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Consider the following dilemma: You turn up for an exam, having no prior knowledge of the subject. You are handed one of two opportunities: You can get your answers either from an expert, but in a completely different language from yours or, alternatively, from someone who has only passable knowledge, but shares your language. Which would you choose?
Bacteria were put to a similar test in the lab of Prof. Yitzhak Pilpel of the Weizmann Institute of Science’s Molecular Genetics Department. He, Dr.OrnaDahan and other members of his lab team asked: When bacteria take on foreign genes, how does this affect their chances of survival, and do the bacteria prefer to take these genes from species that “speak” their language?
Plastic is blowing in the wind
As the plastic in our oceans breaks up into smaller and smaller bits without breaking down chemically, the resulting microplastics are becoming a serious ecological problem. A new study at the Weizmann Institute of Science reveals a troubling aspect of microplastics - defined as particles smaller than 5 mm across. They are swept up into the atmosphere and carried on the wind to far-flung parts of the ocean, including those that appear to be clear. Analysis reveals that such minuscule fragments can stay airborne for hours or days, spreading the potential to harm the marine environment and, by climbing up the food chain, to affect human health.