Update from last week:
Ban on Monsanto genetically modified alfalfa upheld

World’s First Tree Reconstructed – The oldest tree fossil ever discovered has been used to reconstruct what the tree may have looked like. The 385 million year old tree was 30 ft tall topped with a very palm-like canopy (see picture at left). This tree, called Wattieza, existed well before land animals and insects and reproduced using spores, much like ferns. Published in a recent issue of Nature.

Scientists offer new view of photosynthesis – Work done in cyanobacteria, but likely applicable to plants, illustrates how chlorophyll binding proteins subtly tweak light harvesting chlorophyll arrays to efficiently capture every available photon. This work has implications for creating better solar panel arrays for more efficient energy capture. Published in a recent issue of Science.

Grain Touted as Fuel Crop in Dry States – Corn ethanol is a popular alternative energy source, particularly in the Midwest U.S. where corn is a dominant crop. Scientists at Texas A&M hope to provide another option by offering a genetically modified (GM) variety of sorghum created to withstand the dry, hot conditions typical of the Southwest. The GM sorghum will provide a high yielding source of cellulose and sugar for production of ethanol, taking advantage of the long growing seasons in the Southwest region.

News Briefs:

Alternative fuels: Surprise: Ethanol as Deadly as Gasoline For Now
Creating corn for cars – cellulosic ethanol
Fuel from fiber — pretreatment can put corn stalks, trees in your car’s tank

Environment: Indonesia Fastest Forest Clearer In World
USDA: Tree Beetle May Spread Across U.S.
Drought Limits Tropical Plant Distributions, Scientists Report

Health: Wild Garlic May Have Potential For Treating High Blood Pressure
High Doses of Flavanoids Could Be Unhealthy
Toward A Banana-based Vaccine For Hepatitis B