Plant researchers, Bill Hock, Brent McCown and Eric Zeldin of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, while studying the fall colour changes on trees, discovered that brilliant red pigments shade sensitive leaf tissue in fall and trees reabsorb these nutrients from their leaves. They explained, "Trees need to store as many of those nutrients as they can before the leaves drop." In actuality, the red pigment produced by the leaves performs much the same important function as sunscreen on human skin. Their study also explains why most native maples and oaks in the Midwest and New England turn red, while European species such as the Norway maple do not. The absence of red leaves is the result of the cloudier and warmer weather in these locations during fall. Therefore, these species don't need the protection of these pigments.

Picture this, sky blue French fries! Heinz introduced sky blue French fries as a result of a market survey. Kids were asked what would make them eat more French fries and blue was the winner. However, they were wrong about it as the product wasn’t received too well and was pulled from the shelves. In the meantime, sales of Heinz's other crazy colours -- the green, purple, and pink ketchup – were a big hit.

Scientists in Switzerland have created a genetically engineered strain of rice that could save millions of children's lives. Unlike white rice, golden rice produces beta carotene, an important source of Vitamin A, which is crucial for resistance to disease and healthy vision. Approximately 124 million children in the world don't get enough Vitamin A. Of these, about a half a million go blind and 1-2 million die due to lack of Vitamin A. Note: Dr. Ingo Potrykus of Germany is the inventor of golden rice. In 2005, a new variety called Golden Rice 2 was announced, it produces up to 23 times more beta-carotene than the original variety of golden rice.

While painting windows, take off any hardware so that the job becomes easier and you achieve a neater finish. Start with the stiles and the rails of the opening sections; make sure you use a 1 inch brush. Paint with the window open so you can easily paint both sides. Keep the window open until the paint is completely dry. Next, paint the railings of any non-opening panes. Create a mid-section line to differentiate between the frame and the wall surface.

For professional-looking results, use painter’s tape. It helps guard areas you don’t want to paint. It works well for doors and window trims. Different adhesion levels are available for painter’s tape. They are perfect for textured surfaces, as well as fresh surfaces like newly painted areas. Check the adhesion level according to the job you are undertaking.

Follow the “cutting in” style for prepping up. ‘Cutting in’ basically means outlining the room. It involves using a paintbrush to create 2 to 3 inch bands around the edges of the walls where they meet ceilings, other walls, doors, window frames and hinges. The 2 to 3 inch areas around the room allow you to roll the rest of the wall quickly without having to try and roll paint. It’s impossible to use a roller that close to areas you’re trying not to paint without making mistakes.