My picks from ScienceDaily

Air-filled Bones Extended Lung Capacity And Helped Prehistoric Reptiles Take First Flight:

In the Mesozoic Era, 70 million years before birds first conquered the skies, pterosaurs dominated the air with sparrow- to Cessna-sized wingspans. Researchers suspected that these extinct reptiles sustained flight through flapping, based on fossil evidence from the wings, but had little understanding of how pterosaurs met the energetic demands of active flight.

In Flurry Of Studies, Researcher Details Role Of Apples In Inhibiting Breast Cancer:

Six studies published in the past year by a Cornell researcher add to growing evidence that an apple a day -- as well as daily helpings of other fruits and vegetables -- can help keep the breast-cancer doctor away.

If You're Aggressive, Your Dog Will Be Too, Says Veterinary Study:

In a new, year-long University of Pennsylvania survey of dog owners who use confrontational or aversive methods to train aggressive pets, veterinary researchers have found that most of these animals will continue to be aggressive unless training techniques are modified.

Growing Peppers: Does Hotter Mean Healthier?:

Phytophthora blight, caused by Phytophthora capsici, is a major plant disease that affects many crop species worldwide, including chile peppers in New Mexico. Farmers' observations suggested that Phytophthora capsici caused less damage in pepper crops of the hot pepper varieties than low-heat pepper varieties.

Genetic Adaptations Key To Extreme Microbe's Survival In Challenging Environment:

The genome of a marine bacterium living 2,500 meters below the ocean's surface is providing clues to how life adapts in extreme thermal and chemical gradients, according to an article published Feb. 6 in the journal PLoS Genetics. The research focused on the bacterium Nautilia profundicola, a microbe that survives near deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Microorganisms that thrive at these geysers on the sea floor must adapt to fluctuations in temperature and oxygen levels, ranging from the hot, sulfide- and heavy metal-laden plume at the vents' outlets to cold seawater in the surrounding region.

Mutant Rats Resist Warfarin:

A new series of mutations have been discovered that allow rats to resist the effects of the popular poison warfarin. New research describes eighteen new genetic changes found in rats from four continents.

Gardening Gives Older Adults Benefits Like Hand Strength And Self Esteem:

Researchers at Kansas State University already have shown that gardening can offer enough moderate physical activity to keep older adults in shape.