Latest science news in Earth & Climate
Prepare for hotter and drier Southwestern US, climate experts urge
Prominent climate experts are calling for a "no-regrets" strategy for planning for a hotter and drier western North America. Their advice: use water conservatively and continue developing ways to harness...
Sea ice in the Arctic not recovering: Another critical minimum forecast
A critical minimum for Arctic sea ice can again be expected for late summer 2010, according to new projections by researchers in Germany.
Asian Carp Find Worries Great Lakes Fishermen
Lone 20-Pounder Discovered Past Electric Barriers Designed to Keep Invasive Species From Starving Out Popular Sport Fish
Agriculture's next revolution -- perennial grain -- within sight
Earth-friendly perennial grain crops, which grow with less fertilizer, herbicide, fuel, and erosion than grains planted annually, could be available in two decades, according to researchers. Perennial grains would be...
Industry fishing for profits, not predators
People who fish for a living pursue top profits, not necessarily top predators, according to the first-ever analysis of worldwide catch and economic data for the past 55 years...
Pictures: Gulf Oil Coats Popular Florida Beach
Thick pools of oil washed ashore on Pensacola Beach Wednesday, prompting officials to close a stretch of the famous white sands, according to news reports. ...
Higher wetland methane emissions caused by climate warming 40,000 years ago
40,000 years ago rapid warming led to an increase in methane concentration. The culprit for this increase has now been identified. Mainly wetlands in high northern latitudes caused the methane...
Nematodes vanquish billion dollar pest
The larvae of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera beetles wreak havoc on maize. Feasting on the plants' roots, they are estimated to cause $1 billion of damage every year in the US....
Welfare recipients withdrew $1.8 million from casino ATMs
California welfare recipients withdrew more than $1.8 million in taxpayer cash on casino floors between October 2009 and May 2010, state officials said Thursday.
Submerging Supreme: ROV Competition Preps Students for Future Deepwater Engineering [Slide Show]
From the beginning of the Deepwater Horizon crisis in the Gulf of Mexico, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) have been responsible for carrying out every attempt to stop the flow of...
IBM project addresses drought problems
SANTA ROSA, Calif., June 24 (UPI) -- IBM and Northern California officials say they're joining forces to address the increasingly serious problem of water management in the state's wine...
Scientists question EPA estimates of greenhouse gas emissions
MADISON, WI, June, 2010 — The approach the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses to estimate greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural anaerobic lagoons that treat manure contains...
Arctic Freshwater Cycle Intensifies, Marks Warming
The amount of fresh water flowing through the Arctic as snow or rainfall, in rivers and by evapotranspiration is rising in agreement with models of a warming climate, according to...
Climate 411
A scientific group creates a resource for journalists seeking accurate information on climate science.
Buildings in Canada earthquake-ready: experts
The central and eastern regions of Canada are in good shape when it comes to the earthquake-resistance of their buildings despite the shake-up the regions received Wednesday, say experts.
4.0 earthquake strikes California border region
A 4.0 earthquake rattled the California-Mexico border Thursday, likely the latest of thousands of aftershocks from the Easter Sunday earthquake that rocked Mexicali.
Climate change complicates plant diseases of the future
Human-driven changes in the earth's atmospheric composition are likely to alter plant diseases of the future. Researchers are studying the impact of elevated carbon dioxide, elevated ozone and higher atmospheric...
Iraq drives to boost oil infrastructure
BAGHDAD, June 24 (UPI) -- Iraq has been criticized for being too ambitious in its drive to quadruple its oil production over the next 6-7 years, but the Oil...
Assessing Swimming Pools' Environmental Cost
Environmental Impact: Pools can use five to six times more water and energy in arid climates than in more-temperate places.
Left or right? Early clues to soccer penalty kicks revealed
In the split second before foot meets ball, a soccer player's body betrays whether a penalty kick will go left or right, according to recent research in cognitive science. The...
Ecological change in the abyss — the Amperima event
Even in the dark abyss of the deep ocean animal communities can undergo rapid, widespread and radical changes. Scientists at the National Oceanography Centre are at the forefront of...
Wireless ocean monitoring in the Artic
Three years ago the idea emerged of a wireless network of sensors to monitor the Arctic regions of the ocean. Today, the theory behind the concept has been tested and...
Canadian Lake Helps Scientists Refine Alien Life-Hunting Skills
Scientists and astronauts will use single-seater submarines to dive into Canada's Pavilian Lake to practice hone life-hunting skills for use on other planets.
Why Finding Lithium in Afghanistan Is a Big Deal, Even If It Never Leaves the Ground
Lithium Evaporation Pond Part of SQM's operations on the Salar de Atacama in northern Chile Seth FletcherLithium is cheap and widely available, so why do we care about a new resource in...
On Our Radar: BP's New Face
Robert Dudley, BP's new face for the oil spill cleanup effort in the gulf, dives right into controversy, calling criticism of BP a "rush to justice" on his first day...
Kabul exploring mineral mining options
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 24 (UPI) -- Afghanistan is looking for Indian and Chinese investors to help develop giant mineral deposits in the country, officials said. ...
Sunday Times throws scientific caution to wind with 'Amazongate' hatchet job | George Monbiot
The IPCC's assertion on Amazon forests has been vindicated, but its accusers insist on continuing to peddle inaccuracies• Roy Greenslade: Sunday Times apologises for climate story• Forests expert officially complains about 'distorted' articleIt's...
Coast Guard to investigate command structure on Deepwater Horizon
Rear Adm. Kevin Cook tells a House panel that the agency will review whether having the drilling manger in charge rather than the sea captain caused confusion when problems arose. A top...