The proteomics of Chernobyl: The area immediately surrounding
the Chernobyl nuclear plant has been deemed unfit for human
habitation, but plants and animals don't pay attention to safety
officials, and have happily taken advantage of the fact that
they can go about their business undisturbed in the exclusion
zone. Researchers have checked whether one plant that's thriving
in the area (flax) has acquired any specific adaptations to deal
with the radiation. The answer, apparently, is no. When the
seeds of a plant grown with contaminated soil were checked using
proteomes, only 35 proteins showed significant changes, and
these performed a broad range of functions. They're never too
young to start them on irony: Well, maybe before they know how
to speak would be too young, but kids seem to grow up fast when
it comes to things like hyperbole and understatement. The
authors recorded nine hours of family conversation among parents
and kids from about four to six. Children's responses to their
parents "revealed some u