Latest science news in Earth & Climate
High-res Icelandic volcano images obtained
PITTSBURGH, April 27 (UPI) -- A U.S. vulcanologist has compiled the first high-resolution visible and thermal images of the erupting Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajoekull.
Pressure-cooking algae into a better biofuel
Heating and squishing microalgae in a pressure-cooker can fast-forward the crude-oil-making process from millennia to minutes.
Iceland volcano: Pitt researcher compiles first high-res images; plume receding but internal heat up
High-resolution visible and thermal infrared images captured by a joint NASA-Japanese satellite sensor and compiled by University of Pittsburgh volcanologist Michael Ramsey provide the first clear glimpse of the Icelandic...
Rattlesnakes sound warning on biodiversity and habitat fragmentation
Like the canary in the coal mine, the timber rattlesnake may be telling us something about the environment we share...
Does the weather cause northerners to get more prostate cancer?
Cold, dry weather has been linked to an increased incidence of prostate cancer. Researchers suggest that meteorological effects on persistent organic pollutants, such as some pesticides and industrial by-products, may...
How Much Volcanic Ash Is Too Much for a Jet Engine?
Air travel in Europe inched back to normal Wednesday, as officials estimated that newly opened flight routes would permit air traffic to approach 75 percent of its normal capacity. Ash...
On 'Earth week,' world is no longer our oyster
The world is no longer our oyster. As we prepare to celebrate Earth Day on April 22, we can add another species, one of widespread ecological and economic importance, to...
Volcano ash airport gridlock may help travelers rediscover creative genius, says psychologist
(PhysOrg.com) -- The dark clouds of volcanic ash that have closed airports and stranded travelers for days on end may have a silver lining, suggests an expert on human creativity...
USGS to upgrade quake monitoring networks
RESTON, Va., April 20 (UPI) -- The U.S. Geological Survey says it has awarded $2.7 million to four organizations to improve monitoring of the Earth's crust in earthquake-prone areas.
EU, Poland move to end CO2 conflict
BRUSSELS, April 20 (UPI) -- The European Union and Poland ended years of conflict when Brussels Monday agreed to an updated Polish plan over carbon dioxide emissions allowances for...
China pledges $20 billion Venezuela loan
BEIJING, April 20 (UPI) -- China has struck a $20 billion loans-for-oil deal with Venezuela.
First Green Supersonic Jet to Launch on Earth Day
A Navy Super Hornet fighter jet is set to take a supersonic flight on Earth Day on a mix of half biofuel, showcasing the Pentagon's efforts to reduce the military's...
Research plane flies into volcanic ash
FRANKFURT, Germany, April 20 (UPI) -- The German airline Lufthansa said it would send a research plane into the volcanic ash cloud covering much of Europe to determine ash...
Nunavut and miners join in wildlife research
Miners are joining Nunavut's Environment Department in wildlife research as mineral exploration grows in the territory.
Are winters in Europe becoming colder?
(PhysOrg.com) -- Despite the trend towards global warming, people in Great Britain and Central Europe will possibly experience cold winters more often in the next few years. This is the...
Will bison roam Europe's mountains?
Looking for a home where the buffalo roam? Europe's Carpathian Mountains qualify, it seems, and they may one day host thousands of bison if researchers' findings are heeded. ...
Undersea project delivers data flood
Sea-floor observatory in the Pacific Ocean to provide terabytes of data.
$50 Million Gift to Fund Global Water for Food Institute at University of Nebraska
NU announced a $50 million founding gift commitment from the Robert B. Daugherty Charitable Foundation for a global Water for Food Institute. The gift, one of the largest in NU's...
Alternative turfgrasses show potential for use on golf course fairways
Burgeoning restrictions on water use, fertilization, and pesticide application are becoming important considerations in golf course design and management. Other factors, including increasing energy costs, human health concerns, and environmental...
Global agricultural alliance sets its research agenda
The Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases has decided on a way forward following a meeting in New Zealand this month.
Irrigation interfering with monsoons, says study
Irrigation may be interfering with the conditions needed for the monsoons to advance into the northern parts of the Indian peninsula.
Nord Stream not affected by volcano
ZUG, Switzerland, April 20 (UPI) -- Construction of the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea isn't affected by the ash cloud from an Icelandic volcano, representatives...
More Ash Spewing Out from Iceland Clouds Outlook
A new cloud of volcanic ash was headed toward the United Kingdom on Tuesday, increasing the uncertainty about the prompt return of air traffic.
Oil removed from Alaska ship wreck
JUNEAU, Alaska, April 20 (UPI) -- U.S. Coast Guard divers began removing oil from tanks on the Princess Kathleen, which wreck off the coast of Alaska more than 50...
Chinese gas pipelines safe from earthquake
BEIJING, April 20 (UPI) -- Natural gas pipelines in China operated by the China National Petroleum Corp. are operating despite damage from an earthquake in northwest Qinghai province.
When it comes to the ash cloud and planes, trust the scientists | Martin Rivers
Even if it turns out the duration of the flight ban was excessive, that conclusion will only have been reached after days of testingThere's a brilliant scene in the film Fight Club...
Climate sceptic wins landmark data victory 'for price of a stamp'
Belfast ecologist forced to hand over tree-ring data describes order from information commission as a 'staggering injustice'An arch-critic of climate scientists has won a major victory in his campaign to win access to...
Iceland volcano: ask the experts
How long will Eyjafjallajokull keep erupting? Where is the ash cloud? Post your questions to our volcanologist and atmospheric scientist about the Iceland volcanoWith a new boost to the volcanic ash cloud today...