Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Faster Than the Speed of Light


So far, Albert Einstein's theory that nothing can travel faster than light has yet to be disproved.  Not for lack of trying, I assure you, as numerous scientists across the globe try to poke holes in the math over and over again. 

And while it seems ripped straight from an episode of Star Trek, NASA has invested real money into understanding the science behind travel faster than the speed of light.  We may be a while yet from muttering "Engage" on the command deck of a starship, but you have to start somewhere.


This week, a look at photons and the possibility of traveling faster than light.


TTFN, Fred.




Quote of the week: "When you find yourself in the thick of it, help yourself to a bit of what is all around you." – The Beatles, "Martha My Dear" (Lennon-McCartney)

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

A Race to Save the Orange by Altering Its DNA

Citrus greening, also called Huanglongbing or yellow dragon disease, is one of the more serious diseases of citrus. This bacterial disease is thought to have originated in China in the early 1900s.  Other than tree removal, there is no effective control once a tree is infected and there is no known cure for the disease. It reduces the quantity and quality of citrus fruits, eventually rendering infected trees useless. In areas of world affected by citrus greening the average productive lifespan of citrus trees has dropped from 50 or more years to 15 or less, and trees in the orchards usually die 3-5 years after becoming infected.

Is genetic engineering the last hope of citrus?  Many farmers think so. 

This week, a look at altering the DNA of oranges in an attempt to stave off citrus greening.

TTFN, Fred. 

Quote of the week: "Out of college, money spent, see no future, pay no rent, all the money’s gone, nowhere to go." – The Beatles, "You Never Give Me Your Money" (Lennon-McCartney)