MuncangWorld News Update
Biofuels tipped to fuel transportation sector by 2050
As the world struggles with rising petrol and diesel costs, biofuels are increasingly being seen as the most viable alternative source. However, this will come at a cost.
Deep ocean larvae hitch ride on powerful eddies
A new study into the swirling phenomenon of oceanic eddies – massive circling currents up to 300 miles in width – has found that they offer the perfect ride for deep sea organisms, minerals and heat. These were previously though to be trapped over a mile-and-a-half beneath the sea’s surface.
Curious or cowardly – how greenfinches personality shines through
Forget ideas that an animal’s personality as just a ‘cutesy’ projection from us humans. Not only do greenfinches show diverse personalities, but novel research into their body chemistry – published in the
Early warning wobbles that predict an eco-tipping point
Ecosystems are notorious for showing only gradual changes, before a tipping point throws them into a completely new phase. And much conservation work is focused around avoiding those sudden shifts, keeping the ecosystem diverse and robust – and hopefully stable
Shark fins tracked by DNA
The finding that sharks have DNA ‘zip codes’ means that the fight against the shark fin trade is strengthened as scientists can work out what region sharks where born in. A team of international researchers, led by the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science in New York, has successfully used DNA to confirm that there are separate groups of both dusky sharks and cooper sharks living in distinct coastal areas. Both of these species of sharks are highly prized for their shark fins and they are facing serious threats from the shark finning trade.
Wild parakeets face a UK cull
The UK government is to remove a species of parakeet from the British countryside because it poses a threat to crops, electricity grids and native birds. The monk parakeet, originally from South America is vividly coloured with a green back, pale grey chest with an orange beak and blue feathers.
Europe’s climate fate decided by tussle between oceanic currents
Like the proverbial onion (or ogre..) the unfolding story of climate change for the North Atlantic region has layers. In addition to the counter-play between rising global temperatures, a slackening Gulf Stream-North Atlantic Drift, and melting Arctic waters, a new paper has uncovered another layer to an already complex picture. The so called ‘Agulhas leakage’ is a warm water current spilling around the tip of southern Africa
Driest March for 50 years in UK prompts fears of summer drought
The driest March for over 50 years in England and Wales has led to fears of a perennial favourite; a summer hosepipe ban. Parts of the country had as little as 2mm of rain last month prompting warnings of potential droughts during the summer months.
US air cleaner but 50% of Americans breathe dirty air still
The American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2011 report released April 27 says that ”the majority of American cities most-polluted by ozone (smog) or year-round particle pollution (soot) have improved,” during 2007-2009. Still, according to the report, about 154.5 million people – 50.3% of the U.S
Survey of deep-diving beaked whales helps assess sonar risk
Innovative research aimed at uncovering the deep-sea exploits of one of the least-understood groups of marine mammals – the beaked whale – may give conservationists a leap forward in understanding these enigmatic creatures – and how they are being affected by naval sonar. The study, published in today’s issue of PLoS ONE , made use of acoustic surveying to track both the deep-layers of prey-rich waters, and the presence of hunting beaked whales
Massive public evolutionary study sights ¾ million brightly colored snails
With stripy shells that are a vibrant multitude of pinks and yellows and browns, the banded snails, or Cepaea, are often seen brightening up the garden like little spirals of humbug. And it is their stand-out quality and appeal makes them ideal candidates for studying evolution ‘as it happens’. They literally display their genetic wares on their backs in the various colorings and patterns of their shell