Latest science news in Earth & Climate
Sea squirts have carefree sex
The simple sea squirt could be the envy of many, as new research has found the organism never has to worry about contraceptives or fertility problems.
Facades: A Source Of Water Pollution
For many years, fingers have been pointed at agriculture whenever pesticides are detected in rivers and streams. Studies now show that built-up areas also account for a considerable proportion of...
Not-So-Permafrost: Big Thaw of Arctic Soil May Unleash Runaway Warming
"Drunken" trees listing wildly, cracked highways and sinkholes--all are visible signs of thawing Arctic permafrost. When this frozen soil warms, it releases carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases as...
Swiss 3-D system aids weather forecasting
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Swiss scientists say they have developed a new technology that improves weather forecast accuracy by providing continuous data on atmospheric conditions.
PHOTOS: "Pristine" Reefs Part of Planned Marine Reserve
The remote protected area in the western and central Pacific--proposed by U.S. President George W. Bush earlier this week--would be nearly as large as Texas and Alaska combined.
Fault map helps earthquake forecast
Geological mapping in New Zealand has shown that earthquakes are unlikely to travel between the North and South islands, because no fault connects them.
Japanese firms plan solar-powered cargo ship
The world's first cargo ship partly propelled by solar power is set to take to the seas later this year in a joint project between two Japanese companies, an official...
UPI NewsTrack Health and Science News
Bush endangered species plan criticized ... U.S.official warns of global warming ... Small, sustainable fishing being undercut ... Satellite shooting unneeded says scientist ... Health/Science news from UPI.
Small, sustainable fishing being undercut
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- University of British Columbia researchers in Canada say small fisheries are undermined by ill-conceived eco-labeling initiatives and unfair fuel subsidies.
Trouble quitting?: New smoking study may reveal why
A new study from researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University sheds light on why smokers' intentions to quit "cold turkey" often fizzle out within days or...
More fertilizer research needed in world
MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala., Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Funding and research on fertilizers is badly needed since cuts to Tennessee Valley Authority programs in the 1990s, say analysts.
Racing cane toads reveals they get cold feet on Southern Australia invasion
Cane toads weren't allowed to compete in the Olympics, but scientists have raced cane toads in the laboratory and calculated that they would not be able to invade Melbourne, Adelaide...
Industry failing to monitor water quality
Outmoded equipment lets chemical pollutants slip through the net
Science Has No Place in Politics
Obama and McCain found time for various public forums. But when it came to science, the candidates were conspicuously silent.
Western Amazon in danger from oil and gas demand
A study shows how rising oil and gas demand is leading to major exploration in the Western Amazon, threatening the forest and indigenous people.
Part of bird reserve left to sea
About a third of one of Britain's most important bird reserves is to be abandoned because of coastal erosion.
The ice machine comes - to rescue a seal with cold phobia
An Arctic hooded seal with an apparent aversion to the cold is overcoming his phobia with the aid of an ice machine.
Nova Scotia considers drilling proposal
HALIFAX, British Columbia, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- U.S. fishermen and conservationists are voicing concern over a Canadian proposal to drill for oil and gas on the Georges Bank...
VIDEO: Ice Trek Meets Polar Bears, More
National Geographic explorers take a three-month adventure through ice and Arctic waters to reach the islands of Franz Josef Land north of Russia.
WEEK IN PHOTOS: Galactic "Tentacles," Palace Fire, More
Galactic "tentacles" stay put, balloons take flight, tropical storm Fay fights on, and more in our selection of the week's best news photos.
Kangaroo Meat Could Help Australia Cut Gas Emissions
Unique digestion causes kangaroos to emit less methane than sheep and cattle, says a researcher pushing for Australia's meat industry to focus on the native marsupial.
Recycled Sewage: Coming to a Tap Near You?
Yes, say water experts, who cite droughts and competition as reasons why recycled sewage is already being used in California and other parts of the developed world.
Largest Squid Ever Caught Is "Giant, Gelatinous Blob"
Despite its species' fearsome reputation, the colossal squid was likely sluggish and would have been filled with thousands of glowing babies, said a scientist who dissected her.
Researchers develop drought-tolerant corn
At the end of the day, drought tolerance in corn has to equate to good yields and good quality, not just good looks, said a Texas AgriLife Research scientist.
Nuke reactor designated historic landmark
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. officials Monday officially designated the "B reactor" at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation as a historic landmark.
Feisty Puppy Scares Off 3 Bears In NJ Back Yard
A 15-pound cocker spaniel-poodle mix named Pawlee scared off a mother bear and her two cubs Sunday morning after they strayed into his owners' back yard.
Study tests antibacterial product claims
BOZEMAN, Mont., Aug. 25 (UPI) -- A Montana State University scientist is using a $1.7 million U.S. Environmental Protection agency grant to make sure antibacterial products are effective.
Building A Stronger Roof Over Your Head: 'Three Little Pigs' Project Begins First Tests
This week, inaugural tests at The University of Western Ontario's 'Three Little Pigs' project at the Insurance Research Lab for Better Homes will get underway. This facility is the first...