News from Around the Web 2/3/12-2/10/12

Kakapo Deaths
Research has its downside. Sandra, one of 150 wild kakapos has died as a result the research intended to save the species. The world’s heaviest and only flightless parrots, kakapos are so rare that the team from the Kakapo Recovery Project knows each one by name including Sandra a resident of Stewart Island since her hatching in 1992. Read more about this story at the Otago Daily Times Online Edition.

New Birth
While the Southern Hemisphere is busy with summer activities, here in the Northern Hemisphere, we’re all about winter. Two weeks ago, a fiber-optic camera captured the birth of two black bear cubs in a den beneath an upturned sugar maple in northern Maine. Read more and see the video at Wired Science. 

Upside-down Geese in Flight
Amateur videographers captured slow motion video of geese in flight whiffling—twisting their necks to flip their bodies upside down, while keeping their heads upright. Read more and see the video at New Scientist TV.

Shaaaaaarks!
Most of the earth is made up of the ocean, yet we know very little about this resource that is the source of much of our food, our recreation, and our weather. Learn some fun facts about catch limits and sharks at One World One Ocean.

Trash Houses

A Texas builder creates beautiful houses out of used materials, using everything from recycled building materials to bones to license plates.  The results are surprisingly beautiful, and eco-friendly to boot.  See the amazing residences here.

Scientists Plan to Resurrect Woolly Mammoth

Japanese scientists have announced plans to clone the long-extinct woolly mammoth within five years, using DNA from the preserved hair of an animal.  The goal is to have an elephant carry the mammoth to term.  Get the details at Popular Science.

Parrot Chatter Aids Police in Abuse Case

The comments of a parrot imitating an elderly woman and her abusive relative have aided the police in an investigation into her care.  Whether the bird can be used as a witness in court remains to be seen.  Read the story here.

Free National Parks Days for 2011

Here’s one way to keep your New Year’s resolutions for being healthier: get outdoors to your nearest National Park.  The Department of the Interior has announced the free days for the new year, so there’s no excuse not to get out and see the country.  Click here for the story.

The Green Stories of 2010

The Huffington Post has a retrospective of the biggest green news stories of the year.  With everything from oil spills to mining disasters, it’s been a tough year for the ecologically concerned, but there’s also good news, like new species discoveries, and green state initiatives.  View the slideshow here.

Minnesota Mine May Hold Dark Matter

Researchers may have detected mysterious ‘dark matter’ particles at the bottom of a deep mine on earth.  Read about it here.

Operation Baghdad Pups Brings Dogs Home from War Zone

Local animals can make invaluable companions to soldiers, but what happens when the troops get sent home?  Read about the SPCA’s new program.

New Earth-like Planet Discovered

Astronomers have discovered a watery earthlike planet, almost three times the size of our own- but you wouldn’t want to live there.  Read the full story here.

The Best Green Apps

EcoSalon has compiled a list of the top 10 green-themed iPhone apps, including a carbon tracker,  a tree planter and a local food guide.  See the full list here.