Latest science news in Earth & Climate
THEN and NOW: Africa Satellite Images Show Stark Changes
Before-and-after pictures from a new atlas show how Africa is altering from the shrinking of Kilimanjaro's snows to the expansion of an "instant" lake.
Clues to Climate Change in Remote Atmospheric Region
Scientists are deploying an advanced research aircraft to study a region of the atmosphere that influences climate change by affecting the amount of solar heat that reaches Earth's surface. read more
Arctic sea ice melt threatens permafrost
BOULDER, Colo., June 12 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say the rate of climate warming over northern Alaska, Canada, and Russia could more than triple during periods of rapid...
Guanaco study to be started in Chile
NEW YORK, June 12 (UPI) -- Wildlife Conservation Society veterinarians say they are about to release radio-collared guanacos as part of a new study in Chile's Karukinka reserve.
Tests check out rescue robots' life-saving vision
To save lives, search and rescue robots crawling through the rubble of a collapsed building or surveying a chemical spill area must be capable of beaming back clear, easily interpretable...
Head for the Hills! Creatures Run from Global Warming
Three Malagasy frog and lizard species could go extinct this century due to climate change.
Aussies hope new bike will carry them to Olympic gold
A new bicycle, designed with aerospace expertise, will give Australian cyclists the edge at this year's Beijing Olympics, team organisers said here Thursday.
Global Warming Could Release Trillions Of Pounds Of Carbon Annually From East Siberia's Vast Frozen Soils
East Siberia's permafrost contains about 500 Gigatons (1100 trillion pounds) of frozen carbon deposits that are highly susceptible to disturbances as the climate warms. Once started, irreversible thawing could release...
Mark Lynas: Climate chaos is inevitable. We can only avert oblivion
Mark Lynas: At best we will limit the extent of global warming, but Kyoto barely helps. Does humanity have the foresight to save itself?
Wet or dry, Montana still threatened by West Nile
West Nile virus is apparently here to stay despite Montana's cool, wet spring, says Montana State University entomologist Greg Johnson.
New fish species named for retiree
PHILADELPHIA, June 11 (UPI) -- Officials at the Academy of Natural Science in Philadelphia say they have named a new fish species after a "dedicated" former mail room...
Science academies urge G8 commitment to carbon storage
G8 countries should step up efforts to combat climate change with the establishment of carbon capture and storage technology, say scientists.
South Asia News in brief: 29 May–11 June
Scientists warn against atmosphere engineering, community care 'improves baby survival', Indian region an 'earthquake hotspot', and more.
Gulf states should work together on research
A regional strategy and a focus on capacity building would strengthen Gulf investments in S&T, say Wael K. Al-Delaimy and Hilal A. Lashuel.
Basics: Tallying the Toll on an Elder of the Sea
The loss of the horseshoe crab would be tragic, researchers say, because so many contemporary life forms depend on them.
King Coal Country Debates a Sacrilege, Gas Heat
Officials in the heart of Pennsylvania’s coal mining region are considering using natural gas at county facilities.
Sensors to monitor city sewage system
SOUTH BEND, Ind., June 11 (UPI) -- Scientists at Purdue and Notre Dame Universities say they're developing a sensor network to prevent city sewage from flowing into waterways...
Rocky water source
Gypsum, a rocky mineral is abundant in desert regions where fresh water is usually in very short supply but oil and gas fields are common. Writing in International Journal of...
'National effort' urged on floods
A national effort is needed to tackle the vulnerability of key infrastructure to flooding, warns the Environment Agency.
Really?: The Claim: Ice Is Good for a Skin Burn
A batch of ice for a sunburn may seem like the perfect remedy, but is it?
China Holds Funeral for Panda Killed by Earthquake
Mao Mao, a panda who has been missing since the May 12 earthquake, was found crushed under a wall and buried by keepers at the Wolong reserve.
German carmakers welcome modified emissions targets
German automakers could breathe easier Tuesday after Berlin and Paris agreed on a proposal that relaxes carbon dioxide emission targets for cars.
City-Size Tract of Amazon Forest Cleared in April
The sudden spate of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is an alarming development brought on by rising food prices and lack of rain, officials say.
European system for cutting CO2 emissions is working well: Lessons to be learned for US, globe
In a bid to control greenhouse gas emissions linked to climate change, the European Union has been operating the world's first system to limit and to trade carbon dioxide. Despite...
China claims 'decisive victory' in battle to drain quake lake
The once-brimming quake lake in central China was significantly drained on Tuesday, easing fears that it would overflow and wash away the homes of the 1.3 million people living downstream.
EPA: Permits not needed for water transfer
WASHINGTON, June 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a rule it says is designed to clarify that permits aren't required for transfers of water.
Opinion: Why listen to scientists?
Observations show disturbing signs that the Earth’s response to our activities is happening faster than expected, writes Geoff Davies.
Marine product could beat cancer
A New Zealand researcher has developed a natural marine product from sea sponges that could be used during chemotherapy as a successful anti-cancer drug.