Wednesday, 23 May, 2012

Big squid photos seen from deep ocean. Animal is 7 meters long, and lives more than a kilometer below the surface. Wouldn’t you love to see one in person?

Giant crocodile relative raises question of why big animals go extinct faster. If an 11-meter croc can’t survive, what about a 2-meter Homo sapien?

Firefly flashing linked to role of nitric oxide as neurotransmitter.

Genetics of spider silk reveals ancient lineage, and the ability to make 7 kinds of silk. Bet you can’t do that at home!

Disabling a gene doubles the lifespan of a fruit fly — may act like caloric restriction.

Alien earthworms are killing trees in northern deciduous forests. Are fishing people to blame?

Wildfires can be helpful. Controlled burns are key to restoring habitat for the Northern Idaho ground squirrel.

Tropical botanists strive to save rain forest plants and ecosystems. What is the role of plants in traditional society? Can plant-derived chemicals become a valuable commodity — and help preserve natural places?

Where did our capacity for language originate? Is language a uniquely human gift? Can a computer help a dyslexic learn language? How do babies figure out where one word ends and another begins?

Overuse antibiotics and bacteria can become resistant to them. Could use of household disinfectants do the same thing?