Imagine you’re in a storm where the average wave is 20 feet (6 meters) tall. Suddenly, a wave appears that’s 100 feet (30 meters) tall. A sudden, unexpected wave that tall can sink even large ships and is an example of a rogue wave. Rogue waves aren’t tsunamis, which are caused by undersea earthquakes. They seem to appear out of … Read More
Lifeform of the week: Mistletoe
The quaint holiday decoration you invited into your home and hung over your doorways is a vicious parasite that leeches nutrients from innocent host trees. It is riddled with cytotoxins, and its seeds are dispersed via bird crap. Merry Christmas.
World on cusp of 'post-antibiotic era'
Bacteria are now resistant to drugs of last resort meaning the world is on the cusp of a “post-antibiotic era”, warn scientists.
New satellite to measure plant health
ESA plans to track the health of the world’s vegetation by detecting and measuring the faint glow that plants give off as they convert sunlight and the atmosphere’s carbon dioxide into energy.
Low-oxygen 'dead zones' in North Pacific linked to past ocean-warming events
A new study has found a link between abrupt ocean warming at the end of the last ice age and the sudden onset of low-oxygen, or hypoxic conditions that led to vast marine dead zones. Results of the study, which was funded by the National Science Foundation, are being published this week in the journal Nature.
Nano power grids between bacteria
Microorganisms in the sea organize their power supply via tiny power-cables, thus oxidizing the greenhouse gas methane.
Antarctic ice is melting so fast the whole continent may be at risk by 2100
New research predicts a doubling of surface melting of the ice shelves by 2050, risking their collapse by the end of the century, say scientists Antarctic ice is melting so fast that the stability of the whole continent could be at risk by 2100, scientists have warned. Widespread collapse of Antarctic ice shelves – floating extensions of land ice projecting … Read More
Oklahoma earthquake likely caused by wastewater injection, seismologist says
Magnitude-4.4 temblor Saturday was among nearly 700 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or greater in state this year, compared to 20 throughout 2009
NASA Facilities at Risk From Projected Sea Level Increases
Many of NASA’s key sites for launching spacecraft and carrying out research will be threatened by even moderate increases in sea level.
Snakebite treatment 'will run out next year'
Medical charity says stockpiles of anti-venom Fav-Afrique will expire in June with no alternative likely for at least two years