Non-inherited mutations spotlight role of environment – NIH-supported study, consortium Bethesda, Maryland–(ENEWSPF)–April 5, 2012. Researchers have turned up a new clue to the workings of a possible environmental factor in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs): fathers were four times more likely than mothers to transmit tiny, spontaneous mutations to their children[Read More…]
Science
Satellite Observes Rapid Ice Shelf Disintegration in Antarctic
Larsen B: 2002-2012 EU–(ENEWSPF)–5 April 2012. As ESA’s Envisat satellite marks ten years in orbit, it continues to observe the rapid retreat of one of Antarctica’s ice shelves due to climate warming. One of the satellite’s first observations following its launch on 1 March 2002 was of break-up[Read More…]
Herbicide Applications Undermining Protection of Biodiversity
Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–April 5, 2012. Newly published research has documented that widely used herbicides can adversely impact non-target invertebrate organisms and that endangered species face acute risk from such impacts. Researchers found that adult numbers of the Behr’s metalmark butterfly dropped by one-fourth to more than one-third when its larvae were[Read More…]
Six National Drug Policy Organizations Call on President Obama to End Unnecessary Assault on Medical Marijuana Providers
Coalition to President Obama: “It is time for a new approach on marijuana policy.” WASHINGTON, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–April 4, 2012. In the wake of recent attacks on medical marijuana providers and patients by multiple branches of the federal government, including Monday’s raids on Oaksterdam University in Oakland, CA, a coalition of six[Read More…]
The Dark Heart of a Cosmic Collision
Centaurus A: Far-infrared and X-rays EU–(ENEWSPF)–4 April 2012. Two of ESA’s space observatories have combined to create a multi-wavelength view of violent events taking place within the giant galaxy of Centaurus A. The new observations strengthen the view that it may have been created by the cataclysmic collision of[Read More…]
Roundup Linked to Animal Shape Changes
Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–April 4, 2012. The world’s most popular weed killer can induce morphological changes in vertebrate animals, U.S. biologists studying its effect on amphibians say. University of Pittsburgh researchers have found that the weed killer Roundup, in sub-lethal and environmentally relevant concentrations, causes two species of amphibians to change their[Read More…]
Secretary Salazar Visits North Dakota’s Oil Boom; Unveils Initiatives to Accelerate Drilling Permits and Leases on Federal Lands
FORT BERTHOLD, N.D.–(ENEWSPF)–April 3, 2012. Concluding a two-day visit to areas in North Dakota benefiting from a major oil boom in and around the Bakken Formation, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today unveiled new initiatives to expedite safe and responsible development of domestic energy resources on U.S. public lands[Read More…]
Statement from Secretary Sebelius on National Public Health Week April 2012
Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–April 3, 2012. This week, April 2-8, 2012 we observe the 16th National Public Health Week and join with communities across the nation in recognizing the many contributions of public health. From vaccinations and safe water to tobacco control and motor vehicle safety, public health is a critical element of[Read More…]
U.S. District Court Finalizes Deadlines for Air Pollution Cleanup Plans
Promise of clearer, healthier air in national parks and wilderness areas Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–April 3, 2012. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has approved an agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and conservation groups on a path toward cleaner, clearer air in our national parks and wilderness[Read More…]
Self-Sculpting Sand
New algorithms could enable heaps of ‘smart sand’ that can assume any shape, allowing spontaneous formation of new tools or duplication of broken mechanical parts. CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(ENEWSPF)–April 3, 2012. Imagine that you have a big box of sand in which you bury a tiny model of a footstool. A few[Read More…]
