News Around the Web 3/7/10 - 3/14/10
See-Through Vision, from Sci-Fi to Reality
French scientists have invented what is popularly referred to as ‘x-ray vision’ by unscrambling the light carried through very thin and opaque objects. We won’t be able to see through walls any time soon, but the team is hoping to improve the technology to the point of being able to see through skin. Read a full explanation at National Geographic.
A Doomsday Vault- for Seeds
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway might look like a secret hideout, but it actually strives to preserve crop diversity by collecting as many seed samples as it can. Recently the Vault met the goal of a half million different seed varieties, including strawberries from the slopes of a Russian volcano, and American soybeans. See pictures and read about the mission here.
Vote for 2010 Dogs of Valor
The Humane Society sponsors an annual ‘People’s Hero’ for amazing and courageous canines. See the finalists and cast your vote this week.
News Around the Web 2/28/10 - 3/6/10
Dolphin Intelligence Raises Questions of Treatment
Dolphin intelligence studies have shown them to have complex intelligence, self-awareness and psychology. How should this affect how humans treat dolphins in captivity? Read the story and about the recent conference on the matter at ScienceDaily.
The Threat to Uncontacted Tribes
Despite modern globalization, the most remote parts of the world are still home to indigenous tribes that exist without interaction with the modern world. However, intruders, logging, and shrinking natural areas pose a threat not only to the local environment but to the existence of entire tribal cultures. See amazing photographs and read about the five most endangered tribes at National Geographic.
Ants: Smelling in Stereo
Researchers have discovered that ants in Tunisia can use their antennae to smell in two different directions at the same time, unlike any other mammal. This may help to explain how they find their way home in the featureless Tunisian desert. Read about the study here.
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News Around the Web 2/21/10 - 2/27/10
Two Rare Species Rediscovered in Australia
The threatened eastern ground parrot and the long-nosed potoroo have been spotted around the Maria River and Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve in Australia; the species are both endangered and difficult to spot. Read about the fortunate sightings here.
How the Olympics Went Green
Vancouver 2010 has gone a lot farther than changing light bulbs to make the greenest Olympics yet- in a bid to create a carbon-neutral event, they’re even making the gold medals out of recycled materials. Read about the eco-friendly efforts here.
‘Vampire Squid from Hell’ Can Turn Itself Inside Out
The fancifully named Vampire Squid (Vampyroteuthis Infernalis, literally “vampire squid from hell”) apparently has the ability to flip its body inside out to avoid predators. Did we mention it also has bioluminescent arms? See new video of the bizarre cephalopod and read the full story at National Geographic, and check out the clip from the Planet Earth series below.
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News Around the Web 2/14/10 - 2/20/10
Image: Bernie Condon / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Huge Undersea Volcano Erupts; May Form New Island
A ‘monster’ volcano took the Japanese Coast Guard by surprise and may quickly form a small island in the sea. See pictures of the eruption here.
Who Wins the Animal Olympics?
Right now our focus is on the strongest, fastest and toughest humans- but who takes the prizes in the animal kingdom? See the results here.
The Puzzle of the Self-Destructing Tree
Botanists are struggling to understand a newly discovered palm tree in Madagascar, and its unusual behavior. See pictures and read the full story here.
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News Around the Web 2/7/10 - 2/13/10
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.
First Footage of Clouded Leopards
Scientists in Malaysia have captured the rare Sundaland clouded leopard on film for the first time ever. Watch the footage below and read the full story at BBC News.
Coats for Cubs Program Recycles Furs
The Humane Society is taking donations for it’s Coats for Cubs program, reusing old fur coats as comforting blankets for orphaned wildlife such as foxes and otters. Find out how to get involved at the Humane Society.
Photo from the Humane Society of the United States.
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News Around the Web 1/31/10 - 2/6/10
BirdGuides Photos of the Year
The British BirdGuides have selected winners for their 2009 photography contest. Check them out in the slideshow below or read the full article here.
Join the Great Backyard Bird Count
Citizens are being called on to participate in next week’s annual bird count, a valuable tool for tracking bird movement. Join the spotting and enter the photo contest!
Giant Salamanders, Japan’s Living Fossils
The BBC presents an up-close look at the salamanders that have remained essentially the same for 30 million years- and can bite your hand off. Read the story and see videos here, or check out the National Geographic video below:
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News Around the Web 1/24/10 - 1/31/10
New Species of Frog Changes Color
A new species of frog found in Papua New Guinea completely changes it’s appearance when it becomes an adult, although the reason why remains a mystery. Read about the frogs here.
What Dinosaurs Really Looked Like
The discovery of melanin traces inside one species reveals a red mohawk and a striped tail. Find out more here.
Cholera, Then and Now: The Ghost Map
Multnomah County Library presents Steven Johnson’s The Ghost Map as part of their “Everybody Reads” program. Coming soon on ThisWildLife: Haiti and the presence of cholera in the modern era.
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News Around the Web 1/17/10-1/23/10
New Spider Species Is Largest of Its Type in Middle East
The sand dune-dwelling arachnid can have a legspan of up to 5.5 inches. Read about the discovery here.
A New Breeding Program to Protect Seahorses
Wild seahorses are quickly disappearing, but biologists have begun breeding them- in home aquariums. Click here to learn about the problem, and the possible solution.
The Chemistry of Cooking
A biochemist turned cook explains what happens to your food when you cook it- and how to fix some common cooking disasters. Click here to see the video and read the article.
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News Around the Web 1/10/10 - 1/16/10
New Sea Slug is Half Plant, Half Animal
The marine animal steals plant genes and produces it’s own chlorophyll, according to the Science News. Read the story and see the slug here.
New Estimate for the Longest Migration
Scientists have discovered the arctic tern actually flies twice as long as originally thought. Read about the journey at National Geographic.
Green Your Caffeine
Discover consumer favorites for fair trade and organic coffee, tea and hot cocoa here.
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News Around the Web 1/3/10 - 1/9/10
It’s Official: Americans Prefer Dogs
A new survey shows canines winning in a landslide for our favorite pets. See the results here.
Green Trends for the Coming Year
Green House is predicting the top eco innovations for 2010, including ‘eco-districts’ like Portland, Oregon’s. Read about more of them here.
The Oldest Footprints on Earth
Scientists have found 395 million year old fossilized footprints. Read about the creature that made them here.
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