When the space shuttle touched down in California instead of in Florida, due to bad weather, on the anniversary of 911, California residents who heard the sonic boom thought a bomb had gone off. Are we preparing for another potential terrorist attack? Well, researchers have developed a postage stamp-size sensor that can sniff out poisonous gases.

It changes color as a warning and could also be helpful in workplaces where hazardous materials are used. Researcher Linda Birnbaum says, “This paper brings us one step closer to having a small wearable sensor that can detect multiple airborne toxins.”
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We know that some weeds make the best biofuel, but now biologists have figured out how to turn kudzu, the fast growing weed that has gobbled up some 10 million acres in the Southeast, into a valuable dietary supplement for metabolic syndrome, a condition that affects 50 million Americans. Talk about turning a “sow’s ear” into a “silk purse!”

Substances called isoflavones found in kudzu root improve blood pressure, high cholesterol and blood glucose, the “big three” problems of the syndrome. One particular isoflavone, called puerarin has the greatest beneficial effect and this is and found ONLY in kudzu.
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It’s well known that when hurricanes hit land, there’s a risk that tornadoes may form in the area. Tornadoes that occur from hurricanes moving inland from the Gulf Coast are increasing in frequency, reflecting an increase in size and frequency among large hurricanes that make landfall from the Gulf of Mexico. We hear news about hurricanes hitting states like Florida and Louisiana, but for some reason, they never seem to land in California. The only hurricane every to have hit California landed in 1858, and now scientists know why they’re so rare.
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Thank goodness! – In light of the revelation (from some of the so-called “pirates” on board) that the recent hijacking of a Russian ship may have actually been a cover up for that country shipping a missile system to Iran that would give it the power to send nukes to Israel, it turns out that nuclear bombs difficult to make (thank goodness!)
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