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Monday, September 10, 2012

ScienceDaily: Top Environment News

ScienceDaily: Top Environment News


Increase in metal concentrations in Rocky Mountain watershed tied to warming temperatures

Posted: 09 Sep 2012 12:28 PM PDT

Warmer air temperatures since the 1980s may explain significant increases in zinc and other metal concentrations of ecological concern in a Rocky Mountain watershed, reports a new study.

Mountain forest study shows vulnerability to climate change

Posted: 09 Sep 2012 12:04 PM PDT

A new study that ties forest "greenness" in the western United States to fluctuating year-to-year snowpack indicates mid-elevation mountain ecosystems are most sensitive to rising temperatures and changes in precipitation and snowmelt.

Enough wind to power global energy demand: New research examines limits, climate consequences

Posted: 09 Sep 2012 12:04 PM PDT

There is enough energy available in winds to meet all of the world's demand. Atmospheric turbines that convert steadier and faster high-altitude winds into energy could generate even more power than ground- and ocean-based units. New research examines the limits of the amount of power that could be harvested from winds, as well as the effects high-altitude wind power could have on the climate as a whole.

Forest mortality and climate change: The big picture

Posted: 09 Sep 2012 12:04 PM PDT

Over the past two decades, extensive forest death triggered by hot and dry climatic conditions has been documented on every continent except Antarctica. Forest mortality due to drought and heat stress is expected to increase due to climate change. Although research has focused on isolated incidents of forest mortality, little is known about the potential effects of widespread forest die-offs.

Nano-velcro clasps heavy metal molecules in its grips

Posted: 09 Sep 2012 12:03 PM PDT

Researchers have devised a simple, system based on nanoparticles, to detect mercury as well as others pollutants. This technology makes it possible to easily and inexpensively test for these substances in water and, importantly, also in the fish that we eat.

Protecting genes, one molecule at a time

Posted: 09 Sep 2012 12:03 PM PDT

Scientists have shown at an unprecedented level of detail how cells prioritize the repair of genes containing potentially dangerous damage. The research studied the action of individual molecules in order to understand how cellular repair pathways are triggered.

Giant 'balloon of magma' inflates under Santorini's volcano

Posted: 09 Sep 2012 12:03 PM PDT

The chamber of molten rock beneath Santorini's volcano expanded 10-20 million cubic meters -- up to 15 times the size of London's Olympic Stadium -- between January 2011 and April 2012, according to a new survey. The growth of this 'balloon' of magma has seen the surface of the island rise 8-14 centimeters during this period, the researchers found.

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