Earth and Science
As a Freelance Severe Weather Journalist, Doug has chased ice storms, blizzards, thunderstorms and tornadoes. In August 2005, his job brought him to New Orleans, Louisiana to cover Hurricane Katrina.
More video from Earth & Science
Renowned designer Philippe Starck has created a consumer wind turbine that could dramatically decrease your energy intake.
Recently the Center for Health, Environment and Justice has found that shower curtains made up of polyvinyl, or PVC, plastic may be hazardous to your health. Let Graeme freak you out more...
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Nanotube 'longboats' slaughter cancer cells
A new lead in the fight against cancer: Nanotube 'longboats'; essentially structures which deliver toxic drugs directly into cancerous cells.
They were shown to be effective in killing cells with folic acid receptors, which are particularly numerous on cancer cells. A new lead in the fight against cancer: Nanotube 'longboats'; essentially structures which deliver toxic drugs directly into... more -
How the human got his thumbs
For decades, people referred to the non-coding bits of DNA between genes as junk DNA. Then, in the eighties scientists discovered that some of that junk DNA served an important purpose. The DNA attracted or repelled transcription factors and RNA, greatly enhancing or inhibiting the potency of adjacent genes. Now scientists have just found that one of those gene enhancers may be what separates humans and chimps.
Researchers from U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, publishing online in the most recent issue of the journal Science, placed human, chimpanzee and macaque versions of the enhancer into mouse DNA. The scientists also added a gene that would release a blue dye to show where in the mouse fetus the enhancer was most active. When the mice developed, the researcher saw that it was active in the hands, feet and throat. Additionally, the mice with the human version showed the most activity, with the chimp version producing some activity, and the macaque version producing very little.
The researchers then showed that the difference between the human and chimp versions of the enhancer result from a difference of only 13 nucleotides, a far larger number of changes than would be expected had the mutations been the result of drift rather than selection. The location of enhancer activity highlights the importance of the difference. Our hands, with their opposable thumbs, our feet, evolved for bipedal locomotion, and our throats, which allow us to speak, make up three key differences between humans and all other apes. Because of its role enhancing the genes that regulate the development of those regions, the evolution of this gene enhancer must have been a key step in the evolutionary separation of the human/chimpanzee common ancestor. Furthermore, by following the presence of this particular gene enhancer, researchers should be able to locate which genes are responsible for our differences from chimps and when they evolved. Mapping out humanity's divergence from apes? Not bad for a bunch of DNA once thought of as junk.
By Stuart Fox For decades, people referred to the non-coding bits of DNA between genes as junk DNA. Then, in the eighties scientists discovered that... more -
Masterpieces of green graffiti
Imagine an art form that uses living, respiring material; an art form that creates mini eco-systems in often complex and beautiful patterns. It changes the face of urban landscapes and redefines the term “urban jungle.” It breathes life anew.
Welcome to the world of green graffiti – masterpieces crafted in moss and grass. Here you’ll find some of the most incredible works of this rare and unusual art form and how to make it yourself.
For more pics: click this link and find out how you can make your own.
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/moss-gras... Imagine an art form that uses living, respiring material; an art form that creates mini eco-systems in often complex and beautiful pat... more -
Mars rover prepares for winter
NASA's Phoenix lander is to stockpile samples of soil in order to prepare for the Martian winter, when its solar panels will stop providing enough power.
The harsh Martian winter will inevitably destroy Phoenix, but scientists are trying to give it as long as possible. NASA's Phoenix lander is to stockpile samples of soil in order to prepare for the Martian winter, when its solar panels will stop... more -
Palin: the real scandal
"The woman who could soon be a 72-year-old's heartbeat away from the United States presidency has an environmental policy so toxic it would make the incumbent, George Bush, blush.
Mr McCain has stressed he is concerned about global warming and has come out against drilling in the Arctic reserve. But, in recent weeks, he has wobbled on the issue. And environmentalists are describing Mrs Palin, who denies climate change is man-made, as "either grossly misinformed or intentionally misleading".
She wants to start drilling. She wants to block US moves to list the polar bear as an endangered species. And she has allowed big game hunters to shoot Alaska's bears and wolves from low-flying planes." "The woman who could soon be a 72-year-old's heartbeat away from the United States presidency has an environmental policy so... more -
House Dems to yield on offshore drilling
"House Democrats are ready to propose an expansion of offshore drilling as part of a broader energy bill they plan to introduce this month, according to a top Democrat.
Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman John Larson (Conn.) said the majority is prepared to back “responsible” offshore drilling through a bill that could be brought to the floor as early as next week.
But the Democratic energy bill will also include past provisions pushed by the party – but that failed to pass the House with the two-thirds majority required under the procedural rules that Democrats chose to use – including the “use it or lose it” provision and a release of oil from the strategic reserve.
“We will consider responsibly opening portions of the Outer Continental Shelf for drilling while demanding that Big Oil companies use the leases they have already been issued or return them to the public,” Larson said Saturday in the Democratic response to the President’s radio address.
Larson said the legislation will also seek to curb excessive oil market speculation and call for a reinvestment of government royalties into alternative energy technology.
“Democrats support drilling, but a ‘drill only’ plan would do nothing but drill deeper and deeper into your wallet. And look, while the oil companies have remained flush, your wallet is running dry,” Larson said.
Should the Democratic bill contain language lifting the ban on offshore drilling, it will mark a dramatic shift since July, when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was adamant in refusing to allow her chamber to vote on any offshore drilling proposal.
Over the August recess, Republicans stayed behind in Washington to protest Pelosi’s position. Pelosi has since softened her position, saying she could support some, responsible drilling provided it rode in tandem with a host of other energy provisions." "House Democrats are ready to propose an expansion of offshore drilling as part of a broader energy bill they plan to introduce ... more -
The 65 mpg Ford the US can't have
If ever there was a car made for the times, this would seem to be it: a sporty subcompact that seats five, offers a navigation system, and gets a whopping 65 miles to the gallon. Oh yes, and the car is made by Ford Motor (F), known widely for lumbering gas hogs.
Ford's 2009 Fiesta ECOnetic goes on sale in November. But here's the catch: despite the car's potential to transform Ford's image and help it compete with Toyota Motor (TM) and Honda Motor (HMC) in its home market, the company will sell the little fuel sipper only in Europe. "We know it's an awesome vehicle," says Ford America President Mark Fields. "But there are business reasons why we can't sell it in the US." The main one: The Fiesta ECOnetic runs on diesel.
Automakers such as Volkswagen (VLKAY) and Mercedes-Benz (DAI) have predicted for years that a technology called "clean diesel" would overcome many Americans' antipathy to a fuel still often thought of as the smelly stuff that powers tractor trailers. Diesel vehicles now hitting the market with pollution-fighting technology are as clean or cleaner than gasoline and at least 30% more fuel-efficient.
Yet while half of all cars sold in Europe last year ran on diesel, the US market remains relatively unfriendly to the fuel. Taxes aimed at commercial trucks mean diesel costs anywhere from 40 cents to $1 more per gallon than gasoline. Add to this the success of the Toyota Prius, and you can see why only 3% of cars in the US use diesel. "Americans see hybrids as the darling," says Global Insight auto analyst Philip Gott, "and diesel as old-tech. If ever there was a car made for the times, this would seem to be it: a sporty subcompact that seats five, offers a navigation system,... more -
WWF Blames Global Cooling On “Carbon Pollution”
Warming, cooling, who cares? Just shut up and accept CO2 taxation
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Thinking increases your appetite
Researchers offered students as much food as they could eat after having them either relax, summarize a text or take memory and attention tests on a computer. Although doing the intellectual work only burned three more calories than being sedentary, those who had completed the cognitive tasks ended up consuming over 200 calories more from the unlimited buffet. Researchers offered students as much food as they could eat after having them either relax, summarize a text or take memory and atten... more
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USAF Laser - The New Napalm?
In science fiction, it's one zap of a laser gun, and you're dead. But real-life energy weapons likely won't work that way.
Take the Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL) that U.S. Special Forces have begun to test-fire. Intended for "covert strikes," the ATL has been sold on its ability to blast away with pinpoint accuracy. A very rough estimate shows, however, that the effects when you target an individual are not quite what you might expect. It's not going to kill you quickly.
So instead of "zap-and-you're-dead" in normal science fiction style, with a hundred kilowatt laser, it's more a matter of spraying the target all over to ensure they're done. The description of the ATL as a "long range blow torch" is probably quite accurate.
With this type of weapon, the effects are more like napalm than bullets. Humanitarian protests are likely. In science fiction, it's one zap of a laser gun, and you're dead. But real-life energy weapons likely won't work that w... more -
Hurricane Hanna hits the Carolinas
You've got to love hurricane season.
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Lawmakers Demand Anthrax Details from FBI
A month after the F.B.I. declared that an Army scientist was the anthrax killer, leading members of Congress are demanding more information about the seven-year investigation, saying they do not think the bureau has proved its case. The accused scientist, Bruce E. Ivins, committed suicide in July.
FBI officials acknowledged that they did not have a single, definitive piece of evidence indisputably proving that Dr. Ivins mailed the letters — no confession, no trace of his DNA on the letters, no security camera recording the mailings in Princeton, N.J. A month after the F.B.I. declared that an Army scientist was the anthrax killer, leading members of Congress are demanding more inform... more -
Why men die first
"The cultural reasons for not going to the doctor are killing men," says Marianne J. Legato, MD, in a new book called Why Men Die First: How to Lengthen Your Lifespan. The author explains why men's life span in the U.S. lasts an average of six years less than women's.
'Males are more fragile and inherently vulnerable than females from birth. And unlike women, who have fought hard to have their specific health needs validated and addressed, men haven't demanded equal treatment.
Men's medical challenges owe a great deal to cultural conditioning. The rules are set shortly after birth, Legato says: Suck up the pain, don't be a wimp, show no weakness, and "man up." Many men only seek medical counsel when under duress from a spouse or when their condition has deteriorated to a severe state.
"Women are able to logically ask for help," says Legato, who has long promoted the concept of gender-specific medicine. "They're hardwired in the brain and very motivated".'
Picture: http://flickr.com/photos/yourdon/2626095227/in/photostr... "The cultural reasons for not going to the doctor are killing men," says Marianne J. Legato, MD, in a new book called Why Me... more -
The most alien-looking place on Earth
Socotra Island is off the tip of Somalia in the Indian Ocean. It has 700 native species, 1/3 of which are found no where else on earth. Check out the link; the pictures look unreal. Socotra Island is off the tip of Somalia in the Indian Ocean. It has 700 native species, 1/3 of which are found no where else on eart... more
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US flagship reaches Georgian port held by Russia
The flagship of the US Navy's Mediterranean fleet anchored Friday outside this key Georgian port, defiantly delivering humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged US ally in a slap at Moscow. The flagship of the US Navy's Mediterranean fleet anchored Friday outside this key Georgian port, defiantly delivering humanitari... more
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Flash Floods!
So it's that time of the year again when Britain gets its inevitable end of summer show down with nature. Some areas of the country saw as much as 50mm rain which left plenty of places completely under water and causing hundreds of thousands of pounds in damage.
One girl was killed in the floods in Wales after the 4x4 she was travelling in lost its footing and turned over into a river. So it's that time of the year again when Britain gets its inevitable end of summer show down with nature. Some areas of the count... more -
Climate change could stop corals fixing themselves
Climate change is depriving coral reefs across the globe of the building materials used to make their shells. Current plans to curb greenhouse gas emissions may not be enough to fix the problem, according to new research.
The daily life of corals is a constant battle against erosion. The reef builders patch up holes in their shells, left by nibbling sea creatures, using a mineral called calcium carbonate. To keep up with repairs, corals in the wild usually require three times as much of the mineral as sheltered corals grown in laboratories.
Before the industrial revolution, says Ken Caldeira of Stanford University, 98% of all corals lived in waters above the required calcium carbonate threshold.
But the situation is changing, according to Caldeira, who has built a model to study how greenhouse gas emissions tinker with the chemistry of open water oceans.
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Oceans are becoming saturated with Co2 and corals are suffering for it. This is important because corals play a very important role in the health of our oceans, which in turn plays a very important role in the health of the web of life in our oceans, which then plays a vital role in our own health. Mitigating carbon emissions is now key: how many times does it have to be said?
The impasse between what politicians in this country want and what this world now needs is vast and bringing dangerous consequences to us. We can no longer afford to ignore scientific warnings regarding the deterioration of our oceans, and we cannot wait until politicians see it as politically expedient to do something or until we have passed the point of no return.
Besides carbon mitigation and freezing emissions, I believe we need a major global tree planting initiative to be undertaken. Planting trees in areas of great deforestation can help to return many of the carbon sinks that have been lost to us from illegal logging practices and overconsumption. This would then hopefully help to balance the amount of Co2 in the atmosphere instead of most of it being soaked up by oceans. This is a human made catastrophe and only humans can reverse it. Hopefully, it is not too late. Climate change is depriving coral reefs across the globe of the building materials used to make their shells. Current plans to curb gr... more -
Banana peel contains alcohol
Your mother probably advised you to bite into a banana before an alcoholic drink, but she’d probably think twice now. Scientists have discovered that banana peel contains 11 per cent alcohol. And what’s more, the National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB) has developed the technology for producing alcohol from the peel of the common fruit.
Talking to reporters in Thayanur, Tamil Nadu, NRCB director S Sathiamoorthy said that the technology was ready for transfer to the industry.
The NRCB research takes a step further the efforts to minimise waste from agricultural produce. In certain varieties of the banana like the Plantain Aab and Nendran, the peel itself accounts for 30 per cent of the weight of the fruit. Instead of consigning it to the waste-bin, it could be turned into alcohol, says Sathiamoorthy.
The NRCB has also developed a product called the banana fig, he says, adding that several processing units have already evinced interest in the technology.
‘‘Banana figs are concentrated products that can be produced cheaply. They can also be canned and exported since they require less space,’’ he says. The banana fig can find use in the preparation of cakes, ice-creams, biscuits and Indian desserts. Your mother probably advised you to bite into a banana before an alcoholic drink, but she’d probably think twice now. Scientists have ... more -
Brits drive bio-fueled cars 3,750 km to Athens
On August 16th a convoy of nine bio-fuel cars, running on vegetable oil or bio-diesel brewed in a lorry, left London to drive 3,750-kilometre (2,330-mile) to Athens. The cars running on vegetable oil relied on donations from local cafes and restaurants on the route while the lorry accompanying the convoy brewed the bio-diesel in a fuel pod on board.
"A lot of people don't realise that bio-diesel, when made properly, will run in any diesel engine," said expedition leader Andy Pag (34), claiming he got the idea on a road-trip from London to cape town (that sounds interesting). The convoy passed through France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania and after facing a lot of break downs (all of which were fixed) reached Athens on August 27th.
Andy's next project involves circumnavigating the globe automobiles fueled by cooking oil and a small plane running on aviation fuel developed out of plastic bags.
"It's quite geeky, essentially it's like taking the molecules apart and building a new jigsaw with them to create fuel molecules," says Andy, hah. Great Man. On August 16th a convoy of nine bio-fuel cars, running on vegetable oil or bio-diesel brewed in a lorry, left London to drive 3,750-ki... more -
Homeopathic drugs: Look-alike medicines
Two over-the-counter products, Seasonal Allergy Relief and Intense Sinus Relief, both made by Zicam, promise to relieve hay-fever symptoms. Intense Sinus Relief contains oxymetazoline, a nasal decongestant the Food and Drug Administration has found to be safe and effective. The other Zicam product is homeopathic; it hasn't been reviewed by the FDA and its active ingredients, including sulphur, have been diluted almost to vanishing.
But despite this major difference between the two products, our 11 mystery shoppers, who visited 52 drugstores throughout the U.S., frequently found them alongside each other on drugstore shelves. So consumers might mistakenly buy a homeopathic remedy when they're really looking for conventional medicine. That wastes money and might lead to inadequate treatment.
Homeopathy is a centuries-old form of medicine in which a substance that could cause symptoms is diluted until it becomes virtually undetectable. For example, the "active" ingredients in the homeopathic flu remedy Oscillococcinum are wild duck heart and liver, apparently because those organs are said to contain tiny amounts of the flu virus. The ingredients are so diluted, there probably isn't one molecule of them per package. Yet homeopathy's supporters say that infinitesimal amount can improve health.
Unproven results
There's little evidence to back up this notion, according to a 2005 meta-analysis in the Lancet of 110 placebo-controlled homeopathy trials matched with 110 trials of conventional drugs. A subset of large, high-quality studies showed that any benefit from homeopathic remedies was "compatible with" the effect of a placebo. An accompanying editorial said the findings were less surprising than the fact that debate over homeopathy continues, "despite 150 years of unfavorable findings."
The FDA is officially required to regulate homeopathic drugs, but a spokeswoman said the agency doesn't review those products and so does not approve them as safe and effective. That's partly because the items are so diluted that they're thought to pose little direct risk, she said.
Confusion in the aisles
In addition to Zicam's hay-fever products, we found homeopathic yeast pills sold next to a similarly packaged, FDA-approved drug for urinary pain. Nature's Cure sells its homeopathic and conventional yeast-infection remedies as a "combination pack." Drugstore representatives we contacted said they display the remedies together because consumers shop for products based on symptoms. But Michael Cohen, president of the nonprofit Institute for Safe Medication Practices, says, "It's misleading and potentially harmful to merchandise homeopathic remedies alongside conventional drugs." Relying on a homeopathic yeast-infection remedy instead of an FDA-approved drug could allow the infection to get worse. Two over-the-counter products, Seasonal Allergy Relief and Intense Sinus Relief, both made by Zicam, promise to relieve hay-fever symp... more
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