science

Woolly Bears as Winter Predictors?

A telltale sign of autumn is the appearance of woolly bear caterpillars moving across backyards, sidewalks and roads. These fat, furry caterpillars are looking for safe places to spend the winter. They … Read more

Can We Learn from Bears?

Hibernating bears have been an overlooked phenomenon for too long. If we could isolate and reproduce their chemistry, it would be a huge leap for health and science. Fortunately, scientists have … Read more

The Frogs are Croaking

Here’s some bleak news for a Monday: Up to 1/3 of amphibians today are at risk for extinction, according to the Global Amphibian Assessment and a recent post to Bright … Read more

City Rooftops: Paint Them White Or Plant Them With Green? — New Study

Cities are real climate hot spots and their rooftops, in particular, absorb heat and run up energy use. Jeff Salton at Gizmag.com reports: Previous studies have indicated that painting roofs … Read more

Scientists: New Rating System Maps Immediacy Of Nine Threats to Environment

In a rating system compiled by a group of scientists, there is new meaning to immediate threats being off-the-charts. The top three threats? Biodiversity loss, nitrogen run-off and climate change. … Read more

Google Earth Maps Carbon In The Atmosphere

Google Earth has teamed up with science experts to help people better understand CO2 in the atmosphere through dynamic mapping. Physorg.com reports: “A better understanding of the carbon cycle has … Read more

Chimpanzee Archeology: Tool-Use Shows That Humans and Apes Closer Than Thought

When archeologists began to look at chimpanzees and their longstanding use of tools, some conventional thinking about the separation between man and beast got a little fuzzier.   Science Daily.com reports: … Read more

350 New Plant and Wildlife Species Discovered In The Himalayan Region

A decade of surveying in the Himalayas has brought some wonderful surprises to the wildlife and nature conservation world. Xinhuanet.com reports: “Over 350 new species, including the world’s smallest deer, … Read more

Some Good News For Ocean Fisheries

A new study finds some signs of recovery from overfishing in several areas around the globe. Physorg.com reports: Scientists have joined forces in a groundbreaking assessment on the status of … Read more

Week Two: A “Bugly” Scavenger Hunt

Bugs are everywhere in nature, regardless of whether you’re a city dweller or a country dweller. I encourage you to take a walk with your kids and see just what you can find as you embark on a Bugly Scavenger Hunt. Read more