Antarctic Lake Beneath the Ice Sheet Tested

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130129121943.htm
January 29th, 2013

Scientists and engineers have drilled 800 meters into Antarctic ice to retrieve samples of a sub-glacial lake that has not been in contact with light and the atmosphere for many thousands of years. Scientists part of this project were able to obtain water and sediment samples of sub-glacial Lake Whillans with the use of a hot-water drill. It was essential that the drill was kept immaculately clean so that samples were not contaminated.

One may ask how this will help. The samples can be observed for microscopic organism. These organisms have been exposed to extremely cold temperatures as well as complete darkness for several thousands of years. It will be interesting to see how these organisms have evolved in order to adapt to such harsh conditions. Scientists also believe that these findings will help us understand how life may exist in similar conditions on other planets within our solar system.

Only recently, thanks to new technologies such as satellite and other mapping technologies, have we found out about an intricate system of sub-glacial rivers and lakes. In some areas the ice sheets separating the rivers and our atmosphere is almost two miles thick. The lakes can be incredibly large. The largest one, Vostok Subglacial Lake, is almost equivalent in size to Lake Ontario.

The entire project required over a decade of international planning as well as over three years of preparation. The researchers announced on January 28 that the mission was a success. The project was intended to help scientists learn more about these lakes in an attempt to protect them from contamination. As of now, the samples are being shipped off to various laboratories for chemical and biological analyses.

I found this article interesting because it ties in directly with the topic that we are discussing in class: evolution. These findings show how life can possibly adapt to extreme situations. It is incredible that these lakes and rivers have been preserved for thousands of years and it will be interesting to see how these microorganisms have evolved. It can also help us understand life on other planets such as Mars, which is currently being investigated.

Antarctic Ice Sheet: Warming Fast

Studies have found that the massive Western Arctic Ice Sheet is warming up twice as much as was previously thought, and researched. Even though the temperature in all parts of the world, and in all climates is heating up, there is a faster and larger temperature rise on the Western Arctic Ice sheet than what the average rise of the temperature is. Previous research suggested that there will be a temperature rise, but this temperature rise is about twice more than what was originally thought it would be. The even more frightening thing is that there is a trend of temperature rise in the summer. This could potentially cause melting or affect the surface mass balance of the sheet.
Researchers have said "We've already seen enhanced surface melting contribute to the breakup of the Antarctic's Larsen B Ice Shelf, where glaciers at the edge discharged massive sections of ice into the ocean that contributed to sea level rise," Monaghan said. "The stakes would be much higher if a similar event occurred to an ice shelf restraining one of the enormous WAIS glaciers."
This shows the potential danger this one event could ave to the world, how it could restrain the region's natural ice flow, overflow the ocean, etc. Similar events have happened in the close past, and a similar continuation of events could cause a harm to the environment. The Western Arctic Ice Sheet is very sensitive towards climate change, and it if gets in to contact with warm water, it can start largely contributing to the rise in sea level yearly.

It's a CATastrophe!

Cats are Ruthless Killers. Should they be killed?
by Hannah Waters
published January 29, 2013 at ScientificAmerican.com

In a single year, cats in America alone kill an estimated 1.4 to 3.7 billion birds and 6.9 to 20.7 billion birds a year. They are regarded as a highly dangerous invasive species, devastating ecosystems.  On island nations, they are responsible for about 14% of bird, mammal, and reptile extinction, while threatening about 8% of endangered species. Currently, many communities with large feral cat populations use a trap-neuter-release method of cat population control. This rests on the theory that if cats are unable to reproduce, than their population will decline, thereby protecting small mammal, reptile, and bird species. However, this method is ineffective, since a single female cat can have three litters of 4 to 6 cats every single year. In a response to this growing issue, Waters proposes the euthanasia of stray cats. Computer simulations have suggested that this would be highly effective at reducing the invasive predator populations. Waters claims that, "if we value biodiversity and wildlife and can manage to overcome our predilection for cute cat faces over cute bird faces, cat populations should be controlled through humane killing, just like many other invasive species." Animal rights organizations such as The Wildlife Society and PETA support the killing of stray cats to protect ecosystems.

This is a very interesting and controversial issue. On one hand, we don't want to kill adorable cats, but on the other, we do not want to upset fragile ecosystems or tolerate species extinctions. I must agree with the author though, the problem serious threatens ecosystems, as well as biodiversity in general. As Michael Hutchins, of The Wildlife Society says as, "we turn our backs on our native wildlife in favor of protection non-native predatory cats... [we] ignore the inconvenient truth about the morality they inflict." However, I think that preventative action should only occur in areas where the ecosystems are more fragile, like islands and more isolated locations, as well as when no suitable homes or shelters are available. In regard to domesticated, pet cats, I agree with Waters that they should be spayed or neutered and their owners should be aware of their hunting activities. 

Livestock falling ill in fracking regions, raising concerns about food

Article name: Livestock falling ill in fracking regions, raising concerns about food
Author: Elizabeth Royte
Date: 28.01.2013.
Publication: Environmental News Network

While it is still not absolutely certain, it is suspected that the chemicals used in drilling processes are poisoning livestock. The link between the two was suggested by Michelle Bamberger, a veterinarian from Ithaca, and Robert Oswald, a molecular medicine professor from Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. They gathered 24 cases of livestock that has displayed signs of illness (physical and neurological) after being exposed to the drilling chemicals. In their Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy they described the effects on animals over a period of several years.

They believe that this should be taken as a warning and sign that some regulations should be made. The difference made by the deaths are still considered insignificant but the situation could possibly escalate. This is especially worrisome as the livestock produces food for humans to eat as well (ie. milk could be contaminated).

Additional statistics can be found in the article (link is above).

To me, it is naturally worrying that the food people get can be poisonous but I also feel like this could cross the border into animal cruelty as the animals suffer pretty painful deaths from the poisoning and that should really not be happening. I hope the report about this is taken seriously and not delayed until the situation turns drastic.

Baby brain, adult disease

 Illnesses that relate to memory disorders, such as Alzheimer's, are always inked to the changing of the brain, most of the time due to age. Such illnesses are not typically gotten before late adulthood, but now, recent studies have shown, that even infant's brains can get the early signs of Alzheimer's. A new study found a brain difference linked to Alzheimer's in the temporal lobe. This part of the brain is smaller for those who have the disease, than those without the disease. Until now, researchers did not relate the size of the temporal lobe to this disease. But now, they found that the size of the temporal lobe at birth can determine whether someone will have Alzheimer's in the future. Now, it's key that small regions of the brain can be smaller at birth, and then they can foreshadow what is to come...

Chimpanzee co-operation linked to 'social bond' hormone

Scientists have now found out why unrelated chimpanzees interact or co-operate with each other outside of a sexual relationship.
A team of famous international researchers provided evidence, that increased levels of the "love-hormone" oxytocin playes a big role in co-operation. They stated, that wild chimpanzees, which were part of a grooming session with a "bond partner" had shown higher levels of the oxytocin hormone in their urine, than after grooming with a "non bond partner". Whether they were related or not did not play role here. The results of this study were published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
Other scientists also test the oxytocin levels in wild chimps urine in uganda, after the grooming session had ended. The hormone oxytocin is associated with mother-child bonding, or released by touches and hugs. It has never really been stated that it was released in non-sexual interactions though. The relationships described above can be seen as friendships in the animal kindom.
It is proven that animals that have cooperative relationships do have increased rates of offspring survival and greater longevity.
When comparing these social bonds in chimps, to those bonds found in humans, it is to be said that even if humans are not in a sexual relationship, nor related, they still co-operate, communicate or interact. g the main story"And nobody really has a good explanation for how this can happen."
Findings of the study suggest a direct link between social bonds and co-operative behaviour.
For me personally this was very very interesting to read, because we had studied the hormone oxytocin in psychology before, so I know exactly what happens when this hormone is released, and how it affects the body. It was great being able to connect these two subjects and learning something new out of this. I also believe that it is obvious that the chimps probably interact with each other, even though they are not in a sexual relationship or related. Humans and chimps are quite similar, therefore they might show similar actions or behaviour. 

Aspergillus Crop Contamination

Fortified by Global Warming, Deadly Fungus Poisons Corn Crops, Causes Cancer
by Mollie Bluoudoff-Indelicato
January 15, 2013
found at ScientificAmerican.com

The Aspergillus (Aspergillus flavus) contamination of crops is posing a serious problem to world health and agriculture market. This fungal pathogen releases deadly spores that prove fatal when ingested. Symptoms of ingestion are jaundice, liver cancer, and internal bleeding. The results of contamination are so severe that in 1995, Saddam Hussein worked on weaponizing the fungi. So far, researchers have been unable to find a species immune to this fungus. The recent drought affecting over half of the United State has lead to a recent increase in contaminated crops. Last year, over 50% of Missourian crops were contaminating, making a sharp increase from 2011's record of 8%. This is explained by the popularity of hot, dry areas, which are A. Flavus' ideal habitat. The threat of contamination is even greater in developing nations, where they lack the technology to properly check for A. Flavus in crop. Also, in Africa, nations export their safe, legally uncontaminated product overseas, while selling the tainted crops domestically, causing serious health and safety issues. In addition, the Aflatoxins in the crop also react strongly with hepatitis B, which is more common in Africa and China, helps to speed up liver failure. This has lead to 750,000 reports of new liver cancer patients. People, however, aren't the only ones put at risk from crop contamination. Cattle and pets are at very high risk. In 2007, a mass pet food recall was initiated by the contamination of this fungus.

Aspergillus flavus

This is a very serious issue that greatly threatens both public health and agriculture. The rising temperatures, caused by the decaying ozone layer are leading to increased A. Flavus growth, which poses a serious danger to our food sources. This demonstrates the immediate necessity of combating climate change, by decreasing fossil fuel use. Also, the destroying of crops affected by this fungus could also contribute to food shortages, increasing world hunger In addition, it is especially important to inform and assist farmers in developing countries deal with this issue to ensure decreased exposure to the deadly spores.This would greatly help decrease the occurrence of liver cancer, the 6th most common type of cancer. Right now, over 5 billion people, around the world are at risk for A. Flavus related health issues, and immediate action must be taken to help eradicate this fungus from our crops. 

Thin Film Solar Cells: New World Record for Solar Cell Efficiency

Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, have developed a new material for solar energy. The material is a flexible polymer with thin film solar cells on it. What is truly amazing about this, however, is that it has broken the world record for the most efficient solar cell, converting 20.4% of sunlight into electricity. It is able to provide cost-effective solar energy and is currently being scaled-up for industrial use.

Many scientists and engineers are trying to develop low-cost and efficient solar cells that can be used on a large scale. The cells must be easy to manufacture and highly efficient. Empa’s Laboratory for Thin Film and Photovoltaics is at the forefront of solar cell development. In 1999 they produced a solar cell capable of converting 12.8% of sunlight into energy.  This was the first world record they received. In 2005 they broke the world record again with a 14.1% efficient solar cell. They then broke the record again in 2011 with 18.7% efficient solar cells followed by 17.6% in 2010. On January 20^th, 2013, they broke the world record again.

What seems to be quite startling is that the flexible CIGS solar cells are in fact more efficient than the record value of 20.3% CIGS solar cells on lass substrates. “We have now – finally – managed to close the “efficiency gap” to solar cells based on polycrystalline silicon wafers or CIGS thin film cells on glass”, says Ayodhya N. Tiwari, the leader of the project.

You may ask, “what’s the big deal?” Thin film, lightweight and flexible solar cells offer many applications such as solar farms, roods facades, automobiles and even possible hand held devices. It has the potential to significantly cut the cost of solar energy. It is important to note that this technology will be available for industrial use in the very near future. Empa is collaborating with Flisom, a company dedicated to the industrialization of flexible CIGS solar cells, to manufacture the cells. “The series of record efficiencies for flexible CIGS solar cells developed at Empa demonstrates that thin film solar cells can match the excellent performance of polycrystalline silicon cells. Now it is time for the next step, the scale-up of the technology to cover large areas in a cost-efficient roll-to-roll manufacturing process with an industrial partner”, says Gian-Luca Bona the Director of Empa.

I believe this a huge leap ahead in the field of sustainable development. It is essential that we do not rely on the burning of fossil fuels as our major source of energy. We are slowly learning how to harness the natural energy that we are exposed to everyday and put it to better use. If all organisms use the sun as their primary source of energy, why shouldn’t we?

Hagfish Adaptation

A big surprise for many marine biologists is that such a small and slender fish- a hagfish, can have such a strong reaction to danger. When a hagfish feels threatened, it oozes a slimy substance that comes out from it's pores, that are on the sides of a hagfish. Some hagfish have over 100 pores, and that makes the amount of slime extremely large- sometimes liters come out of the hagfish. This adaptation is very useful for such a small animal because whenever it feels threatened, or a predator tries to attack it, it simply lets out this substance, and the predator is instantly repulsed, and will not eat it. Researchers from Fudge's lab have collected buckets of this slime. They put the hagfish down, and then send electronic shocks to the fish, to make them release the slime. Upon studying the slime, the researchers realized that it is much more ecologically friendly then nylon for example. The slime is strong, and contains tiny fibers that make it nearly impossible to break apart. This means that soon, we could start using this hagfish substance to create ecologically friendly materials.

Desertification solution? Olive Trees.

Article Title: Desertification solution? Olive Trees.
Author: Billie Frenkel
Date published: 16.01.2013.
Publication: Environmental News Network

Olive trees are being planted in arid areas of Israel, and they seem to be improving the improving the environment in several ways. At least so says the Faculty of Agriculture at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

 A team of researchers, led by Dr. Zohar Kerem followed tree planting in deset areas of Israel and they have noticed that olive trees are greatly beneficial. Not only that they can survive in more extreme conditions, such as those of a desert, but they also clear out the air by reducing levels of CO2. Furthermore, they provide shade for animals living in the area consequently allowing population growth. Trees also don't need human care, such as pesticides, so they are quite useful. Olive trees are also helpful in keeping away predators (ie. jackals) that have endangered diversity of the area, as it is more difficult for them to hunt - they prefer open terrains. Finally, except for all the great effects for the environment, high quality olive oil is produced, so there's some benefit for people as well.

I think that this is a really good way to help the environment as it influences several aspects of it (so it is not just planting a tree to help carbon offsetting but it also helps animals living in the area). There should be more projects like this, not just in Israel but all over the world as well.

Fertility tests begin on pandas at Edinburgh Zoo

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-21015274

Edinburgh's female panda Tian Tian has been tested on her fertilizing ability before the spring mating season. This has been conducted by the Edinburgh's zoo chiefs. The results of the test will state when Tian Tian and her male partner will be put together. The test also states when her hormones will be best for mating. 
Usually, in nature, pandas mate between march and may, but in this zoo, the mating period only lasts for a bit less than 2 days. The two pandas are also kept away from each other for the rest of the year.
The director of this panda project at Edinburgh Zoo states, that there will be a lot of attention drawn on how to synchronise the two pandas hormone cycles. "As seasonal breeders, panda hormones are dictated by light levels. The indoor lighting levels in their enclosures now simulate those of natural light levels, in line with sunrise and sunset."
They will also try to bring the two pandas slowly together, letting them start to smell each other and getting used to each other. Mr. Valentine says, this is an important aspect, because the female can state if the male is sexually mature enough by just smelling his scent. Also, the male is able to smell when the female is coming into season by the change in her scent.

I personally think this is an interesting aspect to know. Honestly, I do not know a lot about pandas, but hearing that they can basically just smell when their partner is ready to breed is fascinating. It takes a lot more for humans or other animals to be sure that their partner wants to mate with them, but pandas just use their smelling sense. I think it would be interesting to know a little more about pandas and how they live, because we, living in europe, do not get to know or learn a lot about pandas.

Epigenetics and Invasive Species

Epigenetics Posited as Important for Success of Invasive Species. 

by Sujata Gupta

January 10, 2013

Originally published in Nature Magazine, found on ScientificAmerican.com

epigenetic modifications made on DNA (note methylated DNA
and histone modifications)

Epigenetic research could be the key to understanding the rapid adaptability of certain invasive species, as well as changing the way we think about evolution. Normally, a large amount of time is required for genetic mutations to be expressed in a population, which can pose a problem for the typically uniform genes of newly introduced species. Recent studies, however, suggest that these specie's are only modifying genes, without changing the genomes,  to comply with the demands of their environment. Andrea Liebl's research regarding Kenyan sparrows (Passar domesticus) is a prime example of epigenetic adaptions. Liebl found methyl groups, key indicators of epigenetic modification (see picture), in the genomes of a wide variety of sparrows. Also, in Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica), she noted that the genetically identical plants had different leaf shapes. However, this evolutionary theory has several critics. Evolutionary Geneticist, Jerry Coyne, says, "We have perfectly good other reasons, which are based on more solid premises on why invasive species succeed,"referring to his claims that, "It doesn't have to have a lot of variation to evolve," within the context of an unoccupied ecological niche. 

In my opinion, epigenetics is a fascinating topic, that could change the scientific community. Environmental changes activating specific genes, rather than a genome, could completely change how we perceive evolution, as well as genetics. It would allow us to better understand invasive species, as well as understand their potential for change. This information could in turn, help us understand ecosystems and their effects on certain species. In addition, I think a better understanding of epigenetics could revolutionize animal genetics, possibly leading to cures, for several, important, genetic disorders. In conclusion, I think a better understanding of genetic expression could help us cure diseases, as well as understand evolution and adaptability. 

Bengali Forests Are Fading Away

The Mangrove forests of the Sundarbans are experiencing rapid deterioration which has resulted in over 200 meters of coast disappearing within the time span of a single year.

The Sundarbans, the worlds largest area of mangrove forest, is a natural shield for India and Bangladesh. It is home to an extremely rich and diverse ecosystem with almost 500 species of reptile, fish, bird and mammals. Among these animals lives the Bengal tiger, an animal currently endangered and facing extinction.

Scientists from the Zoological Society of London state that the natural protection from tidal waves and cyclones that the Sundarbans offers is being degraded due to human development and the steady rise of the global temperature. This deterioration is predicted to inevitably lead to loss of species richness if action is not taken soon.

The Zoological Society of London’s tiger conservation expert, Sarah Christie, says: “The Sundarbans is a critical tiger habitat; one of only a handful of remaining forests big enough to hold several hundred tigers. To lose the Sundarbans would be to move a step closer to the extinction of these majestic animals."

As well as acting as a natural shield from tsunamis and cyclones, mangroves are rare, comprising less than 1% of all forests across the world, and are the most carbon rich forests in the tropics. The degradation of these forests would reduce our ability to adapt to previously predicted climatic conditions.

The Zoological Society of London’s Chief Mangrove Scientific Advisor Jurgenne Primavera says: "Mangrove protection is urgent given the continuing threats to the world's remaining 14 to 15 million hectares of mangroves from aquaculture, land development and over-exploitation. The recently established IUCN SSC Mangrove Specialist Group, hosted by ZSL, will develop a global conservation strategy for mangroves based on an assessment of research and conservation needs."

I believe it should be a priority to protect the mangrove forests from washing away. Not only is it home to the Bengal tiger, it is also a natural barrier from tsunamis and other natural disasters. The degradation of mangroves may result in an increase of natural disasters as well as a decrease in species richness. The word “Sundarban” means “beautiful forest” in the Bengali language. We must ensure that the mangrove forests of the Sundarban will always live up to it’s name 

Starbucks’ Newest Promotion

Title: Starbucks’ Newest Promotion
Author: Maddie Perlman-Gabel
Publication: Environmental News Network

Starbucks is the most popular coffee chain in the United States, with 11 000+ stores in the country alone. As such, they pollute a whole lot, a part of the pollution coming from their cups - over 4 billion are made and thrown away each year.

Because of this, they decided to start selling reusable coffee cups for a dollar. The costumers who come with those would get a discount and their cups would be cleaned by the Starbucks staff. Their [Starbucks'] ultimate goal is to serve 5% of all drinks they make this way.
The idea of giving discount to people who bring their own cups existed since 1985, and this is just a step ahead. The percentage of people who use reusable cups has increased by 55% in the last 3 years.

Naturally, cups are only a small part of the Starbucks carbon footprint. However, this kind of activism is the type that the general public will notice the most and it will consequently bring the company positive publicity. This is not to say that they are not trying to help the environment in other ways as well - by using less water and energy, and using better materials to create their disposable cups. Of course, the main reason why they are doing all that is personal gain, as changes in the environment are likely to impact the growth of coffee beans, but it is still praise-worthy nonetheless.

I got interested in the idea so I did additional research, and if anyone is interested in the way the new reusable coffee cups were accepted, as well as the way they are viewed by the public, this article answers those questions.