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Science News for June 30, 2012


Want bigger plants? Get to the root of the matter

A recent study has discovered that potted plants grow significantly larger when placed in bigger pots, with some species reaching up to 40% increase. The researchers found that the plants' roots sense the pot size, allowing them to adjust their growth accordingly.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJun 30, 2012

Sleep deprivation effect on the immune system mirrors physical stress

Researchers found that severe sleep loss affects white blood cell counts, particularly granulocytes, which react immediately to physical stress and mirror the body's stress response. The study suggests implications for clinical practice and professions associated with long-term sleep loss.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 30, 2012

Mass extinctions reset the long-term pace of evolution

A new study suggests that mass extinctions permanently alter the pace of evolution, with species diversification rates shifting after catastrophes. Researchers analyzed bivalve mollusks and found that origination rates increased or decreased suddenly at mass extinction events, reflecting a permanent change in evolutionary speed.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalGeology·DateJun 30, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.