Latest science news in Earth & Climate
Mediterranean temperature, salt increasing
MADRID, May 25 (UPI) -- Spanish scientists say they've determined both the temperature and salt levels of the Western Mediterranean Sea are increasing.
TEEB study leader emphasises urgent need for action on biodiversity loss
Activities taking place around the world on the hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme with financial support from the European Commission; Germany, UK, Norway, Netherlands and Sweden [Saturday 22...
The benefits of energy crop cultivation outweigh the costs
An article in the current issue of Global Change Biology Bioenergy reveals that Miscanthus x giganteus, a perennial grass, could effectively reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, while lowering atmospheric...
OU researchers capture impressive tornadic data and images
At the University of Oklahoma, researchers captured unprecedented high-resolution radar data during the May 10, 2010, tornadoes using one of the most advanced weather radars in the world...
Haiti earthquake risk ‘not over,’ scientist says
The earthquake that devastated Haiti in January increased stresses on nearby faults, potentially increasing the likelihood of another major temblor in the islands, scientists have found.
Stanford scientists track polluted groundwater to the sea
Faulty septic systems have long been blamed for polluting some of California's most popular beaches. Yet few scientific studies have established a direct link between septic systems and coastal contamination...
More research needed into biodiversity–poverty links
Politicians won't act to conserve biodiversity unless they have strong evidence that it is an effective strategy for combating global poverty.
Livestock diversity needs genebanks too
Livestock genebanks are needed to ensure the world's future food supply, says livestock expert Carlos Seré.
New marine centre to study Africa's climate challenges
A marine research centre launched in South Africa is expected to boost climate change studies and train more oceanography students.
Kenya calls for unity on Nile water issue
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 21 (UPI) -- Kenyan officials called on Egypt and Sudan to join an agreement on Nile water distribution as Nairobi joins four other signatories to the...
Video: Oil Reaches La. Coast
Oil finally reached the La. Coast and residents are targeting their anger toward BP. Mark Strassmann reports.
Azeri gas safe from Dagestan unrest
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 21 (UPI) -- An explosion in the southern Russian region of Dagestan at a gas pipeline in January did not affect the overall gas supply to...
The Climate Bill and the Employment Picture
A new report estimates that, if enacted, the provisions in the Senate climate and energy bill would create 200,000 new jobs a year from 2011 to 2020.
'Digital genome' time capsule stored under the Swiss Alps
(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists in Europe have created a time capsule they call a 'digital genome,' and deposited it in a bunker known as the Swiss Fort Knox, which lies deep...
Firefighters battle 800-acre blaze near Corona
No structures were immediately threatened, but officials warned nearby residents to be ready to evacuate. The fire was started by mowing equipment, authorities say. ...
In Spill’s Aftermath, Conflict of Interest Worries
Officials are concerned that the laboratories that will examine the effects of the spill count oil firms, including BP, among their largest clients.
Alberta pressed to pay for fertility treatment
An in-vitro fertilization protocol that could save Alberta's health-care system millions of dollars doesn't meet provincial requirements, the government says.
Nine gang members arrested in Long Beach sting
Long Beach police have arrested at least nine gang members, including the reputed leader, in an early-morning sting across three cities.
Oceans Smaller And Warmer
Two new studies out this week give the best scientific estimates of the average depth of the world's oceans, the total amount of water they contain, and the extent to...
'Scrubbing' chemical-contaminated buildings clean with lasers
Dhiren Barot was an al Qaeda operative involved in plots to blow up the London subway, among other targets. To maximize the damage and the terror, he planned to...
Scientist Creates Water Use Manual for Developing Countries
(PhysOrg.com) -- Climate scientists can predict weather trends months, even years in advance, but this vital information often is never seen by engineers and professionals who manage water supplies in...
Canada ranked low in climate report
A report by a top advisory panel ranks Canada near the bottom of G8 countries when it comes to climate change and the economy, but Environment Minister Jim Prentice is...
Arctic spill exercise won't use oil: coast guard
The Canadian Coast Guard won't use actual oil during its High Arctic training exercise in how to deal with oil spills, but a scientist says it might be necessary to...
Gulf oil spill: EPA orders BP to use less toxic dispersant
The Environmental Protection Administration has ordered BP to use a less toxic chemicals in the company's effort to clean up the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, a...
Mars Institute 'Moon-1' Humvee Rover reaches Devon Island, High Arctic
(PhysOrg.com) -- An international team of researchers led by Mars Institute scientist Dr. Pascal Lee successfully reached Devon Island, High Arctic, on Sunday, 16 May, 2010 after a...
NSF, Gates Foundation to Support WSU Research on Developing 'Desert Wheat'
WSU researchers working on developing wheat varieties that grow under severe drought conditions ("desert wheat") earned a $1.6 million grant from the NSF and the Gates Foundation to help fund...
Sun Grant Research Evaluates Clover to Boost Biomass Yields
A species of clover that doesn't typically perform well in the dry uplands of the Northern Plains could find its niche by helping producers grow biomass crops for energy in...
Doctor, Bully, Futurist, Spy: The 'Smart Meter'
Writing in Friday's issue of the journal Science, the environmental scientist Jan Beyea foresees a world in which epidemiologists could harvest data on how people live from day to day...