Cold air in slaughterhouses and meat-packing factories could be behind coronavirus outbreaks, suggesting winter could bring a second wave of Covid-19. Scientists say cramped and poorly-ventilated working conditions in the factories — the centre of fresh outbreaks in the UK and Germany — could be to blame because they make social distancing difficult. But experts … Read more
Meatpacking plants across the US have become notorious hotspots for coronavirus, and the cold air inside them may be fanning the flames of the virus’s spread. Thousands of workers at meat processing facilities have tested positive for COVID-19, and at least 20 have died. The same cold temperatures and forceful ventilation that help to kill … Read more
Cold air in slaughterhouses and meat-packing factories could be behind coronavirus outbreaks, scientists say, suggesting winter could bring a second wave of Covid-19. The entire Welsh island of Anglesey faces being quarantined after 158 staff at the 2 Sisters chicken factory tested positive for the virus, leading to the plant being closed and 560 staff … Read more
Plants have an upper hand in the ecological battle against insects by using ‘odour camouflage’ to ‘hide in plain sight’ and avoid being eaten, scientists say. Trees, herbs and shrubs are known to communicate with each other by emitting odorous chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These smells serve as vital information to insects such … Read more
‘Hidden mutations’ in the genetic makeup of tomato plants can be used to create bigger, tastier ‘super varieties’, study claims More than 200,000 genetic mutations were identified in 100 tomato varieties When one plant had its DNA mutated it produced 30 per cent larger tomatoes Scientists hope the findings could lead to larger yields for … Read more
£13 BILLION subsidy for biomass power plants ‘should be reviewed’ as burning wood pellets releases more carbon dioxide per unit of electricity than coal, think-tank reveals Supporters claim biomass power is carbon-neutral as burned trees are replanted But carbon released by burning wood may not be reabsorbed for centuries Climate change think-tank Ember has called … Read more
The plant whisperer who saves withering blooms from the bin: Gardener turns her home into an indoor jungle after rescuing hundreds of unwanted houseplants Sarah Gerrard-Jones urged people not to throw away shrivelled house plants She said to help bring them back to life with some water, sunshine and food Sarah rescues plants in her semi-detached … Read more
A new polymer coating could serve as a safer alternative to pesticides in controlling harmful fungi that devastate plant crops. UK scientists used a coating of (meth)acrylate polymer, which is normally used to make acrylic plastics, to block fungi from attaching to surfaces. The coating, which was shown to be effective on plants, averts the … Read more
Scientists have developed plant ‘probiotics’ that help fight disease without the use of expensive pesticides. UK researchers say beneficial bacteria in soil supports plants’ immune systems in a similar way to positive gut bacteria in humans. By injecting probiotics into a plant’s growth medium, they hope to create ideal growing conditions year-round for herbs, fruits … Read more
GP practice will trial prescribing pot PLANTS instead of pills for patients suffering from depression, anxiety and loneliness Cornbrook Medical Practice, in the inner-city area of Hulme, is behind the move The pilot scheme by the GP practice is the latest example of social prescribing Studies show gardening is good for mental health because nature … Read more