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Science News for February 28, 2010


Root or shoot

Researchers at the Salk Institute discover two genetic master switches that determine a plant's polar axis, with one group promoting root development and the other shoot growth. The study reveals an antagonistic relationship between these switches, which are regulated by multiple mechanisms to ensure proper spatial distribution.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 28, 2010

Glue, fly, glue

Researchers discovered that caddisfly larvae's underwater silk adhesive is sticky and has potential to be used as a medical bioadhesive in surgery. The silk, known as 'rock rollers,' may be useful for sticking wet tissues together, similar to using a wet Band-Aid.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateFeb 28, 2010