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: W 1: Graphing Waves (MS)
Use mathematical representations to describe a simple model for waves that includes how the amplitude of a wave is related to the energy in a wave.
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
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
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
Powered by Light
Powered by Light: phototrophy and photosynthesis in prokaryotes and its evolution SUMMARY: This article looks at the still-not-yet-fully-known evolution and history of photosynthesis. There were various types of photosynthesis, the main difference being the type of electron donor. Some organisms used water as an electron donor, while others used things like hydrogen and manganese. The… Continue reading Powered by Light
Beaming Pyrimidines Part 4
The Photochemistry of Pyrimidine in Realistic Astrophysical Ices and the Production of Nucleobases SUMMARY: To mimic the conditions on comets or space clouds, the gas mixture beamed in this experiment was a mixture of: water, methanol, ammonia, methane, and pyrazine. Pyrazine is an isomer of pyrimidine (both have the chemical formula C4H4N2). This gas mixture… Continue reading Beaming Pyrimidines Part 4