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Tuesday, November 5, 2013

ScienceDaily: Top Environment News

ScienceDaily: Top Environment News


Elusive bay cat caught on camera

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 02:13 PM PST

The world's least known cat has been caught on camera in a previously unsurveyed rainforest.

Dolphin genetic study provides revelations

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST

A 10-year study found genetic differences in dolphins that were along geographic lines: onshore, offshore and even within same general area, such as the Indian River Lagoon in Florida.

Genetic study demonstrates Israel's wild boars originated in Europe

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST

Scientists had no reason to suspect Israeli wild boars were any different than their brothers and sisters roaming the Middle East. Now, a researcher demonstrates that, unlike the Near Eastern wild boars in surrounding countries, Israel's wild boars originated in Europe, brought to Israel starting almost 3,000 years ago by the Philistines and other seafaring raiders.

Gas injection probably triggered small earthquakes near Snyder, Texas

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST

A series of small earthquakes near Snyder, Texas between 2006 and 2011 were probably triggered by the underground injection of large volumes of gas, primarily carbon dioxide -- a finding that has implications for the process of carbon capture and storage. Experts also note that similar rates of injections have not triggered comparable quakes in other fields, bolstering the idea that gas injection does not cause significant seismic events in many geologic settings.

Fossil of largest known platypus discovered in Australia

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST

Until recently, the fossil record indicated that the platypus lineage was unique, with only one species inhabiting the Earth at any one time. This picture has changed with the spectacular find of a new, giant species of extinct platypus that was a side-branch of the platypus family tree.

Nitrogen puzzle in oceans

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:26 PM PST

A team of scientists has revealed the details of an important microbial process regulating the global nitrogen budget in the oceans.

Fishy behavior solves an animal locomotion mystery

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:25 PM PST

The puzzling, apparently wasteful habit of some animals to exert force in the direction opposite of where they want to go actually has an important purpose: to increase both stability and maneuverability.

Snakes control blood flow to aid vision

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 11:24 AM PST

A new study shows that snakes can optimize their vision by controlling the blood flow in their eyes when they perceive a threat.

Gene responsible for hereditary cancer found to disrupt growth-regulating cellular pathway

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 09:27 AM PST

Scientists report that the gene mutated in the rare hereditary disorder known as Birt-Hogg-Dubé cancer syndrome prevents activation of mTORC1, a critical nutrient-sensing and growth-regulating cellular pathway.

First snow leopard cubs ever born at Central Park Zoo

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 09:27 AM PST

The Wildlife Conservation Society's Central Park Zoo is debuting a pair of snow leopard cubs (Panthera uncia). These are the first snow leopard cubs ever born at the Central Park Zoo and the second snow leopard birth at a WCS zoo this year. The cubs, a male and a female, born this summer, weigh about 30 pounds but are expected to reach between 65-120 pounds.

Global change: Stowaways threaten fisheries in the Arctic

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 08:27 AM PST

The increased sea temperature expected in 2100 will in itself mean that the potential number of species introduced by ships will increase more than sixfold in the Norwegian Archipelago Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean. These are the findings of a new international study. Add to this the fact that the number of ships sailing in the Arctic will also increase and there is good reason to be on guard.

Researcher doubles down on deadly, infectious cat diseases

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 08:22 AM PST

An animal health expert has developed a research approach that tackles two deadly infectious feline diseases at the same time.

Assessing noise impact of offshore wind farm construction may help protect marine mammals

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 07:12 AM PST

Growth in offshore wind generation is expected to play a major role in meeting carbon reduction targets around the world, but the impact of construction noise on marine species is yet unknown. A group of scientists have developed a method to assess the potential impacts of offshore wind farm construction on marine mammals, particularly the noise made while driving piles into the seabed for wind turbine foundations.

Banana disease spreading: Panama disease spreads among bananas again

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:27 AM PST

Panama disease is causing significant damage in banana cultivation in Southeast Asia. Scientists have demonstrated that the disease – caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense – has now also migrated to Jordan. This means that Panama disease is becoming increasingly widespread and major banana-producing countries in Africa and Latin America are also under threat.

Computational models to decipher biological problems and boost biotech productivity

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:27 AM PST

Researchers have designed mathematical models that will allow us to understand basic concepts of metabolic and genetic regulatory systems as well as to optimize the production of drugs and other biotechnological products.

Grammatical structures as a window into the past

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:27 AM PST

A new world atlas of colonial-era languages reveals massive traces of African and Pacific source languages.

Scientists map structure of key complex in the immune system

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:27 AM PST

Scientists have mapped the "bouquet-like" structure of a key part of the body's immune system responsible for neutralizing bacteria and viruses.

Water quality has a significant impact on recreational value and waterfront prices

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:26 AM PST

People like to relax and enjoy nature by the water. Water quality and changes to it have a significant impact on the recreational use and prices of waterfront lots, according to recent research.

Tapping fungus to unlock energy: Crafting a better enzyme cocktail to turn plants into fuel faster

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:17 AM PST

Scientists looking to create a potent blend of enzymes to transform materials like corn stalks and wood chips into fuels have developed a test that should turbocharge their efforts. Efforts revolve around the fungus Trichoderma reesei, which churns out enzymes that chew through molecules like complex sugars.

Civilizations rise and fall on the quality of their soil

Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:52 AM PST

Great civilizations have fallen because they failed to prevent the degradation of the soils on which they were founded. The modern world could suffer the same fate.

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