A 150-million-year-old pliosaur jaw has been found to have signs of arthritis. This is the first time a degenerative disease like arthritis has been found in Jurassic reptiles. Pliosaurs were a type of sea reptile living during the Jurassic period, 150 million years ago. Around 8 meters long, with 2-meter jaws, they looked somewhat […]
150-Million-Year-Old Pliosaur Had Arthritis Read More 👉
A new lawsuit is challenging petroleum exploration in Alaska’s Cook Inlet, claiming that the seismic testing will do harm to the endangered beluga whales that live there. The Native Village of Chickaloon, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Center for Biological Diversity, and Center for Water Advocacy are the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. They are
Endangered Beluga Whales Threatened by Oil Exploration in Alaska's Cook Inlet Read More 👉
The world is living far beyond its resources according to a new report by the conservation group WWF. So much so that at current levels of consumption the earth would need to be 50 percent larger, and by projected levels of consumption in 2030, two times the size it is now. Biodiversity has declined
Need 2 Earths by 2030 If We Don't Change, Study Finds Read More 👉
The oldest ever record of insect pollination has been found in amber deposits that are 110-105 million years old. Several species of insects covered in pollen were found in two pieces of amber, becoming the oldest ever record of the pollen transporting relationship between flowering plants and insects. More than 80% of modern plant
First Record of Insect Pollination Found in Amber 100 Million Years Old Read More 👉
9 percent of the mammals in the Western Hemisphere, 40 percent in some areas, are unlikely to move their range fast enough to avoid extinction. Previous studies have looked into where mammals will move as their environments become unlivable from the changing climate. But a new study by the University of Washington questions whether they
Researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have come up with a way to use non-human viruses to create electricity from movement. The researchers were able to create enough electrical current to power a small liquid-crystal display, just by tapping a finger on a small electrode coated with
Generating Electricity From Viruses Read More 👉
Free-floating extrasolar planets, those that are not gravitationally bound to anything, may be present in much larger numbers than originally thought. Thus explaining the ‘missing mass’ of galaxies, and making the dark matter theory unnecessary. These rogue planets orbit the galaxy directly, and in large enough numbers could explain the discrepancy of the gravitational
'Rogue Planets' May Invalidate the Dark Matter Theory Read More 👉
Deepstaria Enigmatica, a rarely seen, very large, and strange-looking jellyfish, has been recently caught on film. Judging by the numbers on the video, it appears to have been filmed at a depth of around 5,045 feet. “This bag-like jelly is not that rare, but is large, so rarely seen intact. This type of jellyfish is
Deepstaria Enigmatica, Rare Jellyfish, Caught on Film (VIDEO) Read More 👉
The first study on manta rays to use satellite telemetry has just been released. The study tracks the long journeys of the giant, up-to-25-feet-wide manta ray. The manta ray, which is currently listed as ‘Vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN), is increasingly threatened by fishing and accidental capture. “Almost nothing is
New Study on Manta Rays Reveals Their Hidden Lives Read More 👉
A research team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Iowa State University has discovered new atomic structures, on the nanometer-scale, in materials called metallic glasses. Just published in the journal Physical Review Letters, the finding will eventually help fine-tune some of the properties of metallic glasses for manufacturing purposes. Currently, metallic glasses are used
New Atomic Structures Found in Metallic Glasses Read More 👉
A chimpanzee at the Furuvik Zoo in Sweden has been seen using complex forethought to plan his attacks on zoo visitors and increase their likelihood of success. The same chimpanzee has previously been in the news for his practice of gathering, creating, and storing rock projectiles before the zoo opens, to be used later
Chimpanzee Displays Complex Forethought in Planning Attacks on Zoo Visitors Read More 👉
There is growing evidence that some of the Earth’s most catastrophic geological events were triggered by changes in the climate. The melting of ice sheets and changes in sea level served as triggers to some of the world’s largest earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, according to British geologist Bill McGuire. The best evidence of climatic
Climate Change Will Trigger Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions Read More 👉
In new research just published in Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences it’s been found that ‘earth-like’ planets are unlikely in systems with ‘hot Jupiters’. Hot Jupiters are extremely hot, close-orbiting, Jupiter-like planets. The research was done by using data from NASA’s Kepler mission to look at ‘hot Jupiters’ and check for the
Finding Earth-Like Planets in Systems with 'Hot Jupiters' Unlikely Read More 👉
Herds of sauropods may have caused large scale climate change during their time. Producing enough methane gas from their ruminant style digestion, to intensify the greenhouse effect, according to new research just published in Current Biology. The Sauropods, known for their enormous size and giraffe like necks, were spread across the globe 150 million years
Methane Emissions from Ruminant Dinosaurs Might Have Caused Climate Change Read More 👉
Fossils of a prehistoric crocodile big enough to swallow humans have been discovered in East Africa. “It’s the largest known true crocodile,” says Christopher Brochu, associate professor of geoscience. “It may have exceeded 27 feet in length. By comparison, the largest recorded Nile crocodile was less than 21 feet, and most are much smaller.” The
Massive Prehistoric Crocodile Discovered, Big Enough to Swallow Humans Read More 👉
New research supports the theory that early Mars had a thick, wet atmosphere, and a climate similar to the Earth’s climate now. The atmosphere of Mars is currently less than 1% the density of Earth’s atmosphere. That’s one of the main reasons that the Earth’s climate is wet and Mars is very dry. As
New Evidence of Water on Early Mars, and a Climate Like the Earth's Read More 👉
The last nuclear reactor in Japan was shut down today. The last of 50 nuclear reactors, this will be the first time in 40 years that Japan doesn’t generate any electricity with nuclear power. Last year on March 11, an earthquake and tsunami caused meltdowns at the Fukushima Dai-ichi power plants, causing enormous human,
Japan's Last Nuclear Power Plant Shut Down Read More 👉
The European Space Agency (ESA) recently announced a new mission to explore Jupiter’s moons Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) will study the moons, treating them as potential homes for life. Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto are all thought to have internal oceans where life could exist. The JUICE explorer will
New Space Mission Will Look for Life on Jupiter's Moons Read More 👉
A new study has found very high levels of lead, BPA, phthalates, and other toxic chemicals in new gardening hoses and gardening equipment. Over 200 hoses, gloves, knee pads, and tools were tested for lead, cadmium, bromine (indicating brominated flame retardants), chlorine (indicating PVC), phthalates, and BPA. These chemicals have been linked to birth
High Levels of Lead, BPA, and Other Toxic Chemicals in Common Garden Hoses and Equipment Read More 👉
During Venus’s transit of the sun on June 5-6th, Hubble Telescope will be using the moon as a mirror to capture and analyze the light that will be passing through Venus’s atmosphere during the transit. Hubble can’t look directly at the sun without being damaged, so astronomers are planning on using it to test
Hubble Will Use the Moon as a Mirror to Watch Venus Transit Read More 👉
A new report from the National Research Council says that budget shortfalls, along with other factors, have led to a rapid decline in the nation’s earth-observing system and satellites. “The projected loss of observing capability will have profound consequences on science and society, from weather forecasting to responding to natural hazards,” said Dennis Hartmann,
NASA's Observation Satellites Being Decommissioned Because of Budget Cuts Read More 👉
Loss of biodiversity appears to negatively affect ecosystems as much as climate change, pollution or other major stressors. In some cases, it has reduced overall plant growth by over 10 percent. “Some people have assumed that biodiversity effects are relatively minor compared to other environmental stressors,” said biologist David Hooper of Western Washington University,
A controversial study on the ‘bird flu’, the avian H5N1 influenza virus, has finally been released. The research was done to test how easily the virus could become transmissible to mammals. The study is controversial because it essentially shows the steps necessary to weaponize the virus. So much so that the National Science Advisory
Controversial Bird Flu Research Released Read More 👉
; The invasive Asian Tiger Shrimp has been rapidly increasing in number in U.S. waters. The increase has mostly been along the southeast coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. Government scientists think that as they move into the territory of native species they’ll bring disease and outcompete native species. The shrimp can grow up
Invasive Giant Tiger Shrimp Spreading into US Waters Read More 👉
The largest, brightest moon of 2012 is going to occur this weekend. Saturday at 11:35 PM EDT the moon will become full, and also in its closest approach to the earth — its perigee. The ‘Super Moon’ will get as close as 221,802 miles from Earth, compared to the usual distance of up to
'Super Moon', Brightest of 2012, Occurs This Weekend Read More 👉
Twenty-four recently discovered species of skinks are close to extinction. The skinks, a type of lizard, were recently discovered in the Caribbean, and scientifically named. The leader of the research team, Blair Hedges, says that half of the newly discovered skinks are probably extinct or close to extinct by now. And all of the others
24 Newly Discovered Skinks Close to Extinction Read More 👉
A new study on one of the largest birds in the world, the wandering albatross, has shown that the birds have begun to breed earlier in the season. In the study, done by a group of British researchers, it was found that, on average, the birds are laying their eggs 2.2 days earlier than
Antarctic Albatrosses Breeding Earlier in the Year, from Climate Change? Read More 👉
“Koala populations are under serious threat from habitat loss and urban expansion, as well as vehicle strikes, dog attacks, and disease,” Australia’s Environment Minister Tony Burke is quoted as saying in a recent news release on the matter. Koala (often called koala bears even though they are not bears) in the Queensland, New South
Koala Populations Dwindling, Listed as 'Vulnerable' Read More 👉
“Telltale signs: The snapshot of a particle collision in the CMS detector shows decay products of a Xi_b^* baryon. Easily recognizable are, among other things, the two muons (red lines).” A new particle has been discovered in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) particle accelerator. The new particle is called the Xi_b^* baryon. It helps
New Particle Discovered in the 'Big Bang Machine' Read More 👉
The quantity of plastic trash in the ocean may be vastly underestimated. In a new study, researchers have found the previous studies of plastic pollution in the oceans have vastly underestimated the true amount. Researchers discovered that wind was pushing the lightweight confetti-sized plastic down into the water. Previous studies done in recent decades
Plastic in the Oceans Vastly Underestimated Read More 👉
Intense light, or even just daylight, may lower the risk of having a heart attack or suffering damage from one, according to a new study by researchers at The University of Colorado. “The study suggests that strong light, or even just daylight, might ease the risk of having a heart attack or suffering damage
Intense Light Treats and Prevents Heart Attacks Read More 👉
Shark populations have recently fallen by up to 90 percent in some areas. Specifically, in areas near human populations. The loss has mostly been as a result of harvesting for the fins, as a by-catch of other types of fishing, and from sport fishing. In a new study by The University of Miami’s School
Shark Populations Are Plummeting in Areas Near Humans Read More 👉
Eating berries appears to reduce cognitive decline in older adults. In a new study published by the American Neurological Association and Child Neurology Society, the results suggest that cognitive decline can be delayed in the elderly by up to two and a half years by consuming berries. The effect is being attributed to flavonoids,
Eating Berries Reduces the Cognitive Decline Caused by Aging Read More 👉
In a new paper published by researchers at the University of Nevada, male pseudoscorpions treated with tetracycline suffered significantly reduced sperm viability and passed this on to their untreated sons. The researchers suggest humans could be affected in the same way. “This is the first research to show a transgenerational effect of antibiotics,” David
New mutations in the deadliest malaria parasite have given it resistance to the most powerful antimalarial drugs available. The researchers that did the study say that this should serve as a warning, that the best weapons against malaria may become ineffective. The parasite has developed resistance to artemether, one of the two most effective
Malaria Parasite Has Developed Resistance to the Best Drugs Read More 👉
Almost seven million birds die every year in North America by running into communication towers during migration. There are 84,000 communication towers in North America, and they can rise up to 2,000 feet. For context, the Exxon Valdez oil spill killed 250,000 birds and the height of the Empire State building is 1,250 feet.
Seven Million Birds Killed Every Year by Communication Towers in North America Read More 👉
Humankind’s most distant relative has been found to be a very rare micro-organism living in the sludge at the bottom of a Norwegian lake. The discovery may give insight into what life looked like one billion or more years ago. The protozoan lives in a small lake 30 km south of Oslo, Norway. After
Rare Protozoan Confirmed as Most Distant Relative of Humans Read More 👉
A new GMO corn that is immune to 2,4-D, one of the main ingredients in Agent Orange, is close to being approved for use in agriculture by the USDA. If Dow AgroSciences’ new GMO corn is approved, it will allow for widespread spraying of 2,4-D without damaging crops. “The scientific community has sounded alarms
GMO 'Agent Orange Corn' Close to Approval by the USDA Read More 👉
Without large-scale and immediate action, catastrophic climate change is inevitable. Governments are moving far too slow in the transition to low-carbon societies, making it impossible to reach the necessary carbon reduction targets, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), traditionally a rather conservative agency. “The world’s energy system is being pushed to the breaking
Catastrophic Climate Change Inevitable without Drastic and Immediate Change, IEA Warns Read More 👉
An entirely white killer whale has been seen for the first time in the known history of the world. It was spotted in Russia off the coast of Kamchatka. The whale was actually seen for the first time back in 2010, but the researchers waited to release the news until they had more time
All-White Killer Whale Seen for First Time (Pictures) Read More 👉
Director James Cameroon, Google executives Eric Schmidt and Larry Page, and other investors have grouped together to back a new space exploration and natural resources venture. The new company, Planetary Resources, plans to mine near-earth asteroids (NEAs) for various resources, such as water and precious metals. They intend to do this by developing more
New Company Will Mine Asteroids Read More 👉
Jellyfish populations are growing in the majority of the world’s coastal ecosystems, according to a new study from the University of British Columbia. In the study, the researchers examined data on numerous species of jellyfish from forty-five of the worlds sixty-six “Large Marine Ecosystems.” There was an increase of jellyfish in sixty-two percent of
Jellyfish Populations on the Rise in Coastal Ecosystems Read More 👉
Prenatal exposure to high levels of air pollution doubled the likelihood of children becoming obese in a new study by Colombia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. The study finds that pregnant women exposed to high levels of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHS) were more than twice as likely to have children who were obese
Prenatal Exposure to Air Pollution Makes Children Fat Read More 👉
Sitting in a warm room is apparently all it takes to change someone’s belief in global warming. “A hot conservative looks like a cold liberal,” as lead researcher Jane Risen states. In a study done by Jane L. Risen of The University of Chicago and Clayton R. Critcher of The University of California Berkeley,
Belief in Global Warming Changed by Room Temperature Read More 👉
Significant damage to a plant’s DNA has been caused by nanoparticles in a study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology at The University of Massachusetts Amherst. This is the first evidence that nanoparticles can accumulate within a plant and damage its DNA. The research team tested the human-made, ultra-fine particles on a
Nanoparticles Damage Plant DNA Read More 👉
The Greenland Ice Sheet may be sliding faster into the ocean than previously thought as a result of massive releases of meltwater from surface lakes, similar to snow sliding off of a roof on a sunny day, according to a new study by the University of Colorado. The draining of lakes may also lead
Greenland Ice Sheet Slipping into the Ocean Read More 👉
In a new study by the University of New Hampshire, researchers have found that the people that were most affected economically by the BP oil spill changed their views on a wide range of environmental issues. The research is based on surveys taken of 2,023 gulf residents, 1,017 Louisiana residents, and 1,006 Floridians. About
People Changed Their Minds After BP Oil Spill Read More 👉
The collapse of a commercial oyster hatchery in Oregon has now been linked definitively to an increase in ocean acidification. In a study done by Oregon State University researchers, they found that the increased corrosiveness of ocean water with elevated levels of carbon dioxide in it inhibited the growth and formation of the oyster larvae’s
Ocean Acidification Definitively Linked to Oyster Failure Read More 👉
