Latest science news in Earth & Climate
EU satellite to check climate impact on ice
(AP) -- The European Space Agency launched a new high-tech satellite Thursday to measure the effects of global warming on Earth's polar ice and gather data on rising sea...
Grassy Narrows protest mercury poisoning
Members of Grassy Narrows First Nation converge on Queen's Park to protest against decades of mercury poisoning in their community.
UCSB scientists obtain unique recordings of Easter earthquake in Mexico
The major earthquake that occurred in Baja California on Easter Sunday, April 4th, at 3:40 p.m. Pacific Time, is of great interest to UC Santa Barbara seismologists, who are busy...
Household detergents, shampoos may form harmful substance in waste water
Scientists are reporting evidence that certain ingredients in shampoo, detergents and other household cleaning agents may be a source of precursor materials for formation of a suspected cancer-causing contaminant in...
Climate link found in strange Arctic bird deaths
Like scenes out of Gary Larson's "Far Side" comic strip, scientists have discovered a tragicomedy playing out in deaths of Arctic seabirds. Far Side - Gary...
Coal mines' gas problem
Methane -- colorless, odorless and tasteless, but highly flammable -- is trapped inside by pressure and water and released when workers drill. ...
Using plants to purify canal water
Just south of Rome lie the Pontine Marshes, a vexed part of the Italian countryside. In ancient times, Roman emperors tried unsuccessfully to drain the marshes, something only achieved in...
Magazine Preview: Climate Change - Building a Green Economy
How we can afford to tackle climate change.
Eastern US forests resume decline
A comprehensive study finds that urban expansion is the main cause of a net loss of forested land in the eastern United States over recent decades. Loss is most pronounced...
New survey techniques improve narwhal population estimates
Estimates of narwhals summering in Canadian Arctic waters have improved because of new techniques. Previous estimates had placed populations between 20,000 and 30,000. New estimates increase that number to over...
Giant lizard discovered in the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines (AP) -- Researchers have concluded that a giant, golden-spotted monitor lizard discovered in the forested mountains of the Philippines six years ago is a...
A glass half empty: Hydrologist calls much-needed attention to California's dwindling groundwater supply
(PhysOrg.com) -- It may have been a rainy winter, but there's still cause for concern about California's water supply. Just ask Jay Famiglietti, UC Irvine Earth system science professor and...
4,000-year study supports use of prescribed burns in Southern Appalachians
A new study reconstructing thousands of years of fire history in the southern Appalachians supports the use of prescribed fire, or controlled burns, as a tool to reduce the risk...
Arctic winter ice recovers slightly despite record year low, scientists say
Figures from the National Snow and Ice Data Centre indicate six or seven- year low over past three decadesThe melting Arctic ice cap recovered slightly over the last winter, but scientists warned...
Britain blooming earlier thanks to rising temperatures, study says
Nature readings from 1753 until present day – including information from Springwatch viewers – show that change has been greatest in past 25 yearsBritish plants are coming into flower earlier as temperatures rise,...
In Canada, TV Goes Deep on Climate
A rare thing: five hours of television on climate modeling, science, politics, media coverage and more.
Weather Forecasters on Global Warming
Video excerpts of on-air comments by meteorologists, who are more likely than climatologists to question the science of climate change. Whom do you trust when it comes to climate science?
Why is lava shaped like that?
For geologist Tracy Gregg, exploring submarine volcanoes is a lot like being a CSI detective, just without the bodies. While a CSI team gathers evidence to find the killer, Gregg...
Calgary among world's highest CO2 emitters
Calgary produces more carbon dioxide per person in an urban setting than smog-filled Mexico City or New York City, according to a report by the United Nations.
Roundup 4/6: Waste Not Edition
Energy Secretary Steven Chu said he'd proceed with the termination of Nevada's Yucca Mountain...
Australia Leader Angry Over Chinese Freighter
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd criticized the captain of a freighter that beached on the Great Barrier Reef calling the vessel “an environmental time bomb.”
Mushrooms grown on bay and eucalyptus leaves change flavor
Mushrooms grown on mulch made from bay and eucalyptus leaves experience changes in flavor and, to a small degree, in color, while those grown on bay leaves are better in...
VOLCANO PICTURES: Philippines' Mayon About to Blow?
NoneFlowing lava and increasing gas levels, quakes, and ash explosions are among signs that a major eruption of Mayon Volcano could occur at any time, experts say.
Ten Climate Change "Icons" Announced
NoneWhat do quiver trees, clownfish, and koalas have in common? They're among ten "flagship" species likely to suffer huge loses due to a diverse array of global warming impacts, according...
PHOTOS: "Alien" Jellyfish Found in Arctic Deep
NoneA naked snail, a brightly colored jellyfish, and a ten-foot-long string of bell-like animals are among the odd discoveries—some only recently described by science—made during a 2005 expedition of the...
Undersea Robot Powered By Differing Water Temperatures
SOLO-TREC is undersea robot powered entirely by the natural temperature differences found in varying depths of the ocean.
Truffles Serve Up Environmental Info
Quality truffles can sell for more than a $1000 a pound. They’re also valuable in environmental research, work that’s discussed in an article called The Hidden Life of Truffles in...
James Cracknell runs for the wire in the Marathon des Sables
Former Olympic rower competes in 156-mile race through desert strapped up for scientific tests on how the body fares in extreme conditionsHelen PiddJames Cracknell is no stranger to masochism. Instead of putting his...