Living Planet Report Details Threats To Earth's Biodiversity
Thousands of populations of animals, both terrestrial and aquatic, are in decline and living in increasingly threatened habitats, according to the 2012 Living Planet Report.
Latest Science Stories
Tiger Snake Size Depends On Offspring Mouth Size
Tiger snakes in Australia are of varied size, with some isolated island populations being twice the size of those on the mainland.
Scientists Gain Insights From Miscanthus Genome Maps
Two reports were released this year on the genome of Miscanthus grasses, which are used in gardens, burned for energy and converted into liquid fuels.
Golf-Course Fungicide Could Produce Smaller, Environmentally Friendly Corn Plants
A fungicide commonly used on golf courses could hold the key to producing miniaturized corn plants which require less water and fertilizer to grow and be more environmentally friendly, a researcher at Purdue University in Indiana has discovered.
First Record Of 1 Million Year Old Pollinating Insects Discovered
A new study, conducted at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ERSF), details the first recorded cases of pollination by insects.
Scientists Answer Unresolved Questions About Loggerhead Turtle Migrations
A new study provides insight into exactly how young loggerhead turtles complete a transoceanic migration that involves moving through the entirety of the North Atlantic basin.
Big Story Weather – May 16, 2012
Daily weather forecast and wrap-up provided by RedOrbit meteorologist Joshua Kelly.
Almost One Tenth Of Western Hemisphere Mammals In Danger From Climate Change
A new study finds that nine percent of the Western Hemisphere's mammals will fall victim to the changing climate.
Guerillas Threaten Gorillas In Congo's Virunga National Park
Heavily armed Congolese rebels taking refuge in their country’s Virunga National Park are placing endangered mountain gorillas under additional threat, according to conservation officials.
Extreme Weather Warnings To Text Begin This Month
Weather warnings via phone are not a new idea as many private weather companies already offer this service. However, now the National Weather Service is going to offer this service for the first time.
Wind Energy Under Hot Air Attack
Wind energy is under attack from a network of ultra-conservative groups and “think tanks.” These think tanks are simply propaganda machines for the fossil fuel industry.
Anthropologists Discover World's Earliest Known Wall Art
Numerous engraved and painted images of female sex organs, animals and geometric figures discovered in southern France are believed to be the world’s earliest known cave art.
Carbon Emissions From Deforestation Influenced By Time, Method Of Tree Usage, And Location
The University of California, Davis has conducted an innovative study on the effects of human tree usage on climate change.
BGI Completes Sequencing Of Foxtail Millet Genome
A report published in the online journal Nature Biotechnology states that BGI has successfully completed the analysis and genome sequence of foxtail millet (Setaria italica).
Plant Proteins May Boost Agricultural Yields, Biofuel Production
Salk and Iowa State researchers identify three proteins involved in plant fatty acids, the key components of seed oils.
Duke Team Provides Groundwork To Make Electric Crystals
A team of Duke University engineers plan to send us even further into the future as they have compiled a “master ingredient list” to create the next generation of quantum electronics.
Smartphones, Floating Robots Used To Track Water Flow
Researchers want to make tracking the flow of a body of water as simple as tracking other phenomena, like weather patterns or the flow of traffic.
New Material Could Mean Smaller, Faster Computers
New research suggests graphene and carbon nanotubes could be used to create these super small, super fast computers and smartphones.
The Cellular Secrets of Plant Fatty Acid Production Understood
Chalcone-isomerase protein holds much promise of economic benefit
Scientists Observe Rapid Change In Underwater Volcano
Researchers have been able to capture the rise and collapse of an underwater volcano in the Pacific Ocean for the first time.
More Science News
Word of the Day
- (adj) In prosody, consisting of two short times or syllables: as, a pyrrhic foot; composed of or pertaining to feet so constituted: as, pyrrhic verse; pyrrhic rhythm.
- (noun) An ancient Grecian warlike dance, in quick and light measure, accompanied by the flute.
- (adj) Pertaining to Pyrrhus, especially to Pyrrhus, King of Epirus.
Quote of the Day
Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce. 
- John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, 1961