Cosmic Radiation Makes Trees Grow Faster 162
Diamonddavej writes "The BBC reports that researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found that Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) somehow makes trees grow faster. GCRs vary according to the 11-year solar cycle, with more GCRs hitting the Earth during solar minimum when there is a lull in the solar wind, which normally acts to protect the inner solar system from external galactic radiation. The mechanism might have something to do with GCRs increasing cloud cover, which diffuses sunlight and increases the efficiency of photosynthesis. Nevertheless, the researchers remain mystified and are requesting further ideas and research collaboration to test hypotheses. (How about Radiation Hormesis, AKA 'Vitamin-R?')" Here is the paper's abstract at the journal New Phytologist. The researchers say: "The relation of the rings to the solar cycle was much stronger than to any climatological factors. ... As for the mechanism, we are puzzled."
Big Surprise (Score:5, Funny)
researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found that Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) somehow makes trees grow faster
I don't think they need to look any further for answers than the Fantastic Four.
It's called research (Score:5, Funny)
Geez and they're scientists? Just do a little research. I suggest Marvel Comics. Plenty of good info there. At the risk of starting war, I would caution them against research using DC Comics as they are for simple idiots that live in their mother's basements.
cue the bad superhero jokes ... (Score:4, Funny)
in one, two, tree ...
Re:causality is possibly wrong (Score:3, Funny)
It's Simple Really (Score:5, Funny)
What? The "logging" industry? Oh, well, very good then. Continue.
Re:It's Simple Really (Score:5, Funny)
I am the lorax. I speak for the trees, which you seem to be cutting as much as you please.
Re:causality is possibly wrong (Score:4, Funny)
But correlation is causation.
No, the two are merely correlated.
Ow...
Re:Repeat after me: Correlation Is Not Causation (Score:3, Funny)
it's the butterfly effect or something
Re:It's Simple Really (Score:1, Funny)
Canker sores could be cancer. Cancer is treated with radiation therapy. Canker sores are caused by Hepatitis. Pamela Anderson has Hepatitis. She also had breast reduction surgery. Breast cancer is treated with breast reduction surgery. Pamela Anderson also causes wood. Does this mean I should irradiate my penis?
Re:causality is possibly wrong (Score:1, Funny)
http://xkcd.com/552/ [xkcd.com]
Re:It's Simple Really (Score:3, Funny)
Yes.
Life imitates Gilligan's Island (Score:3, Funny)
Paul Zindel (Score:3, Funny)
A 1964 publication by Paul Zindel entitled "The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds" predates this research by quite a bit.
The Simpsons Had It Right. (Score:2, Funny)
Further ideas? (Score:5, Funny)
Nevertheless, the researchers remain mystified and are requesting further ideas ...
Have they considered Ask Slashdot?
Re:cue the bad superhero jokes ... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:It's called research (Score:3, Funny)
mothers'
No, the GP was implying that people who read DC Comics are all children of the same mother, and that they live in a multitude of basements that she owns. That mother must be one amazing woman [wikipedia.org].