Other Stories

Farm-grown biofuels look to siphon oil demand

Biofuel is taking off, but last year only accounted for 2 percent of global gasoline use. There is scope for considerable increase; for example 10 percent ethanol can be mixed with conventional diesel without alteration to vehicles. This would reduce import bills and greenhouse gas emissions and help farmers. However, the cost will need to come down, and there may be problems with land and water availability and government policies.

Ocean 'bioprospecting' needs rules - U.N. experts

When current maritime treaties were ratified, few scientists believed there was any life on the ocean floor. Now that we have found a variety of life the U.N. University (UNU) believes that international regulations should be drawn up to cover deep sea bioprospecting by pharmaceutical companies, to protect fragile habitats and to determine ownership.

EPA Sued Over Pesticides' Effects on Kids

A lawsuit filed Tuesday by farm workers, environmentalists and public health advocates says that the government has not protected the children of farm workers from pesticide damage.

Mont. to Fight Spread of Noxious Weeds

Montana State and federal officials have launched a new campaign against invasive species of weeds, particularly knapweed, which cost the state dearly.

Wildfire Burning 70 Miles From Las Vegas

The wildfire, started by lightning, covers about 20,000 acres on the Nevada Test Site and Nellis Air Force Base range.

Huge Mudslides Block Yellowstone Route

The scenic Beartooth Highway is likely to remain closed through mid-October. The longer Chief Joseph Scenic Highway, though longer, takes a similar time to drive and so is an alternative route.

New Shipwrecks Found in Hawaii Archipelago

One was a barge, and the other a ship lost in 1989. A trail of coal that scientists also spotted may lead to the Australian ship Dunnottar Castle, which ran aground in 1886. They hope not only to preserve the marine heritage but also to map the marine life and study how much the urbanized Hawaiian Islands affect the area's ecosystem.

Elephants return to South Africa's famed Karoo

A family of 12 elephants has been introduced to South Africa's Karoo region. They were hunted to local extinction at least 150 years ago. Black rhino and several species of antelope have already been reintroduced, and lion and buffalo will follow.

Threatened chimps may hold key to AIDS mystery

A leading genetic expert has warned that the chimpanzees which may hold clues into AIDS may soon be wiped out. Wild chimpanzees have viruses similar to the HIV-1 virus, but don't get AIDS.

Scientists Nudge Fish Closer to Extinction

Scientists studying the endangered Devils Hole pupfish accidentally killed about 80 of them. Only 180 were counted in 2003.

Experts: Ohio's Osprey Population Growing

Ospreys were reintroduced to Ohio in 1996, and there are now around 36 nesting pairs, enough to be self-sustaining, though ospreys are still on the state's endangered species list.

Surfer May Have Been Bitten by Shark

An apparent attack by a shark on a surfer was the first for 30 years at Surf City, N.J. The surfer needed more than 50 stitches on his lower leg. The shark was probably either a small great white or a sandbar shark.

Are our politicians serving us well?

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