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Hot Streak Continues: May 2012 Second Warmest on Record
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, has released its State of the Climate Global Analysis for May 2012. This analysis looks at weather recordings from monitoring points all around the world. Temperatures from the last month were compared to baseline levels which is the average taken from 1961-1990. For most of the planet, both…
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The Greening of the Arctic Tundra
One of the most inhospitable places in the entire world, the Arctic Tundra, is now undergoing an amazing transformation. Rising temperatures in the Arctic circle have caused changes in vegetation in the last few decades. Plants are growing taller, there is less bare ground devoid of vegetation, and even some shrubs are growing. It is…
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Study: Virgin Male Moths Show Their Inexperience when Chasing Females
As with any species, there is a learning curve when trying to attract the opposite sex. Genetic knowledge can only go so far in preparing a young male. The rest is learned through trial and error, usually many errors. Moths are no different. When the female emits her pheromones to attract a mate, the male…
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The Negative Consequences of Long-Distance Endurance Training
They are considered some of the top athletes of our time, those who can endure the grueling hardship of a 25 mile run, a 150 mile bike ride, or a 5 mile swim. They are our marathoners, triathletes, and long distance cyclists. Their bodies are finely tuned machines enhanced to accomplish one task: get from…
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To Feel Good, Mediterranean Diet is the Way to Go
Southern Europe has been getting a lot of negative attention lately due to the financial crisis in the Eurozone. At this time, it is important to remember much of the good which comes out of this region. This is especially true of the Mediterranean cuisine. It is not only delicious but also linked with a…
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Plastic Bags to be Banned in the City of Angels
Plastic bags are perhaps the largest source of waste from our modern consumer culture. Stores give them out without question for all products big and small. Later, they can be found littered on the sides of roads and highways, hanging from tree branches, floating in rivers and clogging up our landfills. Now, a new plastic…
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High Concentrations of Toxic Mercury in the Arctic from Circumpolar Rivers
Environmental scientists have known that high levels of the toxic element, mercury, have been accumulating in the Arctic Ocean for some time. It was believed to be mostly caused by atmospheric sources stemming from the combustion of coal. However, a new study from the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Harvard School…
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How Ambient Noise Affects Cognitive Ability
Just as water pollution is contamination of the water, noise can be considered contamination of the air waves. From a cognitive standpoint, there exists an optimal level of ambient noise. Too far above or below this level will cause focus and creativity to drop off. In this sense, noise is like pollution of the mind.…
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Load Bearing Exercise for Young Men Prevents Bone Loss in Later Years
A new study from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden suggests a new reason for young men to ditch their “couch potato” lifestyle. They say that men in their early 20s who engage in load-bearing exercise including sports such as basketball and volleyball for four hours per week are less likely to suffer from osteoporosis…
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New Breeding Habits Emerge for the Wandering Albatross
Flying around the Southern Ocean is one of the largest bird species on Earth, the Wandering Albatross, also known as the Snowy Albatross or White-winged Albatross. They are a predator and keystone species of their circumpolar range. Like all polar species, they are feeling the effects of a warming climate, and it is beginning to…