Environment
How a fly flies
An insect’s ability to fly is perhaps one of the greatest feats of evolution. Michael Dickinson looks at how a fruit fly takes flight with such delicate wings, thanks to a clever flapping motion and flight muscles that are both powerful and nimble. But the secret ingredient: the incredible fly brain.
Mysterious sea ‘Monster’ washes up in New Zealand
A grisly carcass discovered last week on a New Zealand beach looks like the stuff of nightmares…
14 strange & interesting facts worldwide
There are many strange and interesting facts around the world. Some of them are certainly well known, others waiting for you to discover.
Five innovative technologies that bring energy to the developing world
In the wealthy world, improving the energy system generally means increasing the central supply of reliable, inexpensive and environmentally-friendly power and distributing it through the power grid. Across most of the planet, though, simply providing new energy sources to the millions who are without electricity and depend on burning wood or kerosene for heat and light would open up new opportunities.
Lands of two seasons: the world’s Mediterranean climate ecosystems
Great weather, abundant harvests, fabulous food, some of the world’s most cosmopolitan, and romantic, cities — as well as the world’s most critical biodiversity hotspots — make up what are known as Mediterranean-climate Ecosystems.
Seal fur industry defeated
BRUSSELS - The European General Court has wisely decided to uphold the European Union’s ban on commercial trade in seal products. The court rejected a spurious attempt by the sealing and fur trade industries and some Inuit representatives to undermine the ban, which plays a key role in curbing the cruel global trade. Court Dismisses Fur Industry Attempt to Overturn EU Ban on Cruel Seal Products – Humane Society International [...]
Top 10 tiny animals with enough poison to absolutely destroy you
Most people would steer clear of any snakes or oversized spiders that crossed our paths. We have a sort of logic when it comes to animals that tells us “Bigger = Deadlier.” But more often, you will often find that the opposite is true. Many animals make up for their small size with deadly venom, and so what may look like a regular snail could actually be your final downfall. Below are ten tiny, but incredibly deadly, animals.
A 40-year plan for energy
In this intimate talk filmed at TED’s offices, energy innovator Amory Lovins shows how to get the US off oil and coal by 2050, $5 trillion cheaper, with no Act of Congress, led by business for profit. The key is integrating all four energy-using sectors—and four kinds of innovation.
Springtime in the Bay of Biscay
Springtime in the Bay of Biscay, off the coast of France, as in most places, is a season of abundant growth. On April 20, 2013, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this true-color image of the dynamic growth of a springtime phytoplankton bloom. The swirling colors indicate the presence of [...]
Tornados from Below and Above
What causes a Tornado to form? How can we foresee them? New technologies are giving people more and more time to prepare and seek shelter in a time of crisis, whether it be from information gathered on the ground or spectacular visual mapping from new satellites in space. Engineer and storm chaser Tim Samaras gives his unique perspective and insight on the situation.
14 fun facts about Penguins
Penguins seem a bit out of place on land, with their stand-out black jackets and clumsy waddling. But once you see their grace in the water, you know that’s where they’re meant to be–they are well-adapted to life in the ocean.
Why is there no giant mammals?
Quick run-down of the reasons scientists think the land mammals of today are nowhere near the size of the largest sauropods. Some of them might surprise you!
Photos of 18 Endangered and Vulnerable Species
Photo contest contestants capture rare images of threatened animals.
