Previously unknown mode of energy transfer from solar wind to Earth's magnetosphere foundSeptember 11th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Atmospheric scientists from the UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) have discovered a previously unknown basic mode of energy transfer from the solar wind to the Earth's magnetosphere, a finding that could improve the safety and reliability of spacecraft that operate in the upper atmosphere. "It's like something else is heating the atmosphere besides the sun.
Planets have to be about the size of Earth to be conducive for lifeSeptember 7th, 2009 LONDON - In a new research, it has been determined that rocky worlds have to be about the size of Earth to be conducive for life. According to a report in New Scientist, the discovery of extrasolar super-Earths - rocky planets about five to ten times the mass of Earth - has raised hopes that some may harbour life.
Methane under permafrost could speed up global warming 20-foldSeptember 3rd, 2009 WASHINGTON - Melting permafrost in arctic regions, triggered by global warming, will release underground methane. Once released, methane would speed up global warming by trapping the earths heat radiation about 20 times more efficiently than the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide.
China tries to calm unease over curbs on rare earths exports but says limits neededSeptember 2nd, 2009 China tries to calm unease over rare earths curbsBEIJING — A Chinese official tried to calm unease about curbs on exports of rare earths used in clean energy products and superconductors, saying Thursday that sales will continue but must be limited to reduce damage to China's environment. China produces nearly all the rare earths used in batteries for hybrid cars, mobile phones, superconductors, lightweight magnets and other high-tech products.
Increase in air pollution in China over last 50 years reduces rainy days by up to a quarterAugust 16th, 2009 WASHINGTON - New research shows that air pollution in eastern China has reduced the amount of light rainfall over the past 50 years and decreased by 23 percent the number of days of light rain in the eastern half of the country. Atmospheric scientist Yun Qian at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory led the research.
Deadly typhoon Morakot causes severe flooding rains in Taiwan and ChinaAugust 11th, 2009 WASHINGTON - NASA's Aqua satellite, using the Moderate Imaging Spectroradiometer instrument, has captured deadly typhoon Morakot causing severe flooding rains in Taiwan and mainland China. Typhoon Morakot brought enormous amounts of rainfall to Taiwan and China and NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) estimated it from space.
Slowing global warming by geo-engineering may increase risk of droughtsAugust 8th, 2009 LONDON - In a new research, scientists have determined that the use of geo-engineering to slow global warming may increase the risk of droughts. Methods put forward include reflecting solar radiation back into space using giant mirrors or aerosol particles.
Planet-hunting telescope sees three alien worldsAugust 7th, 2009 LONDON - The planet-hunting Kepler space telescope has found its first extrasolar planets, in the form of three alien worlds that had been previously discovered with ground-based telescopes. According to a report in New Scientist, the finds confirm that Kepler's instruments are sensitive enough to detect Earth-like planets around sun-like stars.
World's deserts getting greener despite global warmingJuly 20th, 2009 LONDON - Contrary to the assumption that global warming would cause an expansion of the world's deserts, some scientists are predicting that water and life may slowly reclaim these arid places. According to a report by BBC News, the evidence is limited and definitive conclusions are impossible to reach, but recent satellite pictures of North Africa seem to show areas of the Sahara in retreat.
Solar activity has big impact on earth's climateJuly 18th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A high in solar activity impacts the earth in a way that resembles the devastating El Nio, releasing more energy than a million Hiroshima bombs, according to a new study. The study shows that as the sun reaches maximum activity, it heats cloud-free parts of the Pacific Ocean enough to increase evaporation, intensify tropical rainfall and the trade winds, and cool the eastern tropical Pacific.
CO2 not only reason for curious spike in Earth's temperature 55 million years agoJuly 16th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A new research has left scientists puzzled as it indicates that something other than carbon dioxide (CO2) was also responsible for a curious spike in Earth's temperature 55 million years ago. Over the past couple of decades, researchers have been gathering data about a mysterious event known as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM).
NASA images reveal changes in Earth's plant growth over past 11 yrsJune 14th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A new series of NASA images has illustrated how Earth's plant growth has changed over the past 11 years. The images, which are part of the series, "World of Change: Global Biosphere", show the yearly changes in plant growth between 1999 and 2008 based on data on chlorophyll on the ocean's surface and vegetation density on land.
Keyshia Cole penning her biopicApril 23rd, 2009 WASHINGTON - R and B singer Keyshia Cole is set to bring her life story to the big screen, as she's busy writing the screenplay of her biopic. Keyshia, who has already given fans an insight into her life with reality TV series Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is, has confirmed plans of bringing her biopic to the 70mm screen, reports Contactmusic.
Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens to feature in comedy skitApril 3rd, 2009 WASHINGTON - Hollywood actor Zac Efron and his girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens are gearing up to feature in a comedy skit to be aired on comedian Will Ferrell's website FunnyOrDie.com. The rib-tickling comedy will feature Zac and Vanessa alongside Nicole Richie and Thomas Lennon, who plays Efron's Uncle Hank.
NASA readies search for other Earths with Kepler launchMarch 6th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Are we alone in the universe? Are there other planets like Earth? Scientists will attempt to answer those questions with a telescope being launched into orbit Friday. The Kepler spacecraft is to launch at 10:49 p.m.
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