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Six killed in Spain, Portugal as wildfires fanned by hurricane![]() Madrid (AFP) Oct 16, 2017 Three people have been killed in Portugal as the country is hit by a record number of forest fires, and three more have died in Spain where blazes sparked by arsonists have been fanned by strong winds from Hurricane Ophelia. In total, some 440 fires were burning across Portugal Sunday, which is "the worst day since the beginning of the year," according to a spokeswoman for the national civil protection agency, Patricia Gaspar. In addition to the three dead, some 25 people had been injured, she s ... read more |
Ireland closes schools as rare hurricane approachesDublin (AFP) Oct 16, 2017 Ireland has ordered all schools to close Monday as the country braces for an "unprecedented storm" with the arrival of Ophelia, the largest hurricane ever recorded so far east in the Atlantic Ocean. ... more
Mass extinctions led to low species diversity, dinosaur ruleRaleigh NC (SPX) Oct 16, 2017 Two of the earth's five mass extinction events - times when more than half of the world's species died - resulted in the survival of a low number of so-called "weedy" species that spread their samen ... more
Scientists describe 'enigmatic' species that lived in Utah some 500 million years agoLawrence KS (SPX) Oct 16, 2017 To the untrained eye, it looks like a flower crudely etched into rock - as if a child had scratched a picture of a bloom. But to the late fossil hunter Lloyd Gunther, the tulip shape he unearthed at ... more
The melting ice makes the sea around Greenland less salineAarhus, Denmark (SPX) Oct 16, 2017 For the first time, ocean data from Northeast Greenland reveals the long-term impact of the melting of the Greenland ice sheet. The observed increase in freshwater content will affect the conditions ... more |
Philippine death toll tops 140 as typhoon heads towards Vietnam
Camels replace cows as Kenya battles drought Jamaica still 'digging out' from hurricane, but Red Cross hopes toll stays low Death toll tops 100 as Philippines digs out after typhoon Typhoon death toll soars past 90 in the Philippines Typhoon death toll climbs to 66 in the Philippines CORRECTED: Typhoon Kalmaegi kills 66 in Philippines: civil defence office Reeling from earthquakes, Afghans fear coming winter Typhoon flooding kills over 40, strands thousands in central Philippines Indonesia floods kill 15 |
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| Previous Issues | Oct 12 | Oct 11 | Oct 10 | Oct 09 |
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Italy's high-rise forests take root around the worldMilan (AFP) Oct 8, 2017 As balconies bristle with tree branches and sunshine dapples the leaves of thousands of plants, two apartment buildings in the heart of Milan have almost disappeared under lush forest. ... more
Model village shows cracks in Xi's fight to end China povertyLankao, China (AFP) Oct 12, 2017 When President Xi Jinping last came to central China's Lankao county, it was famous for two things: poverty and the government official who reputedly died trying to end it. ... more
DNA proves Newfoundland was populated by distinct groups three different timesWashington (UPI) Oct 11, 2017 According to genetic analysis, Newfoundland, the northeastern Canadian island, was populated by three distinct groups - in three different waves - over the last 10,000 years. ... more
Scientists identify genes critical for hearingWashington (UPI) Oct 11, 2017 A survey of 3,000 mouse genes has revealed 52 previously unidentified genes vital to hearing. Researchers hope the discovery will help scientists better understand hearing loss in humans. ... more
ERAPSCO awarded $219M contract for underwater sonobuoysWashington (UPI) Oct 11, 2017 The U.S. Navy has awarded ERAPSCO a modified contract not to exceed $219 million in the procurement of signal underwater sound series sonobuoys. ... more
Underwater nurseries help revive Mediterranean fish stocksLa Ciotat, France (AFP) Oct 11, 2017 A French company has developed an innovative system to replenish marine fish stocks in places like ports that have suffered environmental damage. ... more |
![]() Branson calls for sustainable rebuilding of storm-battered Caribbean
Scientists study whale's blow hole microbes with the help of a droneWashington (UPI) Oct 10, 2017 Scientists have for the first time surveyed the unique community of microorganisms - the microbiome - living inside the blowhole of a humpback whale. They did so with the help of a six-rotor hexacopter. ... more
Pangolin trade forces Ghana to look at new wildlife lawsAccra (AFP) Oct 12, 2017 Ghana is facing calls to update its laws on wildlife crime after fears the country has become a transit route for the illegal trade in pangolin scales. ... more
Scientists discover remains of an ancient bobcat-sized predator in TanzaniaWashington (UPI) Oct 11, 2017 Paleontologists have discovered a new species of extinct hyaenodont in Tanzania. The fossil offers new insights into the disappearance of hyaenodonts - once Africa's top predator - during the Paleogene. ... more
Tree-dwelling, coconut-cracking giant rat discovered in Solomon IslandsWashington DC (SPX) Oct 05, 2017 Remember the movie The Princess Bride, when the characters debate the existence of R.O.U.S.es (Rodents of Unusual Size), only to be beset by enormous rats? That's kind of what happened here. M ... more |
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Washington (AFP) Oct 12, 2017 Donald Trump warned Thursday that his willingness to help hurricane-battered Puerto Rico was not unlimited, prompting a furious backlash, with the mayor of San Juan branding the president a "Hater in Chief."
Puerto Rico is struggling to recover after Hurricane Maria ripped through the island, leaving 44 people dead and cutting power and running water to much of its population, and its gover ... more Washington (AFP) Oct 13, 2017Branson calls for sustainable rebuilding of storm-battered Caribbean New Delhi (AFP) Oct 9, 2017India's top court bans firecracker sales before Diwali Rio De Janeiro (AFP) Oct 10, 2017New military op in gang-plagued Rio favela |
Houston TX (SPX) Oct 16, 2017
While it's true that space radiation is one of the biggest challenges for a human journey to Mars, it's also true that NASA is developing technologies and countermeasures to ensure a safe and successful journey to the red planet.
"Some people think that radiation will keep NASA from sending people to Mars, but that's not the current situation," said, Pat Troutman, NASA Human Exploration St ... more San Jos�, United States (AFP) Oct 11, 2017Oculus unveils standalone virtual reality headset Washington (UPI) Oct 5, 2017Microlasers get a performance boost from a bit of gold Washington (UPI) Oct 5, 2017Students, researchers turn algae into renewable flip-flops |
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Princeton NJ (SPX) Oct 10, 2017
Researchers have struggled to accurately model the changes to the abundant summer rains that sweep across the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, known to scientists as the "North American monsoon."
In a report published Oct. 9 in the journal Nature Climate Change, a team of Princeton and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) researchers have applied a key ... more La Ciotat, France (AFP) Oct 11, 2017Underwater nurseries help revive Mediterranean fish stocks Washington (UPI) Oct 11, 2017ERAPSCO awarded $219M contract for underwater sonobuoys Paris (AFP) Oct 7, 2017Expanded bluefin tuna quotas could reverse recovery: scientists |
Aarhus, Denmark (SPX) Oct 16, 2017
For the first time, ocean data from Northeast Greenland reveals the long-term impact of the melting of the Greenland ice sheet. The observed increase in freshwater content will affect the conditions in all Greenland fjords and may ultimately affect the global ocean currents that keep Europe warm.
Today, researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark present a 13-year long time series of dat ... more Potsdam, Germany (SPX) Oct 10, 2017Formation of coal almost turned our planet into a snowball Boulder CO (SPX) Oct 06, 2017In warmer climates, Greenlandic deltas have grown Kiel, Germany (SPX) Oct 03, 2017Return of the Weddell polynya supports Kiel climate model |
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Brunswick NJ (SPX) Oct 10, 2017
Rutgers scientists have found an efficient way to enhance the nutritional value of corn - the world's largest commodity crop - by inserting a bacterial gene that causes it to produce a key nutrient called methionine, according to a new study.
The Rutgers University-New Brunswick discovery could benefit millions of people in developing countries, such as in South America and Africa, who dep ... more Washington DC (SPX) Oct 10, 2017Sustainable irrigation may harm other development goals Mumbai (AFP) Oct 9, 2017Pesticide poisoning kills 20 farmers in Indian state Urbana IL (SPX) Oct 09, 2017Are we at a tipping point with weed control? |
Tokyo (AFP) Oct 11, 2017
Mount Shinmoedake in southern Japan erupted for the first time in six years Wednesday, shooting a plume of ash several hundred metres into the air and sparking warnings to local residents.
People were ordered to stay away from the volcano after it rumbled to life at 5:34 am (2034 GMT Tuesday) as Japan's Meteorological Agency said air blasts caused by the eruption could shatter windows.
" ... more Chicago IL (SPX) Oct 09, 2017Do earthquakes have a tell sign Dublin (AFP) Oct 16, 2017Ireland closes schools as rare hurricane approaches Hanoi (AFP) Oct 12, 2017Floods, landslides kill 37 in Vietnam, scores missing |
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N'Djamena (AFP) Oct 11, 2017
Chad is to boost protection for a key haven for endangered wildlife in the south of the country under an agreement with a conservation group.
African Parks is to take over management and protection of a territory of high ecological value that lies around the vast Zakouma National Park in southern Chad.
The programme will help beef up security at the Siniaka Minia and Bahr-Salamat reserv ... more Kigali (AFP) Oct 10, 2017Rwanda military uses torture to force confessions: HRW Paris (AFP) Oct 9, 2017New witness emerges over Rwandan genocide: French legal source Maiduguri, Nigeria (AFP) Oct 6, 2017Nigeria: Cooperation 'key' to defeating jihadists |
Washington (UPI) Oct 11, 2017
According to genetic analysis, Newfoundland, the northeastern Canadian island, was populated by three distinct groups - in three different waves - over the last 10,000 years.
When scientists analyzed the DNA of two known cultural groups, the Maritime Archaic and Beothuk, they found the groups brought unique matrilines to the island.
Until now, archaeologists thought the Beothuk ... more Washington (UPI) Oct 11, 2017Scientists identify genes critical for hearing Copenhagen, Denmark (SPX) Oct 09, 2017Prehistoric humans are likely to have formed mating networks to avoid inbreeding Washington (UPI) Oct 5, 2017Scientists find more modern human traits influenced by Neandertal DNA |
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Berlin (AFP) Oct 11, 2017
Even if you are terrified of heights, jumping out of a plane with a makeshift parachute may begin to look like a good idea once you know the aircraft is running out of fuel.
That, arguably, is akin to the mindset of climate scientists and policymakers brainstorming in Berlin this week on how to compensate for humanity's collective failure to curb the greenhouse gases - caused mainly by burn ... more Berlin (AFP) Oct 11, 2017'Plan B': Seven ways to engineer the climate Washington (UPI) Oct 11, 2017British government unveils green spending plans Washington (UPI) Oct 10, 2017Cheaper to invest in climate change fight than to rebuild; EPA chief rolls back US plans |
Plesetsk, Russia (ESA) Oct 16, 2017
The first Copernicus mission dedicated to monitoring our atmosphere, Sentinel-5P, has been launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia. The 820 kg satellite was carried into orbit on a Rockot launcher at 09:27 GMT (11:27 CEST) today.
The first stage separated 2 min 16 sec after liftoff, followed by the fairing and second stage at 3 min 3 sec and 5 min 19 sec, respectively. The ... more Beijing (XNA) Oct 10, 2017China launches remote sensing satellite for Venezuela Paris (ESA) Oct 10, 2017Sentinel-5P poised for liftoff Paris (AFP) Oct 11, 2017Europe set to launch atmosphere-probing satellite |
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Lawrence KS (SPX) Oct 16, 2017
To the untrained eye, it looks like a flower crudely etched into rock - as if a child had scratched a picture of a bloom. But to the late fossil hunter Lloyd Gunther, the tulip shape he unearthed at Antimony Canyon in northern Utah looked like the remnant of an ancient marine animal.
Years ago, Gunther collected the rock and later gave it to researchers at the University of Kansas' Biodive ... more Raleigh NC (SPX) Oct 16, 2017Mass extinctions led to low species diversity, dinosaur rule Washington (UPI) Oct 10, 2017Long-ignored ichthyosaur determined to be new species New York NY (SPX) Oct 06, 2017New evidence that Siberian volcanic eruptions caused extinction 250 million years ago |
Washington (UPI) Oct 1, 2017
A proposal to address what the Trump administration outlined as threats to traditional energy sources is counterintuitive, sustainable energy supporters said.
The U.S. Department of Energy said last week it was calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to change how the wholesale electricity sector works by offering compensation for "traditional" power generators.
In a ... more Menlo Park CA (SPX) Sep 19, 2017SLAC-led project will use AI to prevent or minimize electric grid failures Beojing, China (SPX) Sep 04, 2017Scientists propose method to improve microgrid stability and reliability Washington (UPI) Aug 29, 2017ADB: New finance model needed for low-carbon shift in Asia |
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Zurich, Switzerland (SPX) Oct 16, 2017
Kostiantyn Kravchyk works in the group of Maksym Kovalenko. This research group is based at both ETH Zurich and in Empa's Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics. The two researchers' ambitious goal at the Empa branch is to make a battery out of the most common elements in the Earth's crust - such as magnesium or aluminum.
These metals offer a high degree of safety, even if the anode i ... more Washington (UPI) Oct 10, 2017Sodium could replace lithium for more cost-efficient battery storage Washington (AFP) Oct 6, 2017Tesla delays truck launch, eyes battery power for Puerto Rico Osaka, Japan (SPX) Oct 06, 2017A new way to produce clean hydrogen fuel from water using sunlight |
Oxford UK (SPX) Oct 10, 2017
An international team of scientists have completed the 'atlas of life' - the first global review and map of every vertebrate on Earth.
Led by researchers at the University of Oxford and Tel Aviv University, the 39 scientists have produced a catalogue and atlas of the world's reptiles. By linking this atlas with existing maps for birds, mammals and amphibians, the team have found many new a ... more Washington (UPI) Oct 11, 2017Scientists discover remains of an ancient bobcat-sized predator in Tanzania Accra (AFP) Oct 12, 2017Pangolin trade forces Ghana to look at new wildlife laws Washington (UPI) Oct 11, 2017Pumas are surprisingly social, study says |
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Nanjie , China (AFP) Oct 13, 2017
Disneyland has "Main Street, USA", a monorail and Mickey Mouse. China's Nanjie village has "East is Red Square", red trams and Mao Zedong.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the hamlet in central Henan province which has become an attraction with its idealised vision of village life right out of the Communist past.
While the Communist Party prepares to give a second t ... more Beijing (AFP) Oct 15, 2017China's People's Daily launches English app in soft power push Beijing (AFP) Oct 15, 2017Xi to tighten clutch on power at Communist conclave Beijing (AFP) Oct 15, 2017Five things to know about China's Communist congress |
Burlington VT (SPX) Oct 10, 2017
A University of Vermont-led study of 300,000 children in 35 nations says kids whose watersheds have greater tree cover are less likely to experience diarrheal disease, the second leading cause of death for children under the age of five.
Published in Nature Communications, the study is the first to quantify the connection between watershed quality and individual health outcomes of children ... more Milan (AFP) Oct 8, 2017Italy's high-rise forests take root around the world Woods Hole MA (SPX) Oct 09, 2017Carbon feedback from forest soils will accelerate global warming Annapolis, MD (SPX) Oct 09, 2017Predicting insect feeding preferences after deforestation |
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