BITES OF SERPENTS.

SNAKES, ROTATORS, SERPENTS, AND THE OCTAHEDRAL GROUPt

Specific configurations of horizontal and vertical bending magnets are given that, when acting on the spin polarization vector of a particle beam, generate a group of 24 operators isomorphic to the group of rotational symmetries of a cube, known as the octahedral group. Some of these configurations have the feature of converting transversely polarized beams to longitudinally polarized beams (or...

Bio-Bites!

Bio-Bites!

Vermont has mandated labeling of food containing genetically modified ingredients by July 2016. Representatives of the food and biotechnology industries and the Us Grocery Manufacturers Association in Washington DC are opposed to the law, and it is likely to be challenged in the federal court. References the week in science: Britain pledges to be more open about animal research; stanford Univer...

Bio-Bites!

Arthropod bites.

The phylum Arthropoda includes arachnids and insects. Although their bites typically cause only local reactions, some species are venomous or transmit disease. The two medically important spiders in the United States are widow spiders (Latrodectus), the bite of which causes intense muscle spasms, and the brown recluse (Loxosceles), which may cause skin necrosis. Widow bites usually respond to n...