Environment
Could African Crops Be Improved With Private Biotech Data?
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
A plant scientist at Mars Inc. has appealed to the world's biggest life sciences companies to help him — by sharing what they already know about 100 crops that could provide better nutrition in Africa. But can the kings of agricultural intellectual property get onboard with open source agricultural information for Africa?
African Cities Test The Limits Of Living With Livestock
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Hipsters may just be discovering the joys of backyard chickens, but in African megacities, people have been bringing their animals into the slums with them for decades. That's creating a new ecosystem of animals and huge numbers of people living closely together like never before.
Vertical 'Pinkhouses:' The Future Of Urban Farming?
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Architects have come up with spectacular concepts for vertical farms that would grow crops in city skyscrapers. But many horticulturists think the future of vertical farming isn't in skyscrapers, but rather in large, indoor warehouses lit up magenta by superefficient LEDs.
Storm Chasers Seek Thrills, But Also Chance To Warn Others
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
When disaster strikes, our natural instinct is to take cover and seek shelter. But in severe weather, especially the type that breeds tornadoes like we saw in Oklahoma and parts of the Midwest this week, there are those who ride toward the storm.
Storm Chasers In It For The Thrill, Chance To Warn Others
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Melissa Block talks with Chris McBee, a storm chaser and native Oklahoman who shot video of Monday's tornado, as it tore through the area around Oklahoma City. McBee and his companions phoned in the funnel cloud's location to the National Weather Service moments before debris — splintered wood and insulation — came whipping through the air.
Measuring The Power Of Deadly Tornadoes
Monday, May 20, 2013
Tornado strength is currently measured on what is called the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which gives the tornado a rating from 0 to 5 based on estimated wind speeds and the severity of the damage.
Forecasters Had Chance To Warn Moore, Okla., Before Tornado
Monday, May 20, 2013
Melissa Block talks to Jon Hamilton about the science of tornadoes.
Calif. Law To Require Ships To Cut Pollution
Monday, May 20, 2013
California is about to become the first state to require shore power at its ports. A new law mandates at least half of a shipping line's fleet to shut down their diesel engines and plug into shore-side electric power when they unload their cargo. It's part of a larger effort to cut pollution at the state's busiest ports, but costs have been a sticking point.
Impossible Choice Faces America's First 'Climate Refugees'
Saturday, May 18, 2013
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the tiny town of Newtok, Alaska, could be completely underwater by 2017. Its 350 residents must relocate or stay to face the floods, but a move is easier said than done.
Afghan Mineral Treasures Stay Buried, Hostages To Uncertainty
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Afghanistan is believed to be home to world-class mineral deposits, valued at up to $3 trillion and offering hope for the country's economic future. But in the current environment of uncertainty, investors are nervous and it could be many years before Afghanistan strikes pay dirt.
Not Your Grandpa's RV: This Roving Lab Tracks Air Pollution
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Atmospheric scientist Ira Leifer installed special air sensors on a camper, then drove from Florida to California, measuring methane levels all along the way. More than 6,000 readings later, he found some noticeable spikes, especially around petrochemical plants and urban areas like Los Angeles.
Scientists Agree On Climate Change, Why Doesn't The Public?
Friday, May 17, 2013
A new study confirms that the vast majority of scientists who research the climate accept that the planet is warming and human beings are largely responsible. Yet a large slice of the American public believes that scientists are deeply split about global warming.
When Is the Right Time To Give?
Friday, May 17, 2013
Volunteer firefighter Mark Bezos tells a story of an act of heroism that didn't go quite as expected — but that taught him a big lesson: Don't wait — give now.
How Can You Give A Community Better Health?
Friday, May 17, 2013
Ron Finley plants vegetable gardens in South Central LA — in abandoned lots, traffic medians, along the curbs. He hopes to offer some alternative to fast food in a community where "the drive-thrus are killing more people than the drive-bys."
New Jersey News
As Pipeline Expands, Questions Raised Over Who Protects NJ Water
Friday, May 17, 2013
The Highlands Region in the northwest corner of New Jersey provides water for more than 5 million households in the state. A utility company, Tennessee Gas Pipeline, is expanding the natural gas line that runs through the environmentally protected area. The fight over the project has become the centerpiece of why environmentalists complain about Governor Chris Christie's tenure.
Cape Cod Community To Vote On Status Of Wind Turbines
Friday, May 17, 2013
In the Cape Cod community of Falmouth, voters will decide if two, town-owned wind turbines will be taken down. Dozens have complained of headaches, insomnia and other issues since the first turbine started spinning in 2010.
First U.S. Company To Enter Export Market For Natural Gas
Friday, May 17, 2013
With supplies high and prices at historic lows, there's debate whether U.S. companies should be allowed to export the gas overseas for a higher price. Many energy companies have applied for government approval to ship liquefied natural gas worldwide. So far, only one company has gotten a license to do that in the past 30 years..
How Trace Amounts Of Arsenic End Up In Grocery Store Meat
Thursday, May 16, 2013
A recently published study found slightly elevated amounts of inorganic arsenic in samples of chicken meat purchased at grocery stores. Arsenic-based drugs are no longer used in chickens — but they are still used in turkeys.
Water Trapped For 1.5 Billion Years Could Hold Ancient Life
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Scientists have discovered water that was sealed in Canadian bedrock for nearly half of Earth's history. It may contain the descendants of ancient microbes. The discovery could give scientists new insights into early life on Earth and inform the search for life on other planets.
Go Fish (Somewhere Else): Warming Oceans Are Altering Catches
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Fish are moving away from the equator and toward the poles to maintain their preferred water temperature. That means, for example, that fishermen are seeing swordfish normally found in the Mediterranean swimming near Denmark. But in the tropics, there are no fish to replace the ones that are leaving.