Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 28, 2010


New technology improves greenhouse, plant microclimates

A Canadian study confirmed the advantages of a retractable liquid foam system in improving greenhouse climates by reducing air temperature and increasing relative humidity. The technology improved plant microclimates and decreased crop productivity losses due to extreme conditions.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 28, 2010

Purdue, NIST working on breathalyzers for medical diagnostics

Researchers have developed a new type of sensor that can rapidly detect biomarkers in real time, enabling an inexpensive and quick way to collect diagnostic information about patients. The technology has the potential to diagnose cancer and other diseases by detecting specific compounds in a person's breath.

SourcePurdue University·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateDec 28, 2010

Broken glass yields clues to climate change

A study found that dust particles in the atmosphere break apart in patterns similar to shattered glass, indicating a higher number of large fragments than previously thought. This discovery has implications for understanding future climate change and improving weather forecasting.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 28, 2010
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Paper mulches evaluated for commercial vegetable production

Researchers have found that paper mulches can be an effective alternative to traditional polyethylene mulches in commercial vegetable production. Four types of paper mulches were compared with black plastic mulch and found to control weeds as well as or better than polyethylene in some situations.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 28, 2010

How does your green roof garden grow?

Researchers evaluated five common green roof plants under various drought treatments, finding that saxifrage pink thrived despite its shallow substrate requirement. The study highlights the importance of selecting plant species suitable to rooftop conditions and substrate depth for optimal growth.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 28, 2010

Willow cut-stem growers surveyed

A study investigated willow cut-stem producers' profiles, production practices and market value. Most growers sought to expand acreage and extend seasonal markets, with some citing limited scientific knowledge of the crop.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 28, 2010

SOHO spots 2,000th comet

SOHO has become the single greatest comet finder of all time, with over 2,000 comets discovered. The spacecraft was not designed for this purpose, but its cameras have proven effective in spotting comets due to their ability to block out the sun's brightness.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 28, 2010
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Protein helps parasite survive in host cells

Researchers found that the ROP18 protein disables host cell proteins that protect against infection, allowing the parasite to thrive. This discovery could lead to new treatments for Toxoplasmosis and other parasitic infections.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 28, 2010

Scripps Research scientists identify key interaction in hepatitis C virus

Researchers found that the core protein interacts with non-structural helicase protein, playing a critical role in viral replication. This new understanding supports a potential new therapeutic target for hepatitis C drug development and may prevent production of infectious viral particles.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateDec 28, 2010

High nitrogen fertilizers tested on post-transplant ornamentals

Researchers found that high-nitrogen fertilizers can accelerate establishment of areca palm and Chinese hibiscus, but also induce magnesium deficiency. A balanced approach with moderate nitrogen levels is recommended for optimal plant quality.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 28, 2010

Bulb dipping controls Easter lily growth

Purdue researchers found that pre-plant bulb dips in paclobutrazol solutions can produce compact, commercially acceptable Easter lilies. The study showed that dipping bulbs resulted in 15-26% shorter plant height at flowering compared to untreated bulbs.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 28, 2010

New research contains solutions to common pear disease

A new study by Oregon State University and USDA-Agricultural Research Service found that a combination of urea and CuEDTA with phosphonate-containing fungicides can reduce disease severity caused by Phytophthora syringae in pear trees. This treatment does not negatively impact tree nitrogen content or early defoliation.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 28, 2010
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.