These chemicals called are called green leaf volatiles (GLVs). These chemicals can be very specific to instances of insect attack. When a wild tobacco plant was attacked by a certain type of caterpillar a specific form of GLVs were released. These chemicals interacted with the caterpillars saliva to produce new compound. In turn this new chemical works to attract other predatory insects that hunt the caterpillars eating its leaves. Further study is needed to see if these GLVs change if different insects attack and if the GLVs will help attract other predatory insects or these is specific to certain types of plants.

It is easy to dismiss plants as simply sitting there. But I think we are simply scratching the surface when it comes to understanding how complex the interactions between plants, the environment and other creatures.

Source: Science

Gives me a strange urge to watch Sunshine again.

Source: Pop Sci

A new discovery using this method is proving exciting for several reasons. It is the largest find of exo-planets since the first discovery 15 years ago and perhaps more interesting scientist believe that they may have found the smallest exo-planet yet. The small and probably rocky world is just 1.4 times the mass of Earth. Unfortunately none of these planets are the correct distance from the star to have the potential for liquid water. In fact the small exo-planet orbits very close to the sun meaning scorching day time temperatures and frigid nights.

The current tally of exo-planets stands a just 472. With focus shifting from searching for single planets on to locating whole solar systems no the number it set to climb quickly higher. Perhaps one of them will prove just right for the possibility of liquid water.

Source: Discovery News

I think the concept of this item is great, even has a non coffee drinker. Another upside is that the inhaler is made of bio degradable plastics and has the potential to cut down on the millions of paper cups thrown away each year. I know many people drink coffee for the sake of actually sitting down and enjoying the whole experience. However, the people who grab a cup as they run out the door might find this a bit more appealing. Espeically if it can by easily stowed in a jacket pocket or purse.

Source: Inhabitat and Le Whiff

Unfortunately for the farmers the cost to repair the liners is several hundred thousand dollars. The continued growth of the bubbles has neighbors worried as does the idea of simply cutting a hole in the liner to let the air out. The gases are potentially explosive and another farmer was blown 40 feet into the air in a similar situation.

As of this moment no solution has been reached. The state of Indiana has indicated that it will observe the deflation of the bubbles should it be decided that it is the best course of action. The farmer in question remains confident that he with the help of his son can deflate the giant manure bubbles without blowing them both sky high.

It seems like there is an opportunity to capture a decent amount of useful gases to use as energy. Some farms have been known to capture the methane from manure and use it to power the farm. However in this case I assume the cost of implementing such a system would be prohibitive.

Source: WSJ

Causing the implosion is simple. The tanker car is filled with hot air or gas and sealed. As the tank cools the pressure difference between inside and outside of the tanker car becomes so great that the structure fails.

The Pizza conjecture asks who will get the bigger portion of pizza if cuts are made off center.  Assuming eaters alternate slices.  Unfortunately things started to get hazy for me when I to the “plug that into some complicated algebra” part.   See for yourself.

Source: New Scientist

Source: Bobby Henderson’s blog.