An international team of researchers explored the effect of anesthesia on plants, which is the basis for a newly-published paper in the Annals of Botany. The goal was to link information about how anesthetics work in the plant system to the animal system.

Scientists are generally regarded as ethical and honest – the polar opposite of politicians. But there's a disturbing trend taking place in the scientific community: retracted papers, often due to fraud. This one, which appeared in the journal Science, focuses on harm to fish from tiny plastic particles. It is a doozy.

Jellyfish have a diverse range of eating interests and locations, much like us. They are also fearsome predators. Interesting, right? Here are a few things about them that you might not have known.
 
 
 

These days having a conversation about politics and the state of our nation often devolves into an ideological pitched battle of wills. That's why this year my Christmas wish is for 24-hours of argument-free discourse.

Golden rice lives up to its name, both for its color and the beneficial effect it can have on those (especially children) with vitamin A deficiency. Yet, the main obstacle preventing its distribution is the disinformation about genetically-engineered foods spread by anti-GMO Luddites. Let's hope that changes for the holidays.
 
 
 

The Centers for Disease Control reports more than 7,000 confirmed cases of the flu. That's more than twice the number reported at this time last year. This is centered in at least five Southern states, as well as Massachusetts and Virginia, where "widespread influenza activity" is occurring.

Significant issues have plagued a paper that appeared in the journal Science since its publication a year ago. Consider the case now closed with the recent ruling that the two primary investigators involved committed scientific misconduct. 

If we can tune out, move away from, and shun people with whom we disagree, is this course of action also acceptable? 

After five years of living in New York, I have gotten used to just about everything this city brings. With one exception: rats. New research on the genetic diversity of these true New Yorkers shows that they tend to stay local. In fact, it's rare that they even move off of the block where they were born.

When words like "world-renowned" are used in the medical realm (especially by people selling something, like an unnecessary product or procedure), beware. And then prepare yourself with a healthy dose of skepticism.