Bach

Matthew Anderson

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Friday, 16 May 2008

BBC Science/Nature News


Ancestors had leg-up to trees - A new study explains how the tiny ancestors of humans, apes and monkeys may have taken to the trees.
'Effective chemicals may be lost' - It is claimed tighter rules on pesticide use in Europe could lead to reduced yields and increases in food costs.
Wildlife populations 'plummeting' - Between a quarter and a third of the world's wildlife has been lost since 1970, says the Living Planet Index.
Small biomass option concern - Small-scale biomass power plants can have bigger enviro-impacts than other renewables, a study says.
Asbestos cancer chemo doubts - Chemotherapy does not help people with asbestos-related cancer, according to UK researchers.
Evolution rolls on for Mars rover - The wheels continue to turn on Europe's billion-euro project to put a robotic rover on the Red Planet's surface.
Mars probe set for risky descent - Scientists prepare for "seven minutes of terror" as the Phoenix spacecraft attempts to land on the surface.
Body clock reset clue discovered - A small molecule may have a big role in making the body clock tick, say UK researchers.
Europe could get own spaceship - EADS Astrium plans a variant of its space station truck, the ATV, that could fly European astronauts.
Files released on UFO sightings - Secret files on UFO sightings in Britain are made available for the first time by the Ministry of Defence.
Frigid robot eyes top tech prize - A robot which cares for millions of frozen biological samples is among four finalists for a top engineering award.
Virtual telescope opens night sky - Microsoft launches a free tool that allows amateur star-gazers to explore the universe from their computers.
Pollution 'ups blood clot risk' - Breathing in air pollution from traffic fumes can raise the risk of potentially deadly blood clots, a US study says.
Whales are 'cheetahs of the deep' - The way super-fast pilot whales hunt their prey has brought comparisons with the fleet-footed land predator, the cheetah.
US lists polar bear as threatened - The US lists the polar bear as a threatened species but says the decision will not affect climate change policies.
Changes pinned on warming - A survey concludes that shifts in the Earth's physical and biological systems are driven by global warming.
Sloth's lazy image 'a myth' - The sloth's popular image as a lazy creature that sleeps for most of the day has been called into question.
Hope of first owl chicks in years - Male and female snowy owl are spotted on an island, raising expectations they will be the UK's first breeding pair in 30 years.
Re-energising the nuclear sector - A national laboratory will help the UK's nuclear sector play a key role in providing reliable, low carbon electricity.
Urban spaces need green rethink - The focus on green homes and offices ignores the wider landscape around our towns and cities.
Highland Diary: Remote munro - A BBC producer records a diary of his experiences while trying to film the spectacular wildlife living on the most remote munro in Scotland.