Jan 1st, 2009 · Coral in the Great Barrier Reef is showing significant signs of trouble, apparently the result of human activities. Scientists say one species of coral is growing much more slowly than it was 15 years ago. If current trends continue, this species of coral could stop growing altogether by the middle of the century. Scientists suspect that coral growth is being stunted by warmer ocean waters, as well as increasing acidity caused by carbon dioxide that's entering the ocean as a result of fossil fuel combustion.
Keywords: Scientists · human · ocean · species · fossil · carbon · coral · warmer · dioxide · suspect · Acidity · Great Barrier Reef
Dec 26th, 2008 · Shade-grown coffee is sometimes called "bird friendly coffee," but a new paper in the journal Current Biology suggests that the plantations also help maintain the genetic diversity of native tree species. Study author Shalene Jha discusses the research and its implications.
Keywords: Journal · research · species · native · genetic · biology · plantation · diversity · coffee · emCurrent · Shalene Jha
Dec 21st, 2008 · As many as 60 million bison roamed the American prairie at the time Columbus sailed to the New World in 1492. By 1900, only hundreds remained. Bison have since made a comeback, but today's herds carry a flaw that could put the species at risk.
Keywords: Americans · survive · species · New World · comeback · Columbus · 1900 · Bison · Prairie
Dec 19th, 2008 · New research suggests the trend of paternal care in bird species may have been passed down by their ancient relatives: dinosaurs. In analyzing fossilized dinosaur nests and bones, researchers found evidence that males may have been the caregivers.
Keywords: evidence · research · species · fossil · dinosaurs · Dad · ancient · male · caregivers
Nov 29th, 2008 · Superorganism species consist of many individuals working within a self-sustaining social unit — like leafcutter ants. A new book on insects delves deep into some of the most complicated social systems outside humanity.
Keywords: Secret · Society · social · humanity · species · Ants · insects · Superorganisms · leafcutter
Nov 28th, 2008 · Many of the world's fish are heading toward commercial extinction. The next one to go could be the majestic Atlantic bluefin tuna. This week, an international committee meant to protect the species approved fishing levels that far exceed what scientists say is sustainable. Conservationists fear the remaining stocks of bluefin tuna in the Western Atlantic and Mediterranean could collapse completely.
Keywords: committee · world · protections · commercial · Scientists · extinctions · species · conservationist · Mediterranean · majestic · tuna · Atlantic
Nov 21st, 2008 · Scientists found 5,600 different species or strains of bacteria living in human intestines, making gut bacteria 10 times more diverse than expected. David Relman, one of the authors of the study, explains the findings and how a common antibiotic disrupts this bacterial community.
Keywords: intestine · community · Scientists · human · species · Bacteria · antibiotics · bacterial · David Relman
Nov 4th, 2008 · A team of Japanese scientists have found a way to cloning mice kept in an ordinary freezer for 16 years. Previously, special preparations were needed prior to freezing to preserving cells for later use. The scientists say their research might someday be used to save extinct or endangered species.
Keywords: cell · Scientists · research · Freezing · Japan · extinctions · species · endangered · mice · freezer · prior
