Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Week in wildlife in pictures: a penguin ballerina, the spooky spookfish and a sociable octopus

admin — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 07:00:05 +0000

The best of this week’s wildlife photographs from around the world

A wondrous fish has made a miraculous return to UK seas. Why are ministers so keen to see them killed? | George Monbiot

admin — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 07:00:04 +0000

We should be celebrating the revival of the bluefin tuna – but a ravenous fishing industry, backed by government and ‘science’, is already licking its lips

Once thought to be extinct, the night parrot is back in the news! Is it saved? | First Dog on the Moon

admin — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 06:53:01 +0000

Why are so many settler Australians haunted by this almost mythical bird? Why?

Revealed: the US government-funded ‘private social network’ attacking pesticide critics

admin — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 05:00:02 +0000

Network includes derogatory profiles of figures such as UN experts and food writer Michael Pollan, and is part of an effort to downplay pesticide dangers, records suggest

In 2017, two United Nations experts called for a treaty to strictly regulate dangerous pesticides, which they said were a “global human rights concern”, citing scientific research showing pesticides can cause cancers, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s and other health problems.

‘Trees of hope’: Sycamore Gap tree saplings to be planted around UK

admin — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 04:00:02 +0000

Project asks people to make ‘promises to nature’ after ‘rollercoaster’ year for the Northumberland landmark

Its illegal felling brought feelings of grief, distress and anger but after a “rollercoaster” 12 months custodians of the Sycamore Gap tree say they want its legacy to become one of hope.

The National Trust and Northumberland national park have announced an initiative inviting the public to request one of 49 saplings from the tree.

Dozens of children drown in India during Hindu festival

admin — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 02:30:11 +0000

At least 46 people, most of them children, drowned in the eastern state of Bihar while bathing in rivers swollen by recent floods in observance of Jivitputrika Vrat.

At least 46 people have drowned, most of them children, while bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent floods, during the observance of a Hindu religious festival celebrated by millions in India.

The dead include 37 children and seven women who drowned in the eastern state of Bihar in scattered incidents across 15 districts, authorities said on Thursday.

UK weather: flood warnings in place as more heavy rain is forecast

admin — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 18:35:24 +0000

The south-east of England could also see lightning, winds of up to 50mph and even ‘isolated, brief tornadoes’

Parts of the UK have been hit by further flash floods and the Met Office has warned of more heavy rain throughout the evening and into Friday morning.

The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (Torro) is also forecasting that much of the south-east of England could see lightning, winds up to 50mph and even “isolated brief tornadoes”. This includes much of East Anglia, the south-east Midlands and central southern England.

Grazing zooplankton severely impacted by nanoplastic particles

admin — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 17:19:59 +0000

Researchers have studied how nanoplastic affects aquatic organisms in lakes and rivers. The results are surprising and the researchers are the first to show that some species are being wiped out, while others -- such as cyanobacteria that contribute to algal blooms -- are completely unaffected.

Who lives in the treetops? DNA-collecting drone provides insights

admin — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 17:19:49 +0000

Squinting into the treetops won't reveal the tiny organisms up there. But these creatures leave clues, in the form of DNA, on the leaves and branches. Now, researchers report that they have developed a way to collect this genetic material: a drone with a specialized fabric probe. The team flew the drone above the rainforest and, based on DNA collected by the probe, identified the invertebrates in the canopy.

Hurricane Helene intensifies to category 4 storm as it approaches Florida

admin — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 12:52:44 +0000

Forecasters warn that storm, one of the most powerful to hit the US this year, could create a ‘nightmare’

Tell us: have you been affected by Hurricane Helene?

Hurricane Helene strengthened to a catastrophic category 4 storm as it barreled toward Florida’s Gulf coast, making it one of the most powerful storms to hit the US this year.