Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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.

FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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.

NASA’s Space Place is just for kids- with games, projects, and fun facts all about our planet and the universe.  Play games like Wild Weather Adventure, check out the Infrared Photo Album or discover how radar works.

Filmmaker Ann Johnson Prum calls hummingbirds nature’s heroes.  This would not have been news to Alexander Skutch, whose brilliant book on hummingbirds explained how hummingbird’s unique method of trapline feeding works and discussed the consumption of insects by these tiny creatures.  Much of what the film shows was known, but was difficult to show.  Science of photography and computing technology has made this possible. 

When you have nine minutes, please watch this feature about the making of the Nature program.  The secrets of how the photographs were made are revealed.  Then, you can catch the video itself on Nature.

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.

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.

On our next scheduled trip to one of these locations, we’ll be dropping off our packaging and old electronics.

Consumer Electronics Recycling

According to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), Americans own approximately 24 electronic products per household. To find out where you can recycle yours, check Electronics recycling

Polystyrene Packaging Recycling

The Alliance of FoamPackaging Recyclers says,

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam packaging is the familiar white material that cushions, insulates and protects all types of products during distribution. This includes custom shaped material used to package electronic equipment and appliances, loose fill packaging often called “peanuts”, blocks of foam which protect furniture and appliances and shipping containers used to help preserve perishable foods and medicines.

To find a recycling location near you drop off locations

My local government website, Metro-PDX, gives further help. I searched for the type of material to be recycled and my home address. Here are my dropoff locations for the #6 foam (EPS) from the new computer and monitor:

Don’t give up if your waste isn’t picked up curbside. Recycling is something that makes lots of us feel good. The more we ask for products and packaging that is recyclable, the more companies will listen to us. Competition is tough right now, and product makers look for every advantage.

Happy recycling.

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.