Spotlight news

Caffeine enhances bee memory

(Phys.org) —Caffeine is the naturally occurring drug most widely used by humans. In nature, though, it is reported to act as a bitter and toxic deterrent to herbivores, preventing leaves and seeds from ...

May 13, 2013 5 / 5 (2) 0 | with audio podcast

Catalyst keeps fruit fresh longer

(Phys.org) —Ripening fruit, vegetables, and flowers release ethylene, which works as a plant hormone. Ethylene accelerates ripening, so other unripened fruit also begins to ripen—fruit and vegetables ...

May 13, 2013 4.9 / 5 (8) 1 | with audio podcast

How to overcome the oxide barrier

(Phys.org) —Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have uncovered the characteristics of a low-resistance electrical contact to strontium titanate, SrTiO3, an important prototypical oxide semi ...

May 13, 2013 5 / 5 (2) 0 | with audio podcast