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• Powlett River
  by Travis Easton

  Had a fantastic weekend with my kids and bubble members down at Powlett River on the weekend. Got there Friday night in time to catch the…

  Had a fantastic weekend with my kids and bubble members down at Powlett River on the weekend. Got there Friday night in time to catch the last rays at the river mouth then went back in the morning again with Tony Middleton (photo’s to come). My kids absolutely loved it playing in the sand, water and rocks and it was great to finally put a face and voice with my much conversed with bubble mate Tony. I caught up with a few other bubble members at the cafe in Killcunda and had probably what was the best hamburger of my life there before I had to take my kids home. Unsurprisingly I was inspired and challenged by simply hanging out with Tone as we chatting about our journeys together. Foremost in his thoughts and passions was the plight of this gorgeous and often overlooked part of the coast. Visiting an area under threat certainly gives you a different perspective on the need to preserve it. The Powlett River is the location of Melbournes planned desalination plant. Over the last 10 years Melbournes water catchment levels have been dropping and despite a 20% reduction in consumer water use it is continuing to fall. The government has come up with two proposals to combat this crisis. One is to pump water over the Great Dividing Range to supplement the city supply an act which has enraged the irrigation dependant farmers from that equally drought effected area. The other brilliant government idea (proposed by our former Premier who resigned weeks after announcing it probably because even he knew it was stupid idea) is to combat our global warming decreased water supply by building the southern hemispheres biggest desal plant which will pump 1.2 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere each year. The $3,200,000,000 plant will also pollute the local marine environment disgorging 7,000litres a second 600m from shore, which puts at risk the local Seal and Fairy Penguin (Parade) population which adds $75,000,000 a year to the economy. On top of that the site for the plant is an absolutely beautiful bit of coastline, turning it into an industrial pollution factory would be a tragedy of the highest magnitude. All up the government has proposed to throw 5 billion plus at the problem why they arn’t proposing to channel this into water tanks for Melbourne residents I can’t figure. This would solve the issue without the negatives of the current proposals, it would be more sustainable in the long term and cheaper than the proposed 5 fold increase in water rates the commercial backers of the desal plant are mooting. Other issues we chatted about were the increasing consumerism in our society and how the more competitive/ achievement oriented of us can so easily fall into the trap of devaluing bubble and our art into a numbers game of hits, favouritings and sales. I regret not getting to chat with all the other bubble members while strolling along the beach but I certainly had a great night away with my kids and had a brilliant time chatting with my like minded bubble buddy Tony. Cheers Trav

• Keep Your Beloved Pets Safe From POISON!!!
  by Crockpot

  Now that Spring is upon us and many are trying to grow a green thumb, I thought I’d share some of this basic info with you in hopes of pr…

  Now that Spring is upon us and many are trying to grow a green thumb, I thought I’d share some of this basic info with you in hopes of preventing any pet-related tragedies. (Note: I’m pulling this info from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center) 17 Common Poisonous Plants Lilies / Members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestions of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result. Marijuana / Ingestion of Cannabis sativa by companion animals can result in depression of the central nervous system and incoordination, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma. Sago Palm / All parts of Cycas Revoluta are poisonous, but the seeds or “nuts” contain the largest amount of toxin. The ingestion of just one or two seeds can result in very serious effects, which include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure. Tulip/Narcissus bulbs / The bulb portions of Tulipa/Narcissus spp. contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities. Azalea/Rhododendron / Members of the Rhododenron spp. contain substances known as grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse. Oleander / All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects—including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death. Castor Bean / The poisonous principle in Ricinus communis is ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death. Cyclamen / Cylamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases. Kalanchoe / This plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate. Yew / Taxus spp. contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death. Amaryllis / Common garden plants popular around Easter, Amaryllis species contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors. Autumn Crocus / Ingestion of Colchicum autumnale by pets can result in oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression. Chrysanthemum / These popular blooms are part of the Compositae family, which contain pyrethrins that may produce gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, if eaten. In certain cases depression and loss of coordination may also develop if enough of any part of the plant is consumed. English Ivy / Also called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and California ivy, Hedera helix contains triterpenoid saponins that, should pets ingest, can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea. Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily) / Spathiphyllum contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest. Pothos / Pothos (both Scindapsus and Epipremnum) belongs to the Araceae family. If chewed or ingested, this popular household plant can cause significant mechanical irritation and swelling of the oral tissues and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Schefflera / Schefflera and Brassaia actinophylla contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest. A more comprehensive list of plants poisonous to pets _What flora should be forbidden in your home, pet parents? Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist & ASPCA Senior Vice President, shows you examples of the most common potentially dangerous plants A LIST OF HOUSEHOLD PLANTS THAT ARE PET-FRIENDLY Want to send flowers to someone? *Be sure they are safe for pets! Here are some suggestions from 1-800-FLOWERS.com that include options like dendrobium orchids, violets and gerbera daisies, and more. (Use promotion code ASPCA when ordering and 1-800-FLOWERS.com will donate 10 percent of the net proceeds from your purchase to the ASPCA!) Please note that while the flowers shown are considered to be nontoxic, it’s important to keep in mind that even “safe” plants can produce minor stomach upset if ingested. Here’s a list of the most common food hazards you should be aware of! Experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center urge you to avoid feeding the following foods to your pet: • Alcoholic beverages / • Avocado / • Chocolate (all forms) / • Coffee (all forms) / • Fatty foods / • Macadamia nuts / • Moldy or spoiled foods / • Onions, onion powder / • Raisins and grapes / • Salt / • Yeast dough / • Garlic / • Products sweetened with xylitol Additional foods that may be potentially hazardous. Ibuprofen and Aspirin Ibuprofen can definitely be toxic to dogs and other pets—even in small amounts. Depending on the dose ingested, significant gastrointestinal damage or even kidney damage could result. Drugs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like aspirin, can cause serious or potentially life-threatening problems, depending on the dose involved. In fact, many drugs that are beneficial to humans can be harmful or even deadly for pets. Never give your pet any medication without first speaking with his or her regular veterinarian. If you feel that your pet needs pain relief for any reason, get in touch with your veterinarian—if you have not already. Your vet can direct you regarding the best dose to use or, if necessary, can prescribe a different pain reliever. And while most human medications are contained in child-proof bottles, these containers are not pet-proof. Pets can easily chew and break open packaging, so medications should always be stored in a secure cabinet above the countertop. A Poison Safe Home WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET IS POISONED • Don’t panic. Rapid response is important, but panicking can interfere with the process of helping your pet. • Take 30 to 60 seconds to safely collect and have at hand any material involved. This may be of great benefit to your vet and/or APCC toxicologists, as they determine what poison or poisons are involved. In the event that you need to take your pet to a local veterinarian, be sure to take the product’s container with you. Also, collect in a sealable plastic bag any material your pet may have vomited or chewed. • If you witness your pet consuming material that you suspect might be toxic, do not hesitate to seek emergency assistance, even if you do not notice any adverse effects. Sometimes, even if poisoned, an animal may appear normal for several hours or for days after the incident. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or your vet immediately. The telephone number is (888) 426-4435. There is a $60 consultation fee for this service. Be ready with the following information: / - the species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved / - the animal’s symptoms / - information regarding the exposure, including the agent (if known), the amount of the agent involved and the time elapsed since the time of exposure. Have the product container/packaging available for reference. Please note: If your animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic. If necessary, he or she may call the APCC. Be Prepared / Keep the telephone number of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center—(888) 426-4435—as well as that of your local veterinarian, in a prominent location. Invest in an emergency first-aid kit for your pet. The kit should contain: / - a fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent USP (to induce vomiting) / - a turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe (to administer peroxide) / - saline eye solution / - artificial tear gel (to lubricate eyes after flushing) / - mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid (for bathing an animal after skin contamination) / - forceps (to remove stingers) / - a muzzle (to protect against fear- or excitement-induced biting) / - a can of your pet’s favorite wet food / -a pet carrier Always consult a veterinarian or the APCC for directions on how and when to use any emergency first-aid item. GET A FREE PET SAFETY PACK! / In the event of an emergency, the pet rescue window decal alerts rescue personnel that pets are inside your home. The pack also includes an ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center magnet—a great way to keep the APCC’s toll-free emergency number handy at all times! Order one now. Please visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control website for more information.

• About "The Garden"
  by MtnMan

  Some kind people have asked about my garden. It is not very big but has been designed to look very large. The entirety of the garden is i…

  Some kind people have asked about my garden. It is not very big but has been designed to look very large. The entirety of the garden is impossible to see in any one location. In person it is intimate and everything is close by and touchable. There is no one time of year when the garden is at it’s best but my wife and I do enjoy it when the wild California poppies bloom. The rocks have been collected over a period of twenty years and most of them carried in the back of my hatchbacks, a Tercel, Civic, and Mazda 3. I have never owned a pickup truck. Most of the rocks have been found near roads in the mountains or just empty fields. Finding beautiful rocks is getting harder as I’m not the only one looking for them. The look of this garden can only be arrived at with the passage of time. / Wabi sabi and whimsy have guided efforts in it’s conception. The cats love the garden as do birds of all kinds, plus snakes and lizards. I hope to retain possession of it until I die and most of my retirement will involve recording it in creative ways. I’d like to capture in paint someday as well.

• Urushinol Oil ...poison
  by Lucindawind

  *Its Spring and soon Summer in my part of the world .. with these seasons we all love to get out and take photos …expecially in the w…

  Its Spring and soon Summer in my part of the world .. with these seasons we all love to get out and take photos …expecially in the woods and forests ….but they can be a dangerous place for you ......... especially with plants..beautiful at times but not good for your bodys immune system * Here are some interesting facts about Urushiol Oil which is found in Poison Ivy , Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac in the woods and forests and other places ( bogs ,wet marshes & mountain areas ) where WE all go to take photos … the rash from one of these plants is not something you ever want …..learn to recognize these plants to avoid them ..its really important ... most have 3 leaves for a starter ! Urushiol Oil is Potent Only 1 nanogram (billionth of a gram) needed to cause rash / Average is 100 nanograms for most people / 1/4 ounce of urushiol is all that is needed to cause a rash in every person on earth / 500 people could itch from the amount covering the head of a pin / Specimens of urushiol several centuries old have found to cause dermatitis in sensitive people. / 1 to 5 years is normal for urushiol oil to stay active on any surface including dead plants / Derived from urushi, Japanese name for lacquer *

• Cards Purchased
  by Joyce Dickens, IPA

  I have to admit the following list of cards were purchased by none other than myself; I wanted to have a small sample on hand for a local…

  I have to admit the following list of cards were purchased by none other than myself; I wanted to have a small sample on hand for a local event coming up soon….. 1 of Transparent Red Dragonfly2 / 2 of Cabin on the Lake / 2 of House of Boo Punzel Dapoot / 2 of Autumn Lake / 2 of Three Sisters Oregon / 2 of The Inner Depths of Blue / 2 of Follow The Light / 2 of Red Dragonfly on Umbrella Plant / 2 of Butterfly and Mimosa Ca’t wait to see how they all look; I have seen the Three Sisters Oregon card, as my dear friend and fellow photographer Bonnie Taylor Barry purchased three of them recently. I know the quality that Redbubble provides is top notch! Now I’m just going to try to be patient….........

• Featured Skele Tee
  by Crockpot

  YAY!! I’m so psyched – our Arbor Day tee is on the Featured pag…

  YAY!! I’m so psyched – our Arbor Day tee is on the Featured page! Wahoo!! It’s right there on the main page when you click on the Clothing tab. :D (Incidentally, it’s also right next to Kimberly Hoffard’s awesome tee!)

• Featured in a group:)
  by IngerMargrete

  ...

  / I just found out that my image “Baby Dahlia” is featured in the Happy Haven group. This is alot of fun for me and I appreciate it very much – thank you so much to the Happy Haven group for choosing my image:):) / lol, Inger

• Global Issues Local Face
  by Travis Easton

  Just got this email, please take the trouble to read it. Background: / The Victorian government has proposed to solve part of our water…

  Just got this email, please take the trouble to read it. Background: / The Victorian government has proposed to solve part of our water crisis issue by building a desalination plant near Powlett River . Your Water Your Say (YWYS) has fought this problem compounding solution in court with the result outlined below. Please find below the press release put out late today regarding the State & Federal Governments decision to pursue YWYS for costs. They know we don’t have the money to pay their costs so you have to ask, WHY pursue the group???? State & Federal Governments pursue community for costs Your Water Your Say (YWYS) is facing bankruptcy and exclusion from the EES process due to the State and Federal Government’s decision to pursue costs by lodging cost applications in the Federal Court last Friday 23rd May. YWYS challenged the Federal Government in Federal Court arguing that the Federal Minister for the Environment (Peter Garrett) failed to give appropriate consideration to greenhouse gas emissions and the effect of further global warming on wetlands of international importance or listed threatened species and communities. The primary grounds for the challenge were that the Federal Minister for the Environment accepted the Brumby government’s decision to carve the pilot plant out from the major works, hence enabling the beginning of works before any inquiry into the environmental effects. YWYS will be lodging a challenge to fight the application by the deadline of Friday 30th May. Andrea Bolch, President of YWYS, says “the pursuit of costs from community groups that challenge government decisions strikes at the heart of democratic principles and our right to be heard. The government has decided that they don’t want pesky community groups questioning or challenging their decisions so they will spend enormous amounts of taxpayer funds to fight them in court and then ensure they are put out of business.” How can any community have access to the same resources that Governments have? The process is unequal and individuals or communities can never win with the miniscule resources available by comparison. Ms Bolch says “if the Governments are successful in securing costs, YWYS will effectively face bankruptcy and the voice of the community will be silenced. This is the consequence for communities which dare to question Government decision making. The Government has never justified nor explained why it had chosen the most expensive and environmentally damaging solution to solve Melbourne’s water problems. By taking this action they will try to ensure they never have to explain it.” Regards Andrea Bolch Your Water Your Say

• Cute New Card Designs
  by MarbiaStudios

  The following are some of my resent card designs. / I thought I’d do some vector work. / they are also available as prints ect… enjoy!! / ...

  The following are some of my resent card designs. / I thought I’d do some vector work. / they are also available as prints ect… enjoy!! We have matching buttons on our blog / / / / /

• Flowers Calendar
  by Sharon Perrett

  Here is a lovely flowers calendar…...... if you would like one please bubble me. !http://images-0.redbubble.com/img/calendars/page:0…

  Here is a lovely flowers calendar…...... if you would like one please bubble me. / / / / / / / / / / / /

• THANK YOU for helping the Skellies celebrate Arbor Day!!
  by Crockpot

  Gigantic thanks go out to the buyer of our Arbor Day tee! !http://images-0.redbubble.com/img/clothing/bodycolor:black/size:large/sty…

  Gigantic thanks go out to the buyer of our Arbor Day tee!

• Thank You
  by MarbiaStudios

  To the person who purchased a print of Sunlight, you’ve made my day!! / I hope you love it as much as i do!! !http://images-1.redb…

  To the person who purchased a print of Sunlight, you’ve made my day!! / I hope you love it as much as i do!!

• All things purple Calendar
  by Sharon Perrett

  And with a florish…............ here’s a calendar for all you purple lovers, love it ….......buy it…....... bubble me for details :...

  And with a florish…............ here’s a calendar for all you purple lovers, love it ….......buy it…....... bubble me for details :))) / / / / / / / / / / / /

• Is it a plant or is it a bird??? Check it out!
  by adgray

  I am trying to send you to one of the most exquisite examples of our native flora I’ve seen. I hope this link thing works Dennis...

  I am trying to send you to one of the most exquisite examples of our native flora I’ve seen. I hope this link thing works Dennis failing that >> Denis Gay “caleana major flying duck orchid” Brilliant! Enjoy ~ adg :o)

• Plants Poisonous to Pets
  by Crockpot

  ATTRACTIVE BRUNFELSIA PROVES DEADLY TO DOGS According to a recently published study by Dr. Safdar Khan, veterinary toxicologist for …

  ATTRACTIVE BRUNFELSIA PROVES DEADLY TO DOGS According to a recently published study by Dr. Safdar Khan, veterinary toxicologist for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), dogs seem to be particularly attracted to the seeds and berries of the Brunfelsia plant, also known as “morning, noon and night” and “yesterday, today and tomorrow.” In fact, canines are most susceptible to poisoning by this gardener’s favorite, aptly named for its fragrant flowers that bloom in vivid purple and gradually change to lavender before fading to white. From 2001 to 2006, the APCC treated 38 cases of Brunfelsia poisoning involving 42 dogs. One California hound experienced stiff limbs and excessive drooling after ingesting several seeds from the plant. A terrier puppy from Florida developed life-threatening seizures after consuming another part of the plant. With help from the APCC and the services of a local emergency veterinarian, the puppy eventually made a full recovery. However, three of the cases proved fatal. “Brunfelsia toxicity can progress very rapidly to a potentially lethal situation, so it’s critical that pet parents seek immediate veterinary care,” says Dr. Khan. “If pets consume any part of the plant, they can become ill within hours and develop gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as tremors, seizures and muscle rigidity that makes the animal appear to be in a ‘sawhorse’ stance.” The most commonly affected breeds are Labradors and golden retrievers, who, because they are very active, may be more likely to get to the plant’s seeds and leaves. If you have Brunfelsia in your home, please keep the plant in an area where pets can’t reach it, or replace it with a nontoxic alternative. Pet parents should remember to take precautions against the many plants and flowers that can prove harmful to their animals. You can learn to recognize dangerous flora by watching our new video, featuring 17 common poisonous plants, at the APCC online.

• Gobal warming
  by Dragoncat

  I was thinking last night, I had an idea… to make a Tee shirt to strike home / the fact the need to address the all important issue of …

  I was thinking last night, I had an idea… to make a Tee shirt to strike home / the fact the need to address the all important issue of global warming / and how WE can all do something to prevent a very real and possible danger, / if we don’t do something about it together, globally, think globally, act locally.. / anyways, in a nutshell the enemy is not any of us or each other, but it is CO2 / too much CO2 is the air, so all of us, We can spread the message, and take action / by reducing CO2 output and or planting trees, we can save the planet, we can save our selves, and I was thinking that many people are not aware so for sake of those who aren’t I was thinking that maybe I, We all could make some Tee shirt art, that will / best explain the true story about CO2 , Planting Trees and global warming / and encourage others to cut back on CO2 production of all forms and Start Planting / More trees wherever , whenever we can.

• PET POISON ALERT: COCOA BEAN MULCH CAN BE TOXIC TO DOGS
  by Crockpot

  If your dog likes to spend his summer grazing in your garden, his treat-seeking nose may lead him to one danger in particular: the sweet-...

  If your dog likes to spend his summer grazing in your garden, his treat-seeking nose may lead him to one danger in particular: the sweet-smelling, but potentially harmful cocoa bean mulch. Made of cocoa bean shells and considered desirable for its eventual degradation into organic fertilizer, this gardener’s choice can be toxic to canines if eaten in large quantities—and some dogs have been known to eat amazing amounts! In 2007, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled 26 cases of cocoa bean mulch ingestion—a third originating in California. “Dogs are attracted to the fertilizer’s sweet smell,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, ASPCA Veterinary Toxicologist and APCC Director, “but like chocolate, cocoa bean mulch can be too much for our canine companions.” Ingestion of large amounts of cocoa bean mulch, which contains residual amounts of theobromine—a methylxanthine found in chocolate and known to be toxic to dogs—may cause a variety of clinical signs. These typically start with vomiting, diarrhea and elevated heart rate, and if large amounts are consumed, they may progress to hyperactivity, muscle tremors and possibly other more serious neurological signs. Treatment includes administering medical-grade activated charcoal, bringing tremors under control, cardiac monitoring and preventing further exposure. “One key point to remember is that some dogs, particularly those with indiscriminate eating habits, can be attracted to any organic matter,” says Dana Farbman, APCC Senior Manager, Professional Communications. “Therefore, if you have a dog with such eating habits, it’s important that you don’t leave him unsupervised or allow him into areas where such materials are being used.” To avoid contact, pet parents should consider a nontoxic alternative, such as shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark. These will keep your pooch—and your garden—healthy. For more detailed information, please take a look at our Animal Poison Control Center online. For The Kids! /

• How Microscopic plants can save Earth - if not destroyed?
  by Dave Sandersfeld

  Why Diatoms could help stop global warming / From: University of Washington / Published January 24, 2008 10:57 AM / / The shells of diat…

  Why Diatoms could help stop global warming / From: University of Washington / Published January 24, 2008 10:57 AM / / The shells of diatoms are so heavy that when they die in the oceans they typically sink to watery graves on the seafloor, taking carbon out of the surface waters and locking it into sediments below. / Scientists have reported the discovery of whole subsets of genes and proteins that govern how one species of diatom builds its shell. For oceanographers, the work might one day help them understand how thousands of different kinds of diatoms - and their ability to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere - might be affected by something like global climate change. Material scientists involved in the work are interested in the possibilities of manipulating the genes responsible for silica production as a way of fabricating more efficient computer chips. Diatoms, most of which are far too tiny to see without magnification, are incredibly important in the global carbon cycle, says Thomas Mock, a University of Washington postdoctoral researcher in oceanography and lead author of the paper. During photosynthesis, diatoms turn carbon dioxide into organic carbon and, in the process, generate oxygen. They are responsible for 40 percent of the organic carbon produced in the world’s oceans each year. The new work took advantage of the genomic map of the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana published in 2004 by a team led by UW oceanography professor Virginia Armbrust, who is corresponding author of the new PNAS paper.* Thalassiosira pseudonana is encased in a hatbox-shaped shell comprised of a rigid cell wall, made mainly of silica and delicately marked with pores in patterns distinctive enough for scientists to tell it from other diatoms. Armed with the genomic map, the researchers changed environmental conditions in laboratory cultures of Thalassiosira pseudonana, for example limiting the amount of silicon and changing the temperatures. Then researchers used what’s called “whole genome expression profiling” to determine which parts of the genome were triggered to compensate. Think of a plant on a windowsill that starts getting a lot more sunlight, Mock says. The new set of conditions will cause genes in the plant to turn on and off to help the plant acclimate to the increased light as best it can. Scientists since the late 1990s have found only a handful of genes that influence diatom shell formation. The work with Thalassiosira pseudonana identified large, previously unknown subsets. A set of 75 genes, for example, was triggered to compensate when silicon was limited. / The researchers were surprised to find another subset of 84 genes triggered when either silicon or iron were limited, suggesting that these two pathways were somehow linked. / Under low-iron conditions, the diatoms grew more slowly and genes involved in the production of the silica shell were triggered. Individual diatoms also tended to clump together under those conditions, making them even heavier and more likely to sink. The response of thin and thick cell walls depending on the amount of iron available had been observed at sea but “no one had a clue about the molecular basis,” Mock says. / Considering that 30 percent of the world’s oceans are iron-poor, some scientists have suggested fertilizing such areas with iron so diatoms become more numerous and absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus putting the brakes on global warming. If, however, adding iron causes diatoms to change the thickness of their shells then perhaps they won’t be as likely to sink and instead would remain in the upper ocean where the carbon they contain might be released back to the atmosphere as they decay or are eaten. “Iron increases primary production by diatoms but our study adds another concern about the efficiency of iron fertilization,” Mock says. Along with helping scientists understand implications for climate change and absorption of carbon dioxide, diatoms can manipulate silica in ways that engineers can only dream about. University of Wisconsin professor Michael Sussman, the co-corresponding author on the paper, says the new findings will help his group start manipulating the genes responsible for silica production and potentially harness them to produce lines on computer chips. This could vastly increase chip speed because diatoms are capable of producing lines much smaller than current technology allows, he says. *This research was published recently in the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Other co-authors from the University of Washington are Vaughn Iverson, Chris Berthiaume, Karie Holtermann and Colleen Durkin; from Systemix Institute is Manoj Pratim Samanta; and from University of Wisconsin are Matthew Robinson, Sandra Splinter BonDurant, Kathryn Richmond, Matthew Rodesch, Toivo Kallas, Edward Huttlin and Franceso Cerrina. / Funding for the research came from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, National Science Foundation, German Academic Exchange Service, National Institutes of Health Genomic Sciences Training Center and the University of Wisconsin.

• My First Calendar
  by MarbiaStudios

  Hi, If you would like a copy of my first calendar please bubblemail me. / it will be AUS$35. !http://images-0.redbubble.com/img/c…

  Hi, If you would like a copy of my first calendar please bubblemail me. / it will be AUS$35. /

• JANUARY SALE
  by MarbiaStudios

  The Following cards have been put on sale through out january. / they are $3.75 each until 31st January 2008. !http://images-1.redbubbl…

  The Following cards have been put on sale through out january. / they are $3.75 each until 31st January 2008. / Green Sky card / White Blossom Card / Yellow blossom card / Melon Blossom card / Card Combo

• All artwork with a 30-35% mark up as from the 18th January
  by MarbiaStudios

  All our artwork will have a markup between 30-35% there are some items that are below this as they are on sale. This is due to us wanting…

  All our artwork will have a markup between 30-35% there are some items that are below this as they are on sale. This is due to us wanting to provide good artwork at a lower cost. Enjoy!!! © Marbia Studios / Thess image’s cannot be reproduced in any format without the express written permission of Marbia Studios. / / Tree / Majestic Blue / Sunlight

• Plants Fonts
  by metronomad

  *Demo Fonts I did. Check it out and enjoy! Don’t redistribute. Free for personal use. Integrate it into your own art… Feedback would be…

  Demo Fonts I did. Check it out and enjoy! Don’t redistribute. Free for personal use. Integrate it into your own art… Feedback would be appreciated! DOWNLOAD ZIP FILE here!

• New Calendars for flower/tree lovers & dog/Misty lovers...
  by Bevsimages

  Just to let you all know there are 2 new calendars added/redone on my a/c… One for trees/flowers with cover shot of autumn leaf “Vei…

  Just to let you all know there are 2 new calendars added/redone on my a/c… One for trees/flowers with cover shot of autumn leaf “Veins”... called “Nature” The other “Cocker Spaniel” is a collection of all pics of my Misty moo to satisfy the dog lovers out there… Please take a look & feel free to comment… Cheers, Bev x ;))

• I sold a card - my god!!
  by Nathan Johnson

  I sold a card of my succulent image.Thankyou to whoever you are. The sale is a great source of encouragement. !http://images-1.redbubb…

  I sold a card of my succulent image.Thankyou to whoever you are. The sale is a great source of encouragement.