Monthly Archives: July 2011

Why plant \’clones\’ aren’t identical

A new study of plants that are reproduced by ‘cloning’ has shown why cloned plants are not identical. Scientists have known for some time that ‘clonal’ (regenerant) organisms are not always identical: their observable characteristics and traits can vary, and this variation can be passed on to the next generation. This is despite the fact […] … learn more→

College students using more technology than ever before

Admit it, you’re on the computer every day checking out several websites, hitting refresh and seeing what’s new. Studies have found that 53% of people believe they would be upset if they couldn’t get online while 40% believe they would feel lonely. The use of technology continues to be a growing trend as new gadgets […] … learn more→

How to make solar power 24/7

The biggest hurdle to widespread implementation of solar power is the fact that the sun doesn\’t shine constantly in any given place, so backup power systems are needed for nights and cloudy days. But a novel system designed by researchers at MIT could finally overcome that problem, delivering steady power 24/7. The basic concept is […] … learn more→

Strength in numbers

New research sheds light on why, after 300,000 years of domination, European Neanderthals abruptly disappeared. Researchers from the University of Cambridge have discovered that modern humans coming from Africa swarmed the region, arriving with over ten times the population as the Neanderthal inhabitants. The reasons for the relatively sudden disappearance of the European Neanderthal populations […] … learn more→

Israeli high-tech is improving U.S. education

For years, teachers have been complaining about large class sizes, an old-fashioned learning environment and a lack of support for students with different learning styles. Now Dovi Weiss, a Ph.D. student from Tel Aviv University\’s Jaime and Joan Constantiner School of Education and the Chief Pedagogical Officer of the Israeli company Time To Know, has […] … learn more→

Greening urban landscapes with “eco-friendly” billboards

Vertical greenery is moving to new heights. Recently, Coca-Cola has pushed the envelope by introducing a “green” billboard as part of their CSR and sustainability commitments. Coca-Cola and World Wide Fund for Nature have put up a billboard in Manila that they say helps to “promote the environment.” The 60-by-60-foot sign is made up largely […] … learn more→

Students are given a chance to delve into their DNA

Students across the UK will be able to use cutting edge equipment and the latest molecular techniques to explore evolution and their own DNA, thanks to a partnership between the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC) and the University of Sheffield, in collaboration with Science Brainwaves. The University’s Department for Molecular Biology and […] … learn more→

Top 5 trends in green construction for 2011

For those looking to join the green movement, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. As the demand for eco-friendly building increases, the number of new green products available also rises. Each day thousands of tips and new energy-efficient products hit the market. Sorting through the masses is no easy task, so we’ve compiled the […] … learn more→

Tigers’ survival ‘hit’ by human illness

Limited access to heathcare is a problem not only for people but also threatens endangered wildlife such as the tiger, according to a new study led by a James Cook University doctoral student. Based on research conducted in India, the study found that the incidence of diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis severely affected the […] … learn more→