In today’s news, Netherlands extends asylum protection for Afghan women and girls. Pollution threatens vital water resources for communities in São Paulo, Brazil, vegan diets offer wellness and vitality during menopause in US, secure network in Spain supports families by providing free calling services for children, volunteers in California, USA, celebrate 30 years of protecting local waterway, innovative high-protein vegan ramen from UK offers convenient, nutritional meals, and quick-thinking puppy saves her caregiver from early morning house fire in New Zealand.
Here is a neat tip. Did you know that plants can sense and respond to physical contact? This phenomenon is known as thigmotropism. Plants also react to physical movement such as brushing and handling, which is called thigmomorphogenesis. This triggers the production of the plant compound ethylene and increased ethylene levels decrease stem elongation, leading to shorter and more compact growth. Natural forces such as wind provide regular physical stimulation. As a result, plants growing in exposed locations often develop stronger, stockier stems that are better able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Therefore, when you are staking a newly planted tree, it is best to use a short stake that allows some movement because gentle flexing in the wind encourages the tree to respond to its environment and develop a stronger trunk and root system. Gently brushing or “tickling” indoor seedlings can help prevent etiolation – the weak, stretched growth that occurs when plants do not receive enough light – and can encourage stronger stem development. Similarly, placing a fan near seedlings can mimic the effects of outdoor breezes, providing the touch stimulus needed to promote sturdier, healthier growth.
It sounds like the laughter generator has already started producing the joke of the day. Let’s check it out. It’s called, “One Bite at a Time.”
There was a man so lazy, he barely lifted a finger even to eat. Before leaving to visit her parents for a week, his wife baked a vegan giant ring-shaped loaf and hung it around his neck.
“There. Now you don’t even have to get up. Just take a bite whenever you’re hungry.”
A week later, she came home and found him hungry. Only the piece of bread right in front of his mouth was gone.
“You had a whole loaf around your neck. Why didn’t you eat the rest?”
“Turning it sounded like too much work.”
?!
