Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Cosmic Radiation Makes Trees Grow Faster

Posted by kdawson on from the ents-are-going-to-war dept.

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."

17 of 162 comments (clear)

  1. Big Surprise by JumperCable · · Score: 4, 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.

  2. It's called research by EdIII · · Score: 4, Funny

    As for the mechanism, we are puzzled

    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.

    1. Re:It's called research by jdgeorge · · Score: 2, 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.

  3. cue the bad superhero jokes ... by Korbeau · · Score: 4, Funny

    in one, two, tree ...

    1. Re:cue the bad superhero jokes ... by L4t3r4lu5 · · Score: 2, Funny

      Less of that! Now, please leaf.

      --
      Finally had enough. Come see us over at https://soylentnews.org/
  4. Re:causality is possibly wrong by socsoc · · Score: 2, Funny

    But correlation is causation.

  5. It's Simple Really by eldavojohn · · Score: 5, Funny

    What else grows from radiation? Cancer. Quod erat demonstratum, trees are cancer. Therefore we must cut them down and burn them. Perhaps form some sort of industry devoted to this.

    What? The "logging" industry? Oh, well, very good then. Continue.

    --
    My work here is dung.
    1. Re:It's Simple Really by MichaelSmith · · Score: 4, Funny

      I am the lorax. I speak for the trees, which you seem to be cutting as much as you please.

      --
      http://michaelsmith.id.au
    2. Re:It's Simple Really by Anonymous Coward · · 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?

    3. Re:It's Simple Really by maglor_83 · · Score: 2, Funny

      Yes.

  6. Re:causality is possibly wrong by cjfs · · Score: 3, Funny

    But correlation is causation.

    No, the two are merely correlated.

    Ow...

  7. Re:Repeat after me: Correlation Is Not Causation by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    it's the butterfly effect or something

  8. Re:causality is possibly wrong by maglor_83 · · Score: 1, Funny

    http://xkcd.com/552/

  9. Life imitates Gilligan's Island by bigsexyjoe · · Score: 2, Funny

    The cool thing is that you get super powers from eating the giant vegetables, too.

    --
    Democracy Now! - your daily, uncensored, corporate-free
  10. Paul Zindel by sohp · · Score: 2, 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.

  11. The Simpsons Had It Right. by Ironlenny · · Score: 2, Funny

    Homer: If we learned one thing from "The Amazing Colossal Man" and "Grasshopperus," it's that radiation makes stuff grow real big, real fast.

    --
    There is a system for subverting the system and you should use that system!
  12. Further ideas? by kauttapiste · · Score: 5, Funny

    Nevertheless, the researchers remain mystified and are requesting further ideas ...

    Have they considered Ask Slashdot?