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Scientist Use RAINEX to Forecast Hurricanes
Scientists are now going to start analyzing the rain bands of a hurricane to predict how strong it will become. Past models focused on hurricane tracks, but scientists are still baffled at how the big storms can change severity so quickly. Hopefully the new program, RAINEX, will help with these new predictions. More info here. Scientists are also looking at nervous plants, and not for the reasons you might be thinking.
No, they're not nervous that you bought a new jug of Rid-X. Plants, when stressed, release hyperoxide, which can damage and kill plants. Dead plants can be a problem, especially if you're trying to grow them on mars. In an unusual twist of technology, the white coats are using GM (genetically-modified) plants in an effort to deal with the harsh conditions on the red planet.
So how long will it be until astronauts grow their own tobacco? Hard to say, but mixing plant and animal DNA is going to make for some crazy green beans. Let hope they don't decide to run away. Story here.
Speaking of Mars, there is a new Mars orbiter going up on the 10th, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The methane in Mars' atmosphere is driving scientists nuts -- let's hope they finally figure out whether it is a real indicator of life or not. It opens an usual line of inquiry: aside from direct physical evidence, exactly what would prove life on any planet? It's a question that needs an answer, especially with our plans to study worlds around other stars in the next few decades.
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