Don't Sweat the Invasion Nov 5, 2009
A recent in the journal Restoration Ecology goes even further in the weed's defense. Tamarisks are widely thought to hog water and drive out other vegetation, but the authors dispute that theory. (Slate)
El Niño Cycles Threaten Some New World Monkey Populations Nov 5, 2009
"I thought it was interesting when I got [the] results that the howlers were declining in the same year [as an El Ni;o], and the other three species were declining the same year" that followed El Ni;o events, says , a graduate student of ecology at The Pennsylvania State University's Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, and first author on the study. To chart population levels, Wiederholt and her adviser, biologist , used data from annual surveys of monkeys from the last several decades. (Scientific American)
Engineers Strive To Make Algae Oil Production More Feasible Nov 5, 2009
(July 6, 2005) David Pimentel, professor of ecology and agriculture at Cornell University, has co-authored an analysis that finds that producing ethanol or biodiesel from corn and other biomass uses more energy. (Sep. (Science Daily)
Study: Middle-age wolves retire from the hunt Nov 4, 2009
"The take-home message is that an adult wolf is only maximally lethal for about 25 percent of its adult life span," said MacNulty, whose study appeared in the journal Ecology Letters. "Carnivores simply aren't as ferocious as we think they are.". (MSNBC -- Environment)
Grant helps classes explore nature Nov 4, 2009
The LLCT has long sought ways to support more ecology education in the Lincoln Public Schools and the use of the town s extensive trail network for educational purposes ... In the process, they develop an understanding of ecology and appreciation for the planet. (Lincoln Journal, MA)
* The tyranny of e-mail Nov 4, 2009
I think people should use it less, and try thinking of attention as an ecology worth preserving in small acts like writing a letter or a postcard. . (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
* A switch in diplomatic strategy Nov 4, 2009
However, the key problems they face X ecology, sovereignty, migration, science and technology X are not something these countries, which lack resources and mostly lag behind in development, can hope to solve on their own. Hope can only lie with the technologically advanced and economically developed powers, most of which are big, continental countries. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Scientists are first to 'unlock' the mystery of creating cultured pearls from the queen conch Nov 4, 2009
The institute specializes in ocean engineering, at-sea operations, drug discovery and biotechnology from the oceans, coastal ecology and conservation, marine mammal research and conservation, aquaculture, and marine education. For more information, visit. (EurekAlert!)
Notorious 'Man-eating' Lions Of Tsavo Likely Ate About 35 People -- Not 135, Scientists Say Nov 4, 2009
Dominy and lead author Justin D. Yeakel, a doctoral candidate in ecology and evolutionary biology at UCSC, collaborated on the project with Bruce D. Patterson, the MacArthur Curator of Mammals at the Field Museum (no relation to John H. Patterson) ... "In ecology, we often think of a population as being the sum of its parts, but there can be really rich things happening among individuals in a population," he said ... In addition to Dominy, Yeakel, and Bruce Patterson, coauthors on the paper are... (Science Daily)
Opinion: Schools kill creativity Nov 4, 2009
To shape it, I believe we have to leave behind the manufacturing principles of industrialism and embrace the organic principles of ecology. Education is about developing human beings, and human development is not mechanical or linear. (CNN)
West County leaders to receive Sustainability Awards Nov. 7 Nov 4, 2009
Published: Monday, November 2, 2009 9:57 AM PST The Leadership Institute for Ecology and the Economy will hold its first annual Sustainability Awards Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 7 ... Contact: Suzi ORear, Event Coordinator, Leadership Institute for Ecology and the Economy, 707-578-9133 or. (Sebastopol Sonoma West Publishing, CA)
"Future of Food" series at Wellesley College Nov 4, 2009
This time period represents a major transition of the human ecological niche and marks the beginning of an ever-changing human evolutionary landscape as it relates to diet and ecology, a process which in many ways can be traced all the way to contemporary food production and consumption practices. Stacy Sneeringer, assistant professor of economics at Wellesley, will speak on the public health effects and environmental regulation of large-scale livestock production. (Wellesley Townsman, MA)
Valerie Bertinelli's Latest Role: Starring in 'Losing It and Keeping Fit!' Fitness DVD Nov 3, 2009
A graduate of the University of Arizona with B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Lane continued his love of sport and fitness as a coach in the U.S. and South Africa. After moving to Los Angeles in 2002, Christopher transitioned into full time personal training and in 2003, started his own private training company. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Fish Populations Shift As Oceans Warm Nov 3, 2009
Their findings, published in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series, show the impact of changing coastal and ocean temperatures on fisheries from Cape Hatteras, N.C., to the Canadian border. Janet Nye, a postdoctoral researcher at NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) laboratory in Woods Hole, Mass. (Science Daily)
Forest Clearances Doomed Ancient Nasca People Nov 3, 2009
But they also find that the impact of this flood would have been far less devastating had the forests which protected the delicate desert ecology still been there. "These were very particular forests," Dr. Beresford-Jones said. (Science Daily)
Ancient civilization cut path to its own demise Nov 3, 2009
At this point a major El Nio event likely occurred, triggering floods by the lack of forests that used to protect the delicate desert ecology. "These were very particular forests," Beresford-Jones said. (MSNBC -- Environment)
New Model May Help Scientists Better Predict And Prevent Influenza Outbreaks Nov 3, 2009
A new study by an international team of researchers, led by assistant professor Andrew W. Park, who holds a joint appointment in the University of Georgia Odum School of Ecology and in the College of Veterinary Medicine, may make their task a little easier. The study breaks ground by working across scales and linking sub-molecular changes in the influenza virus to the likelihood of influenza outbreaks. (Science Daily)
* Taipei inks expo cooperation deal Nov 3, 2009
Under the theme Flower, River, New Horizon, the Taipei Expo will feature 14 pavilions that will focus on flora and horticulture, culture and arts, environmental ecology and pioneering technology, the mayor said. In related news, the local ticket sales agent for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo said yesterday that only a few thousand tickets have been sold here since May. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Ecology vs. need for cash: Power plant splits Hopis Nov 3, 2009
Coal pollution rends the fabric of an ancient tribe. by Dennis Wagner - Nov. 3, 2009 12:00 AM The Arizona Republic. (AZCentral -- News)
Newmont to create 2.5 kilometres long and 0.9 kilometre wide pit - WACAM Nov 3, 2009
5 kilometres deep pit in the Ajenua Bepo Forest Reserve and thereby destroy the ecology of the area. This was contained in a release issued by WACAM, a nongovernmental human rights and mining advocacy organisation, in response to matters raised at a press conference organised by Birim North Umbrella Youth Association (BNUYA) on 27 October 2009 at Adausena. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Removing tarps Nov 3, 2009
Cassandra Liu, with the Sonoma Ecology Center, tries to pull a stake out of a tarp along Nathanson Creek on Oct. 10 ... Cassandra Liu, with the Sonoma Ecology Center, tries to pull a stake out of a tarp along Nathanson Creek on Oct. 10. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
Dog's eco-footprint equals a Hummer, study says Nov 3, 2009
sammy wrote on Nov 2, 2009 2:50 PM:" Sounds like several of us that could get together and form a "lab" co-op. Adds a whole new meaning to "wind" energy. Blame the dog food. I had to switch my labs to a lamb/rice mix for just that reason. However, if a market develops, I'll be switching them back for the sake of ecology. ". unnown01 wrote on Nov 2, 2009 4:11 PM:" We need to put these people on an island with peta. ". (Longview Daily News, WA)
Iran has another hero, this one still living, in Mahmoud Vahidnia Nov 3, 2009
Nothing in anthropology, archaeology, botany, climatology, ecology, geochemistry, geochronology, geography, geology, geomorphology, geophysics, hydrology, limnology, meteorology, neotectonics, oceanography, paleontology, palynology, soil science, and zoology. Surely you overlooked this enormous amount of incontrovertible data. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Are US And European Plovers Really Birds Of A Feather? Nov 2, 2009
Professor of Molecular Ecology Terence Burke, from the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences at the University of Sheffield, said: "It will hopefully make a huge difference. Usually few people are concerned if a local population of birds vanishes. However, when an entire species is threatened, conservation efforts will be stepped up.". The researchers hope next to map exactly how the Snowy Plovers colonised America. (Science Daily)
Henry's tax plan mustn't ignore environment Nov 2, 2009
And though the economy exists within the ecosystem, and is dependent on it, they haven't thought it necessary to keep up with ecology or study the ways that the economy and the ecosystem impinge on each other. If you read the academic papers prepared for the Henry review you see how inward-looking economists are. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Wolves, moose and biodiversity: An unexpected connection Nov 2, 2009
Joseph Bump, Rolf Peterson and John Vucetich report in the November 2009 issue of the journal Ecology that the carcasses of moose killed by wolves at Isle Royale National Park enrich the soil in "hot spots" of forest fertility around the kills, causing rapid microbial and fungal growth that provide increased nutrients for plants in the area. "This study demonstrates an unforeseen link between the hunting behavior of a top predatorthe wolfand biochemical hot spots on the landscape," said Bump,... (EurekAlert!)
Visible results of ban on polythene bags in Himachal Nov 2, 2009
Ramesh, who was here in connection with two-day Himalayan Chief Ministers conclave on environment that ended on Friday, asked other hill states like Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunchal Pradesh and Sikkim having fragile ecology to emulate HP by imposing ban on polythene carry bags. Ramesh said a study would be conducted for similar steps in the plains in future. (India Times, India)
After rains, why do worms crawl out onto the pavement and commit suicide? Nov 1, 2009
an associate professor of soil and ecosystem ecology at UW-Madison, says the answer starts with the fact that worms breathe through their skin. Oxygen from air or water passes directly from their outer cuticle into their blood vessels. (Why Files)
Washington Board Approves Naming Inland Waters As Salish Sea Nov 1, 2009
A retired professor of marine ecology at Western Washington University proposed the new name. Bert Webber hopes it will promote public awareness of the common problems of the inland waters and the need for cross-border solutions. (KIRO TV, WA)
Fish and Wildlife Service to review grayling status Nov 1, 2009
Specifically, FWS researchers are looking at the taxonomy, biology, ecology, genetics and status of the Arctic grayling in the upper Missouri; and whether the Arctic grayling in the upper Missouri systems constitutes a distinct population. Reconsideration of the fish s status stems from FWS out-of-court settlement with the Center for Biological Diversity. (Bozeman Daily Chronicle)
State board approves Bellingham man's 'Salish Sea' proposal Nov 1, 2009
The proposal came from Bert Webber, a retired professor of marine ecology at Western Washington University. The Washington Board of Geographic Names approved his idea Friday. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Iowa State graduate mixes acting with entomology Nov 1, 2009
Dunphy, a 2007 graduate of Iowa State University who has degrees in zoology, entomology and animal ecology, is a research assistant for ISU's Entomology Department. He works for the university's mosquito surveillance program and recently wrote a research article detailing the invasion of a new mosquito species in Iowa. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
* A last virgin island bridge raises fears of environmental ruin Nov 1, 2009
Zhao insisted the government had embraced a broader definition of the islands ecology to ensure that development did not come at the price of the environment. This story has been viewed 278 times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Kansas Supreme Court Rules Against Wind Farms Oct 31, 2009
In a unanimous decision, the court acknowledged the commission's concerns about potential harm to the aesthetics and ecology of the Flint Hills if huge wind turbines were erected in Wabaunsee County. The court also considered opposition from a majority of county residents who attended 54 public hearings on commercial wind farms. (ABC News -- Wire)
Inequality, 'Silver Spoon' Effect Found In Ancient Societies Oct 31, 2009
The team included three others from UC Davis -- economics professor Gregory Clark, anthropology professor Richard McElreath and Adrian Bell, a doctoral candidate in the Graduate Group in Ecology. They focused not on nations, but on types of societies -- hunter gatherers such as those found in Africa and South America; horticulturalists, or small, low-tech slash-and-burn farming communities typical of South America, Africa and Asia; pastoralists, the herders of East Africa and Central Asia; and... (Science Daily)
SF officials: Avoid water contact after oil spill Oct 31, 2009
The water in large part is being diverted to the salty San Francisco Bay and the Delta to improve marine ecology. The result of the cutbacks is that many crops in the San Joaquin Valley have gone unplanted. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Scientists Propose New Explanation For Flu Virus Antigenic Drift Oct 31, 2009
23, 2009) Predicting the infection patterns of influenzas requires tracking both the ecology and the evolution of the fast-morphing viruses that cause them, said a researcher who enlists computers to model. (Feb. (Science Daily)
Great idea comes to grief on the reef Oct 31, 2009
It sparked opposition because of its scale and potential impact on the ecology of the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system. Great Keppel Island, which covers an area of more than 14 square kilometres, sits about 15 kilometres off the Central Queensland coast, east of Rockhampton. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
FSU, Duke partner to study impact of Gulf's 'dead zone' on shrimp fishery Oct 31, 2009
"Most of my work has focused on the ecological effects of hypoxia. At Duke, Marty Smith has worked on the economic aspects but in other ecosystems. Ecology and economics are two disparate fields with very different cultures and approaches. Given the complexity of the problem in the Gulf, we decided to collaborate so that we could cover all facets of the dead zone's consequences for the coastal ecosystem's capacity to support fisheries.". The team is setting the nets for a night of shrimp... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Willing to give up blue skies for climate fix? Oct 31, 2009
"There should be no lessening of attempts to otherwise correct the harmful impacts of human economies on the Earths ecology and climate.". Geoengineering, it adds, "should be seen as a prudent precautionary measure in case all other attempts to control dangerous climate change fail or are inadequate for whatever reason.". (MSNBC -- Environment)
Frog embryos 'smell' predators Oct 31, 2009
She and her team reported their findings in the journal Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology. To make the "chemical cues" for their experiment, Dr Ferrari and her colleagues combined crushed tadpoles with water that a tiger salamander had been swimming in. (BBC News -- Science)
The Northpoint property on Lake Michigan near South Haven will be protected by a conservation easement if Van Buren County commissioners approve the agreement at their Nov. 10 meeting. Andrew Lersten / H-P staff Oct 31, 2009
The language in the proposed agreement making some people concerned, according to Marcy Colclough, senior planner with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, was based on forest management practices, not necessarily ecology. But Emily Wilke, director of land protection for the conservancy, said the conservancy, which had already adopted the easement, had no concerns. (St. Joseph Herald-Pallidium, MI)
Africa must protect rich cultural heritage- Vice Chancellor Oct 30, 2009
Asabere-Ameyaw cited certain cultural practices in Ghana which effectively protected the Ghanaian ecology, including rivers for centuries, adding that in recent times the country was suffering from numerous environmental challenges such as droughts, fierce bushfires, drying up of rivers and streams, and depletion of virgin and secondary forest reserves. The Vice Chancellor said that it was about time Africans took concrete and more decisive steps to correct what he described as cultural... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Setting in Shakespeare's As You Lik... Oct 30, 2009
It is a curious mix of pastoral and strangely wild ecology, with tall forest trees and cattle co-existing. It is in this magical setting, then, that many possibilities arise for the characters that could never have appeared in the strictly structured life of the court, from which many of the characters have either been exiled or left of their own volition for various reasons. (Suite101.com)
Dining Out In An Ocean Of Plastic: How Foraging Albatrosses Put Plastic On The Menu Oct 30, 2009
Funding: LCY was funded by the Hawaii Conservation Alliance, the University of Hawaii Department of Zoology Jessie Kay Fellowship, and several Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology research awards as part of NSF grant DGE02-32016 to K.Y. Kaneshiro. SAS was supported in part by grants to the Tagging of Pacific Pelagics (TOPP) program from the Alfred P. Sloan, Gordon and Betty Moore, and David and Lucile Packard Foundations. (Science Daily)
Amphibians rarely give earliest warning of pollution Oct 30, 2009
The results appear in Ecology Letters. Conservation symbols. (Scientific American)
Flu protein changes can alter outbreak Oct 30, 2009
That in turn influences how many in the overall population are infected, with greater difference producing greater outbreaks, said Dr. Park, an assistant professor in the Odum School of Ecology and in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The ability to produce those changes becomes an adaptation that helps the virus escape the immune system of those with some level of pre-existing protection. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Hingham residents turn in thousands of pills Oct 30, 2009
A Department of Ecology study found hormones, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen and other common drugs in some wells and creeks. Tenaglia also explained when prescriptions are kept for prolonged periods of time, they can be used by mistake or sometimes taken to get high. (Hingham Journal, MA)
'Tigers years away from extinction' Oct 29, 2009
John Seidensticker, chief scientist at the Smithsonian National Zoo's Conservation Ecology Center, said tiger habitat had declined by 40 percent in the last decade due to destruction of forests. "Our challenge is to make landscapes with tigers alive worth more than landscapes where tigers have been killed," Seidensticker said. (India Times)
Consequences of hunting Oct 29, 2009
Mary F. Willson is a retired professor of ecology and a Juneau. Share this page. (Juneau Empire)
School Notebook: all Holbrook public schools closed on Nov. 11 Oct 29, 2009
The ecology club, led by teacher Cathy Cripps, started back up for the school year. The yearbook club met earlier this school year. (Holbrook Sun, MA)
Nic hosts 'Arteducology' symposium Oct 29, 2009
Add a dash of ecology and a sprinkle of design. The final product: Arteducology -- a sustainable symposium at the Nicolaysen Art Museum that will explore how art, architecture, education, ecology and design can combine to shape the future ... Friday will also feature presentations and panel discussions on ecology and energy; whole systems health; and education and advocacy. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
The plight of the bluefin Oct 29, 2009
They kept saying "there's no shortage of fish, but at the same time, they were selling parrot fish (filleted to disguise), because they completely overfished the reefs with massive numbers of fishpots. About 15 years ago a fishpot ban was introduced in Bermuda and parts of the reef system were set aside as breeding grounds. The fishermen were furious, but the law stood. Its taken all this time for the fish population to start to recover but there is still a long way to go. There are some... (BBC News -- Science)
Saving Sand: South Carolina Beaches Become A Model For Preservation Oct 29, 2009
26, 2007) An invasion of American beach grass is under way along the Oregon coast, threatening to change dune ecology and reduce the ability of dunes to protect roads, property and towns from coastal storms. (Oct. (Science Daily)
Colham Ferry Elementary students get close look at reptiles Oct 28, 2009
Simpson, seen with a nonvenomous Scarlet King snake, focused his presentation on Georgia ecology and the types of wildlife found in different regions of the state. Students were able to observe a variety of Georgia amphibians and reptiles through his demonstration. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Opinion: Don't believe your eyes Oct 28, 2009
Like all our perceptions, we see illusions because the brain evolved not to see the retinal image, but to resolve the inherent "meaninglessness" of that image by continually redefining normality, a normality that is necessarily grounded in relationships, history and ecology ... But, by "seeing yourself see," in other words by actively exploring how your thoughts, feelings, beliefs and even the colors you see reflect your physical, social and cultural ecology, only then is it possible to... (CNN)
Charlotte County Supervisors address vital issues at monthly meeting Oct 28, 2009
Letters of support from the Eureka Ecology club, the town of Drakes Branch and a number of businesses have been provided. The Heartland Business Park in Keysville is one proposed site that would include a variety of features including trails, fields, an amphitheatre, walking trail, bike ramp, restrooms, parking and more. (Brookneal Union Star, VA)
SU's Women in Sports chapter first in nation Oct 28, 2009
Rodin and SU's Department of Sport Management in the College of Human Ecology have worked together for a year to start the chapter at the university. After reviewing SU's proposal, the national program unanimously voted in favor of making SU the flagship school, said Kate O'Neil Futrell, an administrative assistant in Sport Management. (Daily Orange, NY)
Hidden Costs Of Energy Production And Use Oct 28, 2009
(July 6, 2005) David Pimentel, professor of ecology and agriculture at Cornell University, has co-authored an analysis that finds that producing ethanol or biodiesel from corn and other biomass uses more energy. (Aug. (Science Daily)
Foolishly Choosing Bears Over Barrels Oct 28, 2009
Ecology: The administration creates the mother of all protected habitats for a species whose numbers have increased since Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth." It's our hopes for energy independence that are drowning. When filmmaker Phelim McAleer, whose documentary "Not Evil Just Wrong" takes apart the myths of global warming, got to ask Gore a question at the annual conference of the Society of Environmental Journalists, McAleer brought up the nine critical errors in Gore's film "An Inconvenient... (Investors Business Daily)
Wolves Lose Their Predatory Edge In Mid-life, Study Shows Oct 28, 2009
27, 2009) Although most wolves in Yellowstone National Park live to be nearly six years old, their ability to kill prey peaks when they are two to three, according to a study led by Dan MacNulty and recently published online by Ecology Letters ... "Wolves are not perfect predators," says MacNulty, a postdoctoral researcher in the College of Biological Sciences' Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior. (Science Daily)
Rants and raves Oct 28, 2009
HEADLINE: "Ecology research to thrive." Taxpayers go broke, but a snail or obscure fish or something will live nicely, thank you ... How about to the Savannah River Ecology Lab for "ecological organization." Now doesn't that sound like something to sing about. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Study: Warm forests may yield less timber Oct 27, 2009
The study was published in the journal Forest Ecology and Management and was funded by the U.S. Forest Service ... Oregon State ecology professor Mark Harmon, who was not part of the study, said while it is difficult to consider everything, he had reservations about the approach, which left out factors such as the increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere ... Steven W. Running, professor of ecology at the University of Montana and a lead author of the Intergovernmental Panel on... (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Musk ox success: Striking a bullish balance Oct 27, 2009
"It's phenomenal," said wildlife biologist Brad Shults of the National Park Service, who is studying them as part of a project to compare the population and ecology of musk oxen on and adjacent to Bering Land Bridge National Preserve to those around Cape Krusenstern National Monument along the Chukchi Sea near Kotzebu 00000D7F e. "It was averaging around 16 percent a year, although once we starting clipping the population with hunting, it leveled off.". Ken Adkisson, subsistence program manager... (Anchorage Daily News)
Frog die-off mystery solved Oct 27, 2009
Biologists in Australia have solved one of the great mysteries of modern ecology how a simple fungus is pushing the world's frog populations closer to extinction ... Researchers at the Amphibian Disease Ecology Group at Cook University in Australia discovered that when the frogs got the skin disease chytridiomycosis from the fungus, it disrupted their ability to properly regulate electrolytes. (Honolulu Advertiser)
