New Study Reveals the Secret of Bioluminescent Mushroom

Bioluminescence in some mushrooms has baffled the scientists since long. One such special mushroom, called ‘flor de coco,’ grows among decaying leaves at the bottom of young palm trees in coconut forests of Brazil. However, a recent research has uncovered the secret behind the bioluminescence of this big yellow mushroom. The researchers conducted an experiment and observed that the mushroom attracts insects and other creatures with its nighttime bioluminescence, which helps it to spread spores throughout the forest.

Aristotle was the first to ask about the unusual glowing of the mushroom. Biochemist Cassius Stevani from Brazil’s Instituto de Quimica-Universidade de Sao Paulo explained “The answer appears to be that fungi make light so they are noticed by insects who can help the fungus colonize new habitats.”  The concept of bioluminescence has been further explained by Jay Dunlap, geneticist and molecular biologist from Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine. This unique feature has evolved in several life forms like fishes, bacteria and insects. He remarked “Most of these make light in their own way, that is, with biochemistry that is unique to each organism.”

Tanzania's MPs approve anti-foreigner law

Tanzania's government says it wants to protect the jobs of its citizens

Tanzania's parliament has approved a tough new law aimed at curbing foreign employment.

The bill requires firms to satisfy the authorities that no local could do the job before employing a foreigner.

Gene Modification May Change Your Height, Complexion

    In what could be a stepping stone towards customised babies, researchers at McGill University have identified a key mechanism by which environmental factors influence traits like our height, skin colour, intelligence etc. They believe that by identifying a key gene for each trait and how it is affected by the environment (epigenetically), it is potentially possible to influence the degree of its expression - and so, create variation in how specific traits are expressed.

Part of Einstein's general theory of relativity has finally been proved - by accident

Astronomers have proved an effect predicted by Albert Einstein’s general relativity theory 100 years ago – completely by accident.

They captured the moment a far off star exploded, not once but four times.

The exploding star, or supernova, was directly behind a cluster of huge galaxies whose enormous mass warped space-time, creating a cosmic magnifying glass.

 

First direct observation confirms CO2 causing increase in greenhouse effect

HARROW: Scientists say they’ve made the first direct observations confirming an increasing greenhouse effect at the Earth’s surface caused by carbon dioxide.

The finding confirms in nature what has already been predicted by computer models and seen in laboratory experiments, that continued emissions of carbon dioxide are causing warming of the surface of the Earth, researchers say.

Lunar pits could shelter astronauts: NASA

 

Large pits on the lunar surface may hold the key to living on the Moon, according to a new NASA study. (Reuters)

 Large pits on the lunar surface may hold the key to living on the Moon, according to a new NASA study.
These pits could provide astronauts with shelter from the radiation, dust and temperature swings.