Rapid Synthesis of Auxin via a New Tryptophan-Dependent Pathway Is Required for Shade Avoidance in Plants

Vincent submitted, created time 9 months 4 days (www.cell.com)

Plants grown at high densities perceive a decrease in the red to far-red (R:FR) ratio of incoming light, resulting from absorption of red light by canopy leaves and reflection of far-red light from neighboring plants. These changes in light quality trigger a series of responses known collectively as the shade avoidance syndrome. During shade avoidance, stems elongate at the expense of leaf and storage organ expansion, branching is inhibited, and flowering is accelerated

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spiders like to leave the lights on

Darkfrog submitted, created time 1 year 9 months (www.sciam.com)

Interesting. I was just reading Amanda's post about the troglobites -- spider-like cave animals that die when exposed to UV light -- and then I came across this. When humans are deprived of sunlight, we lose vitamin D and the calcium that it lets us absorb. It seems that spiders have a reaction to UV deprivation too ...though I wouldn't call it similar.

Celibacy or rickets? Decisions, decisions...

This ties in with Amanda's post.
(http://www.discover8.com/article/Tiny_blind_animal_halts_billion_dollar_Aussie_mine_0)

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How Understanding these 50 Medical Symptoms Can Keep You Healthier

flyingeagle submitted, created time 1 year 10 months (www.healthline.com)

We all experience aches, pains and ailments at some time or another. Many times we dismiss them as a sign of growing older. However, there are some symptoms that should not be ignored. So, before you swallow another antacid for that heartburn you think you have, or apply antibiotic ointment to a rash that may have popped up, read through this list of 50 common medical symptoms. If you have any of the symptoms listed, don’t just live with them – visit your doctor!

Submit comment | Blog It | Email It | Keywords: Stomach Pain Fatigue Ankle Pain Constipation Diarrhea Warts Foot Pain Gas Heartburn Lower Back Pain Headaches Anxiety Wheezing & Breathing Problems Constipation & Diarrhea Swelling Vision Problems Frequent Urination Erectile Dysfunction Hair Loss High Blood Pressure and Joint Pain Dry, Scaly Impotence Snoring Vomiting Dizziness Vaginal Discharge Hearing Problems Red, Thick Skin Nose Bleeds Protruding Eyes Unwanted Hair Growth Lack of Smell Sensitivity to Light Red Face Excessive Burping & Heartburn Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods Bleeding Gums Bloody Stools Discolored Urine Ear Drainage Floating Stools Bad Breath Nail Abnormalities Testicle Pain Painful Sexual Intercourse (Female) Painful Sexual Intercourse (Male) Changes or Loss of Taste Night Urination Night Blindness Excessive Yawning