The physics of pollinator attraction SUMMARY: This article focuses on the physical properties of plants that have evolved to help them select the appropriate pollinators and discourage non-pollinators (nectar stealers). The first feature the article addresses is the shape of the cells. Flower petals often have cone-shaped cells to help scatter more light. This gives… Continue reading The physics of pollinator attraction
Category: Waves & Electromagnetic Radiation
Toxic wavelength of blue light changes as insects grow
Toxic wavelength of blue light changes as insects grow SUMMARY: Different wavelengths of light are toxic to insects. In this study, scientists looked at the different effects of blue light on fruit flies (Drosophila). They found that each developmental stage was more susceptible to different wavelengths. There were also differences between males and females. For… Continue reading Toxic wavelength of blue light changes as insects grow
Electronic Tongues
A Versatile Electronic Tongue Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging and Cross-Reactive Sensor Arrays-A Mini-Review SUMMARY: Scientists are trying to create electronic tongues (eT) and noses (eN) that act like human tongues and noses. These artificial sensors are different from traditional sensors in that they don’t recognize individual molecules, but heterogeneous liquids and gases. In… Continue reading Electronic Tongues
Biomass from microalgae
Biomass from microalgae: the potential of domestication towards sustainable biofactories SUMMARY: Microalgae could potentially be a renewable source of energy for people. Unfortunately, there are many issues right now with growing enough algae and keeping the process affordable (aka: it’s too expensive to grow and use algae commercially). The article is divided up into several… Continue reading Biomass from microalgae
Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields From Wi-Fi
Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields From Wi-Fi in Australian Schools SUMMARY: People are often worried about children being exposed to WiFi radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in the classroom, especially when many children are simultaneously downloading or uploading something on their laptops. This study went to 23 different schools in Australia and measured the strength of the… Continue reading Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields From Wi-Fi
Biological effects and mechanisms of shortwave radiation
Biological effects and mechanisms of shortwave radiation SUMMARY: This article review looked at the research that has been completed on the effects of shortwave radiation on the biological system. It’s been shown that shortwave electromagnetic field (SW-EMF) was successful at slowing down the growth of certain cancer cells, promote healing in skin, help with pain… Continue reading Biological effects and mechanisms of shortwave radiation