Tag Archives: Study
Stable temperatures boost biodiversity in tropical mountains, study finds
ScienceDaily (June 9, 2011) — We often think of rainforests and coral reefs as hotspots for biodiversity, but mountains are treasure troves for species too — especially in the tropics, scientists say. But what drives montane biodiversity? The diversity of plants and animals in tropical mountain ranges may have something to do with the stable … Continue reading
Genetic study clarifies evolutionary origin of elusive montane red fox
ScienceDaily (May 20, 2011) — North American red foxes originated from two separate genetic lineages that were isolated from each other by glaciers some half a million years ago, according to a U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station study.The research — featured in the April/May 2011 issue of Science Findings, a monthly publication of … Continue reading
Independent study faults owner in W.Va. coal blast
BECKLEY, W.Va. (AP) — An independent investigation concludes the West Virginia coal mine explosion that killed 29 men last year was the result of safety failings by owner Massey Energy Co and rejects the company’s argument that a sudden gas buildup caused the deadliest U.S. coalfield disaster since 1970.The report released Thursday and commissioned by … Continue reading
Study: Focus wind power on ‘disturbed land’
There’s a growing conflict stemming from the push for more renewable energy and the environmental impact of large-scale wind and solar plants. But an analysis from the Nature Conservancy finds that a big boost in wind doesn’t have to negatively impact wildlife. (Credit: Screen capture by Martin LaMonica/CNET ) The conservation group today released a … Continue reading
Methane levels 17 times higher in water wells near hydrofracking sites, study finds
ScienceDaily (May 10, 2011) — A study by Duke University researchers has found high levels of leaked methane in well water collected near shale-gas drilling and hydrofracking sites. The scientists collected and analyzed water samples from 68 private groundwater wells across five counties in northeastern Pennsylvania and New York.“At least some of the homeowners who … Continue reading
Democrats and Republicans increasingly divided over global warming, study finds
ScienceDaily (Apr. 23, 2011) — Despite the growing scientific consensus that global warming is real, Americans have become increasingly polarized on the environmental issue, according to a first-of-its-kind study led by a Michigan State University researcher.The gap between Democrats and Republicans who believe global warming is happening increased 30 percent between 2001 and 2010 — … Continue reading
Study finds ways to cut offshore wind costs by a third
A study into offshore wind power has found that new approaches could cut costs by up to a third. Government-backed research by the Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) using its Helm Wind project, examined new ways of deploying offshore wind power, such as changing rotor diameter and speed, the number of blades used, drive-train options and … Continue reading
Sugarcane cools climate, study finds
ScienceDaily (Apr. 18, 2011) — Brazilians are world leaders in using biofuels for gasoline. About a quarter of their automobile fuel consumption comes from sugarcane, which significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions that otherwise would be emitted from using gasoline. Now scientists from the Carnegie Institution’s Department of Global Ecology have found that sugarcane has a … Continue reading
New study to look at economics, groundwater use of bioenergy feedstocks
ScienceDaily (Mar. 3, 2011) — Biofuel feedstock production in the Texas High Plains could significantly change the crop mix, which could affect regional income and groundwater consumption, according to Texas AgriLife Research and Texas AgriLife Extension Service economists.Dr. Steve Amosson, AgriLife Extension economist in Amarillo, and Dr. Seong Park, AgriLife Research economist in Vernon, are … Continue reading
Hydrocarbons deep within Earth: New computational study reveals how
ScienceDaily (Apr. 17, 2011) — A new computational study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals how hydrocarbons may be formed from methane in deep Earth at extreme pressures and temperatures.The thermodynamic and kinetic properties of hydrocarbons at high pressures and temperatures are important for understanding carbon reservoirs and fluxes in … Continue reading