Glacier formation proves two-sided

Posted on March 4, 2011 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

Conventional reading suggests glaciers and ice sheets are formed top-down, by the cumulative compaction of snowflakes. New research published in Science today shows there is a bottom-up component too – at least for the East Antarctic ice sheet.

A bear necessity?

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Jorn van Dooren

A study of hibernating black bears has yielded results that could one day aid seriously injured patients.

2010 Amazon drought record: 8 Gt extra CO2

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

The 2005 Amazon drought was unprecedented. It was thought to occur just once in a century. But last year was even worse, leading to massive biomass degradation and CO2 emissions. And yet another 2010 climate record.

Arctic sea ice attacked from two sides

Posted on February 2, 2011 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

Climate change is not only causing the Arctic sea ice to melt because it heats the atmosphere above it, but also through heat advection, by warming ocean currents that make contact with the ice.

Writing increases test scores

Posted on January 21, 2011 by Judy Keen

Worried about taking a test and failing? Do you panic and choke when doing something critical for your job or life? Findings published in Science Magazine (vol 331:211-13, 2011) show that writing about your fears just prior to taking an … Continue reading →

Hydroxyl proves stable atmospheric cleaner

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

Good news in Science from an international team of atmospheric chemists, including researchers from NOAA and the Dutch universities of Wageningen and Utrecht. Hydroxyl, atmosphere’s enthusiastic cleaning agent, proves to be produced in quite stable quantities from year to year.

Cloud feedback adds 50-100% to climate sensitivity

Posted on December 12, 2010 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

According to Atmospheric Sciences Professor Andrew Dessler, of Texas A&M University, in an interview with BBC’s Science in Action.

NASA: temperature is all about CO2

Posted on October 19, 2010 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

Two new studies by NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies help improve basic quantitative understanding of the Earth’s greenhouse system. The one, ‘CO2: The Thermostat that Controls Earth’s Temperature’, is a Goddard climate model based study (lead-author Andrew Lacis) to … Continue reading →

Today’s paradox: non-GM crops help promote GMO

Posted on October 12, 2010 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

This week the EU considers decentralising the rules on the production of Genetically Modified Organisms. If they do so, it won’t be Brussels stating GMO risks are unacceptable, but individual member states deciding for themselves – no doubt weighing in … Continue reading →

Insects add 4th generation to biofuels debate

Posted on October 9, 2010 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

Good news from Norway. Sustainable biofuel production is perhaps another tiny step closer. Soon we may be able to start burning bugs.

Bits of Science

Tag Archives: Science