Earth Blog

Since the beginning of time, the earth has been plagued by periodic earthquakes. Some of them are so small that they go completely unnoticed while others are the cause of horrific damage and are responsible for the deaths of thousands. Scientists have long studied the causes of earthquakes in the hopes of being able to predict them. While it is commonly known that earthquakes are caused by shifting tectonic plates, researchers are now beginning to ask if humans are to blame for some of this activity.

Christian Klose, a researcher at Columbia University whose field is man-made quakes says that humans are responsible for at least 200 earthquakes in the last 160 years. He believes that these quakes have been caused by humans drilling for oil, gas, and other minerals as well as by the construction of massive dams.

Humans are capable of amazing things. We have unlimited potential and often come up with creative and effective solutions to the worlds problems. There are times, however, when this is not the case and despite our best efforts, we make a situation worse. This point is clearly illustrated in the Australians failed attempt to rid sugar cane plantations in Queensland of unwanted beetles. The Greyback Cane Beetle and French’s Cane Beetle were causing significant damage to Queensland’s sugar cane crops, so in 1935 the government imported the Cane Toad from Hawaii.

The Cane Toad is native to Central and South America and can weigh up to two pounds. The idea was for the Cane Toads to control the beetle population, thereby reducing the amount of infestation damage to sugar cane crops. Despite their best intentions, the government’s plan was a complete failure, and resulted in Australia being overrun by Cane Toads. The toads did not control the insect problem, and began reproducing at unexpected and uncontrollable rates.

Researchers in Davis, California are working on a project to convert garbage into bio-gas. Their hope is that one day this gas can be used to generate power in people’s homes and offices. The researchers are using a new digester that utilizes two strains of bacteria to convert waster products into bio-gas. Digesters used in the past store both bacteria in the same tank which tends to make the process very slow and unreliable. This new digester, however, separates the two bacteria into two different environments.

The new digester is being developed by Ruihong Zhang, a Biological Engineer at UC Davis. Zhang and her students built the fist prototype of the digester which is capable of turning three tons of food scraps into enough energy to power twenty five homes of a day. In addition to providing energy for homes, the new digester could prove to be extremely valuable in fuel processing plants. The digester can be built to fit the current operations of a plant. The waste can be streamed directly through the digester and the energy can be put right back into the plant.

It is a statement that we have probably all heard a thousand times:  bees and dogs can smell fear. Is this statement a fact or a myth? Can my neighbor’s giant dog really smell my fear as I walk past. Is walking by with more confidence enough to keep the dog from barking and attacking? How large of a role does an animal’s sense of smell play in its behavior?

Humans have it easy when figuring out where to find dinner. There is a grocery store or restaurant on practically every corner and these days even gas stations, hardware stores, and craft stores offer food options. So while it may be difficult to decide what you feel like eating, actually finding food is not a problem. That is not necessarily the case with some members of the animal kingdom such as bees. Bees do not eat just anything, so they are constantly looking for good food sources, and once they find one it is important for them to be able to communicate its location to other bees.

When we find it in our refrigerator, cellar, or bathroom, mold fungi is considered to be quite a nuisance. When it comes to our gardens, however, mold fungi might be a saving grace. A genetics study at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Vienna) has recent shown that mold fungi can shield plants from harmful diseases while at the same time promoting their growth. This study indicates that mold fungi might be an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plant fertilizers and growth boosting agents.

A study conducted by Duke University has revealed that trees in the eastern United States are not coping with climate changes as consistently or quickly as had been predicted. In fact, more than half of the tree species included in the study are failing to adapt to the changes in their environment.

Nutrient rich bread can be a great weapon in the fight against malnutrition in impoverished regions of the world. A group of undergraduate students at Johns Hopkins University are joining in that fight by using synthetic biology to enhance common yeast so that it yields beta carotene. Beta carotene is best known for giving carrots their orange color, and when it is eaten, it turns into vitamin A.

Biologists at the University of Toronto have recently unveiled a new study that alleging that the mere threat of a predator can cause enough stress to kill a dragonfly. Whether or not the predator is physically able to get to the prey to eat it does not even factor into the equation.

A recent article in the Condition Report 2011 for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary describes the multiple threats that may forever change the Florida Keys ecosystem. The details of this report include information regarding the areas habitats, water quality, human activity, and marine and cultural resources. As part of an ongoing series of condition reports for NOAA’s 13 national marine sanctuaries, this report will help to guide a complete review of sanctuary regulations beginning in 2012. The report will be crucial in determining the status of the sanctuary’s marine resources.

We have all seen the television commercials for organizations promising to provide clean water for individuals in need if we pledge monetary donations or support. They show images of forlorn children in far off places who do not have clean water for drinking or bathing. Often people in these areas are forced to bathe themselves, clean their clothes, clean their animals, and drink from the same water source. This leads to grossly contaminated water sources that create a number of health problems. While we all know this is a problem in third world countries, it is often easy to dismiss because it seems to effect populations far across the world rather than in our own neighborhoods. It is important for us to realize, however, that this is a global issue which affects everyone whether we live in the United States or Africa or somewhere in between.

The relationship between humans and the planet we call home is like a constantly changing dance. At times, Earth takes the lead and humans find themselves following its path and adapting to its conditions. At other times, it is us humans who lead the dance and the planet changes because of our progress and development. At times, however, this dance can be destructive and our progress leads to changes in our planet that are not for the better. That is the case with the situation with the earth’s water supply. We have not always treated the planet with the support and care that a partner should and now we find ourselves struggling to provide all humans with clean water.

Recent research shows that the use of aromatherapy in spas can cause the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and extremely fine particles into the air, which can cause irritation to the eyes and air passages. Researchers tested the products commonly used in aromatherapy massage and also tested the air quality in spas that offer aromatherapy massages and found that the air in some of these facilities was polluted with VOCs and fine particulates.

Cichlid fish (Neolamprologus pulcher) are a highly social breed of fish. They are found mainly in Lake Tanganyika in Africa and tend to exist in groups that contain one dominant breeding pair and between one and fifteen subordinates of both sexes. While the dominant breeding pair takes care of the breeding for the group, the subordinates perform other tasks such as maintenance, brood care, and territory defense. Typically the subordinates are not related to the breeding pair, but in some instances they may be distant relatives.

Better understanding of the Evolution of Flight through Winged Robotic Bugs

Engineers at the University of California Berkeley outfitted a robotic bug with wings, and in doing so answered some questions regarding the evolution of flight.

A new artificial muscle has the potential to revolutionize many industries, including medical science, movie making, solar power and many others. The new artificial muscle, called a carbon nanotube, can twist and rotate, mimicking the natural movement of arms. Other applications for the technology include microfluidic pumps, valve drives, and mixers.

It isn't very often that a scientist is able to watch his theory proven without having to stage and conduct an elaborate experiment. But that is exactly what happened to Jay Quade, a geologist with the University of Arizona. Thanks to a freak stomach ache and a less freakish, but scarier, earthquake he formed and probably proved his theory on the oddly shaped rocks in a 600 square mile desert between the Pacific Coast of Chili and the Andes Mountains.

China is the world's second fastest growing economy, but future growth could be brought to a halt by the lack of an adequate supply of safe drinking water and sufficient water to irrigate crops. China has budgeted 7 million yuan ($600 billion) to help solve the growing crisis. The money will be spent over the next decade.

When we look at birds, we merely see their beautiful colors and marvel at how they live such intriguing lives, weathering storms, finding mates, flying vast distances and building homes. When scientists look at birds, they see an untapped resource for finding out many of nature's deep secrets.

The heathland in South Downs is in revival already, a mere six months after being designated as a protected national park in Britain. Though heathland is essentially a man-made habitat, a great number of plant and animal species thrive in this environment. If left alone, heathland will grow back into woodland, which is a less hospitable environment for the plants and animals that depend on the fast-draining soils and ready availability of sunshine.