Latest science news in Earth & Climate
Arctic sea ice reaches its 2nd-lowest level in nearly 30 years
The National Snow and Ice Data Center says the ice now covers about 2.03 million square miles and could drop under last September's record low of 1.65 million square miles. ...
Israel to Display the Dead Sea Scrolls on the Internet
Each piece of the Dead Sea Scrolls is being digitally photographed with the aim of putting the entire file online.
Protection Zones In The Wrong Place To Prevent Coral Reef Collapse
Conservation zones are in the wrong place to protect vulnerable coral reefs from the effects of global warming, an international team of scientists warned today. Now the team say that...
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.
Why Is Greenland Covered In Ice? Changes In Carbon Dioxide Levels Explain Transition
A fall in levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, close to that of pre-industrial times, explains the transition from a mostly ice-free Greenland of three million years ago to the ice-covered...
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.
Global Warming Linked To Plant Migration
Striking new research in the Southern California mountains suggests recent warming is behind a massive die-off and rapid migration to higher ground by nine different plants - from desert shrubs...
U.S.: Global warming is biggest challenge
WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- A U.S. official says meeting energy needs in the 21st century while fighting global warming will be one of the biggest challenges humanity...
Whether Brown Or Red, Algae Can Produce Plenty of Green Fuel
Rose Ann Cattolico is convinced algae can be a major source of environmentally friendly fuels for everything from lawn mowers to jet airplanes. Now an investment company that works with...
Rwanda applies long-awaited CFCs ban
Over a decade after drafting the legislation, Rwanda is implementing a ban on gases that damage the ozone layer.
Sub-Saharan Africa news in brief: 14–27 August
Coastal cities threatened by climate change, Nigerian research positions 'poor performance', researchers breed better sorghum, and more.
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...
USDA proposes new downer cattle regulation
WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing a new regulation that would prohibit the slaughter of cattle that can't walk.
Cull plan aims to help save red squirrels
A rapid response service will be set up to help trap and kill grey squirrels across southern Scotland.
Coastal County Gets Fine-tuned for Hurricane Weather
On August 28 and 29, University of North Carolina at Charlotte meteorologist Matthew Eastin and his students will be turning North Carolina's coastal Brunswick Co. into one of the country's...
UK makes Atlantic sea bed claim
Britain is to formally present its case to the UN to extend its territorial rights around Ascension Island.
Beer-based biofuel, trash brigade help turn convention green
The Democratic Party is using beer-based biofuel and a recycling brigade guarding trash cans to help ease the environmental impact of its convention in Denver this week.
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.
Hot And Cold: Circulation Of Atmosphere Affected Mediterranean Climate During Last Ice Age
A new study in Science reveals the circulation of the atmosphere over the Mediterranean during the last ice age, 23,000 to 19,000 years ago, and how this affected the local...
'Battlestar Galactica' Franchise Steams Ahead
TV's 'Battlestar Galactica' is proof that the ratings system is dead.
Carmakers falling short on EU emissions targets: report
Car makers are not doing enough to meet proposed EU targets for cutting carbon dioxide emissions, according to a report Tuesday, with some German and Japanese brands facing the biggest...
Canada to map Arctic's vast resources
Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Tuesday an ambitious plan to discover and tap mineral, oil and gas riches believed to be hidden beneath the cool Arctic.
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...
Alpine lakes beginning to show effects of climate change
A recent study forecasts that increased climatic variability poses serious consequence for both the biodiversity and ecosystem function of high-elevation lakes.
ENVIRONMENT PHOTOS WEEKLY: Drought, Deadly Storm, More
Fashion meets nature in Bali, a water-delivery tunnel cuts through the San Bernardino Mountains, and more in our new weekly roundup of nature news photos.
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