One third of Americans are classified as obese—and the number is growing. Let’s get some insight into this expanding epidemic.
Consequences of Obesity – Obesity doesn’t just affect what you see in the mirror: It can have serious consequences for your health.
Overcoming Obesity – Obesity can lead to a plethora of unhealthy consequences, but the good news is that it can be eliminated with some lifestyle changes.
Are Solar Flares Effecting Our Climate?
The STEREO mission will provide a totally new perspective on solar eruptions by capturing images of coronal mass ejections and background events from two observatories at the same time. STEREO’s twin observatories will be offset from one another in orbit. One observatory will be placed “ahead” of the Earth in its orbit, and using a series of lunar swingbys, the other will travel “behind.” Just as the slight offset between your eyes provides you with depth perception, this placement will allow the STEREO observatories to obtain 3-D images of the sun.
Using this unique 3-D imagery, scientists will be able to examine the structure of these important events, and learn more about their fundamental nature and origin.
Joel on BBC at Laverstoke Park Farm
Some of the secrets behind Jody Scheckter’s an organic and biodynamic farm (laverstokepark.co.uk). Joel at 1min30sec.
Mimosa – Plays Dead and Should Stay Dead
This weed plays dead when touched or when it feels a source of heat.
Private Life of Plants “The Social Struggle”
Broadcast 26 January 1995, this episode examines how plants either share environments harmoniously or compete for dominance within them. Attenborough highlights the 1987 hurricane and the devastation it caused. However, for some species, it was that opportunity for which they had lain dormant for many years. The space left by uprooted trees is soon filled by others who move relatively swiftly towards the light. The oak is one of the strongest and longest-lived, and other, lesser plants nearby must wait until the spring to flourish before the light above is extinguished by leaves. Tropical forests are green throughout the year, so brute force is needed for a successful climb to the top of the canopy: the rattan is an example that has the longest stem of any plant. As its name suggests, the strangler fig ‘throttles’ its host by growing around it and cutting off essential water and light. Some can take advantage of a fallen tree by setting down roots on the now horizontal trunk and getting nutriment from the surrounding moss and the fungi on the dead bark. The mountain ash grows so tall, that regeneration becomes a considerable problem. It is easily inflammable, so its solution is to shed its seeds during a forest fire and sacrifice itself. It therefore relies on the periodic near-destruction of its surroundings in order to survive. Attenborough observes that catastrophes such as fire and drought, while initially detrimental to wildlife, eventually allow for deserted habitats to be reborn.