Riled Up

New dolphin

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:54:43 GMT

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:54:43 GMTIt's not often that a new species of large mammal is discovered anywhere, particularly one as large as a bottlenose dolphin. More confounding is that the discovery of a tiny pod of the rare marine mammals being found "in plain sight" near a major metropolitan area. This recently happened in the harbors adjacent to Melbourne, the large Australian city in southeast Australia. The discovery was announced by wildlife researchers in the online journal, Public Library of Science (PloS One). [caption id="attachment_7867" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="New bottlenose dolphin species discovered (source: Monash University, Melbourne, Australia)"][/caption] The discoverer, Kate Charlton-Robb of Monash University in Melbourne commented to the BBC: "this is an incredibly fascinating discovery as there have only been three new dolphin species formally described and recognized since the late 1800s". Conservation plans to protect this super-rare Australian dolphin are now being developed. How cool is this! WHB

Flyboys go green

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:42:49 GMT

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:42:49 GMTThe Air Force is known for its flying prowess and technical expertise. The sleek F-16's that are often seen screaming overhead are examples of both talents. The air corps also uses huge quantities of jet fuel produced from petroleum, often imported from unfriendly places. Like everyone who depends on liquid fuels-- ie, all of us --the service wants to find an alternative and domestic source to meet their fuel needs. [caption id="attachment_7837" align="aligncenter" width="550" caption="Air Force F-16 squadron (photo credit: USAF)"][/caption] NPR reports on the Air Force's successful effort to find such a fuel alternative in an unlikely source-- biofuels. Test pilots report zero difference in their aircraft's performance or maintenance when bio-kerosene is used to replace standard aviation fuel. Bio-kerosene has proven to be the only alternative fuel-- after testing multiple products including synfuels made from dirty coal --that scored 100 percent under tough air force reviews. The issue now becomes one of consistent supply since biofuels can be produced using anything organic, from algae to cellulose feedstocks. Scale up research by the air force continues and major production contracts can't be far behind. The air force is pursuing one alternative energy program that could benefit everyone. Maybe the flyboys will soon need a nifty green shoulder icon to go on their snappy dress blues. Riled Up

Lensing the wind

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 07:04:09 GMT

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 07:04:09 GMTJapan suffered from an earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale earlier this year. It released a massive tsunami that devastated coastal communities and also collapsed a nuclear power complex with multiple electrical generators. The consequences of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster are still unfolding for the Japanese economy and the country's people. It isn't surprising that the Japanese have investigating alternative energy technologies that might reduce their nation's dependency on nuclear power. One of the most exciting concepts that could have wide utility is the wind lens that uses an engineering innovation for the aerodynamics of wind turbine designs. If adapted these new turbines could triple the output of standard designs and when operational could generate electricity cheaper than nuclear power. This would be a huge development for industrial production of wind energy. [caption id="attachment_7804" align="aligncenter" width="530" caption="Wind lens, wind turbine design (photo credit: Kyushu University)"][/caption] A video report from Japan's NHK-TV helps to explain the wind lens technology developed at Kyushu University: The United States has exceptional wind resources-- particularly in the prairie and mid-western states --where major wind generators have been installed on leased land in Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, and elsewhere. The wind lens could also help us to produce more electrical power cleaner than using coal or natural gas. The opportunity for wind engineers couldn't be better. Perhaps the standard fossil fuel mantra of drill baby drill should be changed to blow baby blow! WHB

Wangari Maathai, an appreciation

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 06:57:10 GMT

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 06:57:10 GMTYears ago, I led a team designing a reforestation program in rural Kenya. In a nation where ninety percent of the population used wood as their primary energy resource for heating and cooking, trees were essential and deforestation was rampant. During my travels around Kenya, I encountered a remarkable woman-- Wangari Maathai --and we became colleagues in discussing strategies for an effective forest restoration program there. We came from vastly different backgrounds but shared a common bond of training in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences and got along exceptionally well. Wangari has passed away. [caption id="attachment_7779" align="aligncenter" width="800" caption="Wangari Maathai (credit: UNEP)_"][/caption] In a nation largely controlled by men, Wangari Maathai was a "presence" with her powerful will and strong environmental voice. She established a tree nursery program-- The Greenbelt Movement --that empowered women to grow native tree seedlings and plant the saplings around their villages. It became a development model for what could be possible in Africa. Wangari eventually won the Nobel Peace Prize-- the first time for an environmental Nobel prize --for her work. She embodied what HH the Dalai Lama and others have called "the power of one" as this short story she told to the Royal Geographic Society illustrates: The world is much poorer for her absence. WHB

Solar tsunami

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 06:51:55 GMT

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 06:51:55 GMTIf you watch closely, you can see a gigantic tsunami-like shock wave radiate out from an Earth-sized sunspot on the Sun's surface. According to NASA, the solar tsunami spread at nearly one million kilometers per hour and circled the Sun in a matter of minutes. [caption id="attachment_7767" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Solar tsunami (credit: NASA)"][/caption]

Auroras seen from a different POV

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:56:22 GMT

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:56:22 GMTAuroras are usually viewed by looking up at the night sky. This fall view of auroras from northern Canada is a good example: [caption id="attachment_7749" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Septermber aurora's, Yellowknife, Canada (credit: NASA)"][/caption] However, if you thought such spectacular aurora borealis displays were only visible from the ground, check this out: Arouras from space What a spectacular viewpoint. WHB

Read my mind

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:40:55 GMT

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:40:55 GMTScientists can see into your brain. By studying the brain activity, they can piece together the image in your head. It's remarkable. Some see the incredible potential for, say, painlessly interrogating terror suspects. Some worry about the possible invasion of privacy. If they can see into your head, that's the end of a private life. I don't worry. Strap a mind-reader to my cranium and all you'll see is static, or maybe the vertical, multicolored lines of a TV test pattern, or maybe an old Simpsons episode running on a loop. If Scientist tried to read my mind, other scientists would insist they change the channel. - RC

Sharks require another update

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:47:17 GMT

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:47:17 GMTRiled Up has paid close attention to sharks with previous posts on their conservation situation and the massive overfishing of these top ocean predators to produce a status-symbol soup in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The unsustainable demand in Asia poses the threat of extinction for these iconic marine creatures that have survived since the dinosaurs. It seems that many others around the world have been paying attention to their precarious situation also. Both the BBC and Public Radio International ran dual radio reports today about efforts to stop the trade in shark's fins and enforce laws to stop overfishing. Hong Kong and China came in for particular negative ridicule but in both cases there are early signs of hope. A super-rich Chinese businessman-- and member of the Chinese national assembly --and a basketball sports hero in Hong Kong have both called for aggressive shark protection. Their efforts couldn't be more timely and should be widely celebrated and supported. If these positive trends expand, maybe the hugely destructive practice of killing sharks just for their fins will come to a much needed conclusion. Riled Up

A Day in the Life over planet Earth

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 06:22:24 GMT

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 06:22:24 GMTIf you were circling the Earth on a space platform this is what a-day-in-the-life would look like. Did you spot your street down there?

Dualing sunsets

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 07:02:41 GMT

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 07:02:41 GMTStar Wars was a fine bit of visual SciFi but now a real Tatooine world has been discovered by the Kepler space telescope satellite. NASA has produced an animated video showing how the planetary system with two stars might look to an orbiting visitor. Binary stars are common, but this is the first one discovered with a planet in a standard circular orbit. Dual sunsets sound pretty cool, particularly when they really exist. WHB

Gamers win

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 18:05:28 GMT

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 18:05:28 GMTOnline gamers often get a bad rap. They are typically portrayed spending hours playing games like Dungeons & Dragons where they blast, blow up, and destroy everything in sight. That slacker portrayal may need a make-over. A group of interactive gamers has now solved a molecular biology puzzle by deciphering the structure of an enzyme of a virus that had alluded scientists for years. The consequences may help develop vaccines for diseases including HIV/AIDS. [caption id="attachment_7657" align="aligncenter" width="420" caption="Viral protease enzyme modeled by online gamers (credit: The Age)"][/caption] The gamers used a variety of collaborative tools including a new puzzle solving technology called Fold.it to construct the 3D protein folding structure. Previously, mapping protein structures required super-computers to create a functional model. Fold.it was developed by the University of Washington in Seattle. It is a video game where the gamers are divided into teams that compete for chains of amino acids to build proteins. The gamers produced an accurate model of the virus enzyme in three weeks. Their achievement has been published by Nature Structural & Molecular Biology and the authors suggest Fold.it tool could have broad applications to other areas of science. Maybe playing in those creepy dungeons has some benefits after all besides wasting time. WHB

TED: Underwater astonisments

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 14:50:12 GMT

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 14:50:12 GMTDavid Gallo tells a TED Conference that we know less than 4 percent of the life that inhabits the oceans. Think about that fact while you view some of the astonishing creatures already observed: Riled Up

TED: Welcome to the genome

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 07:15:24 GMT

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 07:15:24 GMTIt's time for a TED Talk so sit back and enjoy some "brain candy". Without much attention, a new technological revolution has been unfolding in rapid mapping of DNA that will affect everyone: Riled Up

Surf's up

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 13:25:57 GMT

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 13:25:57 GMTTo many kids who grew up along the coastline of Southern California in the 1950-60's, The Beach Boys produced the soundtrack for that idyllic time. Who doesn't remember band classics like Surfin' Safari, California Girls, or Surfin' USA? However, the Beach Boys would now need to sing a different tune as climate change has begun impacting those same iconic beaches along the entire coast they so praised. [caption id="attachment_7599" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Southern California beaches (credit: file photo)"][/caption] A new study published by researchers at San Francisco State University and supported by the California Department of Boating and Waterways has projected economic impacts to multiple coastal communities due to climate change. Five stretches of California coastline were studied. They including San Francisco's Ocean Beach and the Southern California beaches of Carpinteria, Malibu, Venice, and Torrey Pines State Reserve near San Diego. Venice Beach could be especially affected by climate change from the analysis. According to Phillip King the study's lead researcher: "If beaches disappear, shrink, and erode, we are going to have less tourism. We took the best available science and it's possible our estimated costs are still too low." It really may be time to shout "surf's up"! WHB

The art, science, and creativity of the plant breeder

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:54:50 GMT

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:54:50 GMTBreeding plants is probably one of the most satisfying and interesting of intellectual endeavors. It is the practical application of art, science, and individual creativity. Anyone who has ever eaten a tomato, planted a garden, or purchased a bunch of flowers has come in contact with the results of a plant breeders work. The breeding process teaches the practitioner about plant biodiversity, genetics, nutrition, beauty, economics, and, above all, patience. I was reminded of all this while reading about a plant breeder from Texas-- Ken Landon --a Vietnam War veteran who breeds waterlilies. Mr. Landon has been instrumental in both the introduction of new, named varieties and the conservation of rare waterlily species in their native habitats. He even rediscovered a lily in Mexico long thought extinct. Waterlilies come from the genus, Nymphaea, and along with the related genus of the sacred lotus-- Nelumbo --these aquatic plants have been admired since the time of the Buddha. The Buddha-- often depicted sitting on a lotus and holding a single bud --didn't know about plant breeding but he knew beauty and the lotus has been cultivated ever since. [caption id="attachment_7545" align="aligncenter" width="283" caption="Buddha holdling a lotus (source: file photo)"][/caption] Mr. Landon is responsible for a waterlily display garden in a San Angelo, Texas public park and is the conservator of the International Waterlily Collection, an aquatic germplasm bank. When breeding any plant, one needs a diverse spectrum of genetic material to develop new plant forms. The seeds of a cross must be germinated, plants grown out, and flowered before the results of the breeding become obvious. It often takes nearly 10 years from initial pollination to the introduction of any new plant variety. The goals of Landon's breedings include the development of a shade tolerant waterlily and dwarf forms that can be grown in a tub on anyone's deck or apartment patio. One of his varieties-- Texas Dawn --was recently named the official Texas State Waterlily and is now available commercially. The Buddha would respect the tireless, patient, and beautiful results of plant breeders like Ken Landon. WHB

The Dolphin in the Mirror

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:32:06 GMT

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:32:06 GMTThe Dolphin in the Mirror is a newly published book by marine mammal researcher Diana Reiss, dolphin research director at Baltimore's National Aquarium. Her radio interview on the Diane Rehm Show was an excellent introduction to marine mammal intelligence and issues of dolphin conservation worldwide. It is well worth capturing the podcast for later listening. In particular, the interview focused on self recognition in dolphins-- one of the cognitive psychological keys to an animals intelligence --and the dolphins ability to understand and navigate a computer keyboard using graphic symbols to communicate their needs and interests. What we do to protect these big-brained mammals will say a lot about who has the real intelligence and ability to show compassion towards other self-aware sentient beings. WHB

24 Hours of Reality

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:09:31 GMT

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:09:31 GMTAl Gore has prepared a new climate change project-- 24 Hours of Reality --that will present commentaries on the impacts of climate change on global screens, September 14th. Scientists, businessmen, and environmentalists will live-stream their climate related experiences and perspectives to viewers around the World. Presentations will focus on the connections between recent extreme weather and how weather patterns are changing under the influence of increased atmospheric CO2 levels. This is one reality TV show not to miss. Riled Up

Saunaworld

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:42:43 GMT

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:42:43 GMTThe European Space Organization announced the new discovery of 50 more extra solar planets including one planet within the temperate zone of its star. The planet could potentially support life but nothing quite like we know it. [caption id="attachment_7484" align="aligncenter" width="825" caption="Exoplanet within habitable zone (credit: concept image)"][/caption] The newly exoplanet is designated as HD-85512b, weighs in at nearly 4 times the mass of Earth, is estimated to be hot and humid, and exists 35 light years away from us. Temperatures on this super-Earth range from ~86-125F with cloud cover producing the atmosphere like a steam bath. If life did exist on HD-85512b it might be short and squat and live close to the ground since gravity there is nearly 1.5 times what we experience on Earth. If anyone were ever to visit this saunaworld, they would want to bring a towel and cold water. WHB

The Warriors of Qiugang

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:24:22 GMT

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:24:22 GMTConcern for the environment has come to China and documented by the film-- The Warriors of Qiugang --that received an Academy Award nomination. the film is leading the exposure of rampant environmental abuse and citizen activism in China. This is a huge development for the Chinese people and coult have wide impacts everywhere. The trailer for the short film is here: Watch for The Warriors of Qiugang to screen at an art house theater near you. Riled Up

Sharks, a status report

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 14:03:19 GMT

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 14:03:19 GMTAnyone concerned about the oceans should be equally worried about the status of sharks, one of the marine world's top predators. As we have previously noted, sharks are being harvested at a rate far beyond any standard of sustainability to satisfy Asian demand for their fins used in Chinese cooking. The demand for shark fins has the potential to eliminate these critical creatures from the oceans if it isn't not stopped. One Atlantic shark population has decline nearly 90 percent in just 25 years, and this, for a species that has survived since the age of the dinosaurs. [caption id="attachment_7450" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Shark fins drying on fishing trawler (credit: LA Times)"][/caption] Environmental reports often tend to be of the "bad news" variety but some hopeful developments for shark survival are being reported. Multiple states including Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and now California have banned the sale of shark fins while several diverse nations including Honduras, the Bahamas, and Canada have banned shark fishing outright and The Food Network has eliminated shark recipes from all of their popular cable television shows. Now the best shark status report of all will be when fin sales have been completely banned in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, and Singapore. Riled Up