corn is not uniquely responsible for elevated summer humidity. Basso explains that all plants naturally release water vapor through transpiration, a process essential for photosynthesis and plant growth. Rather than the crop itself being the culprit, he noted that the combination of vast acreages of healthy, well-watered crops and modern agricultural practices designed to maximize yields leads to large amounts of water vapor entering the atmosphere. His comments help reframe “corn sweat” as a sign of productive agriculture and healthy crops rather than a problem caused by corn alone.

Read the full article at Scientific American.