Ecosystems


Hot Air Treatment Decreases Bacteria in Chicken Coops

New research from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) shows that treating chicken coops and cages with hot air can help minimize the amount of disease-causing bacteria that is passed on to other groups of birds during transport.

McDonald’s to Start Serving MSC-Certified Sustainable Fish

In order to continue serving their customers with high-quality seafood, McDonald’s will begin serving Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified seafood, which helps protect future fish supplies, in all of its locations across the U.S.

How More CO2 is Released by Warmer Soils

According to a new study, climate change can cause soils to reach higher temperatures, which could make those soils release additional carbon into the atmosphere.

How Aggressively Will EPA Address Climate Change?

EPA won a decision at the D.C. Circuit in June 2012 allowing it to use its authority under the Clean Air Act to address climate change. With EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson leaving, how quickly will it act?

New Avenue Opens for Challenges to CWA Compliance Orders

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Sackett v. EPA recognized that property owners have the right to immediately go to court to challenge the validity of administrative compliance orders issued by EPA under the Clean Water Act.

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Association Receives Environmental Education Grant

The Ohio EPA has awarded a $48,460 grant to help improve wetlands education opportunities associated with the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Association.

Ladybugs' Diet Guides Biocontrol Agent

By researching the diet of lady beetles, USDA scientists have learned more about the movement of these insects and how they may be beneficial in farm fields by eating crop pests.

Global Warming Increases Monthly Heat Records Worldwide

According to a new study, there are now five times as many record-breaking hot months worldwide than could be expected without long-term global warming.



Attend a Rain Garden Program for Free

On Jan. 14, there will be a program relating to bioretention areas, also known as rain gardens, help at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center. The program will begin at 9 a.m. and last until 4 p.m.

River Salinization May Become a Global Environmental Issue

The salinization of rivers has become a global problem with high environmental and economic cost, which also poses a great risk to human health. According to a new research, climate change and increasing water consumption may create larger issues in the future.

Ratsnakes May Benefit from Global Warming

Researchers from the University of Illinois conducted a study of ratsnakes in Ontario, Illinois, and Texas, with resulting showing that the species can adapt to higher temperature by becoming more active at night.

New Abundance Estimate for Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Released by NOAA

NOAA scientists from the Alaska Fisheries Science Center has announced that the 2012 abundance estimate for the endangered Cook Inlet Beluga Whale population is 312 , which is a small increase from the previous year.

Shell's Rig Move Timed to Avoid State Tax

The Kulluk drillship remained aground Jan. 5 on the southeast shoreline of Sitkalidak Island, Alaska, upright and stable, and Shell has received a state permit to move it, the Unified Command reported.

As convenient as the newest gadgets are, we should not not forget that most of them contain harmful substances and should be properly recycled, refurbished, or reused. (Dynamic Recycling photo)

Proper E-Waste Disposal and Environmental Sustainability

Do your own, personal part in making proper decisions about recycling e-waste. Don't be afraid to call someone out or voice your opinion about how important our planet is and what it means to you.

No Leak Found from Grounded Drillship's Tanks

A team of five people boarded Shell's Kulluk ship, grounded since Dec. 31 on the southeast coast of Sitkalidak Island, Alaska. They reported it is firmly aground and found no signs of environmental impact.

Comments Welcome on Cleveland Harbor Dredging Project

On Jan. 10, the Ohio EPA will be holding a public meeting in regards to the upcoming Cleveland Harbor Dredging Project, which takes place in the Cuyahoga River. The public hearing will begin at 5:30 that evening, inside the Carnegie West Branch of the Cleveland Public Library.

New Fish Species Found in Lake Victoria

Two new species of cichlid fish have been found in Lake Victoria. One of the species has been names after Tijs Goldschmidt, the author of Darwin’s Dreampond. The book explains the extinction of hundreds of cichlid species due to the Nile perch and other human related environmental changes during the 1980s.

Help Save the Cayman Turtles

An investigation at a turtle farm in the Caribbean revealed overcrowding, neglect, and unsanitary conditions have led to the mistreatment of the endangered sea turtles, putting the species at risk in the Cayman Islands.

Ratsnakes May Benefit from Global Warming

Researchers from the University of Illinois conducted a study of ratsnakes in Ontario, Illinois, and Texas, with resulting showing that the species can adapt to higher temperature by becoming more active at night.

BSEE Safety Panel Meeting Next Week

This will be the sixth meeting of the year-old Ocean Energy Safety Advisory Committee. BSEE also is accepting proposals for oil spill response research projects.