Breaking Waves: Ocean News

‘Frog saunas’ could save species from deadly fungal disease, study finds

admin — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 19:00:31 +0000

Australian scientists create brick refuges in greenhouses to help green and golden bell frogs survive infection

A “sauna” treatment for frogs has been used by researchers in Australia to successfully fight a deadly fungal disease that has devastated amphibians around the world, according to a new study.

Britons asked to send slugs by post for research into pest-resistant wheat

admin — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 17:06:49 +0000

Snail mail replaced with slug mail as scientists need 1,000 grey field slugs to explore their impact on various crops

It may be known as snail mail, but researchers are hoping the public will use the postal service to send them a different kind of mollusc: slugs.

A team of scientists and farmers carrying out research into slug-resistant wheat say they need about 1,000 of the creatures to explore how palatable slugs find various crops.

Global population predictions offer ‘hopeful sign’ for planet, UN says

admin — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:30:27 +0000

Projected high of 10.3bn people is lower and will come earlier than expected, analysis suggests

The global population is likely to peak earlier than expected and at a lower level, according to new UN projections that officials have said offer hope of reduced pressure on the environment.

The analysis predicts there will be about 10.3 billion people by the mid-2080s, up from 8.2 billion this year.

Cumbria coalmine was unlawfully approved, government says

admin — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:07:51 +0000

Lawyers acting for minister say emissions of coal extracted from mine should have been taken into account

The government has admitted that a proposed coalmine in Cumbria was approved unlawfully, as the carbon emissions of coal from the mine should have been taken into account in the planning decision.

Mapping the world's fungi from air samples

admin — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 15:15:08 +0000

Researchers have found that the key to a quick and cost-effective mapping of biodiversity has been right in front of our eyes all along, but at the same time invisible -- i.e., in the air that surrounds us.

How Sydney’s endless rain is ruining football seasons and breaking young hearts

admin — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 15:00:30 +0000

As Saturday after Saturday gets wiped out by bad weather, clubs are drowning in a sea of unplayed fixtures

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The first thing Jamie Amendolia’s boys ask him when he picks them up from school every afternoon is the same: “Is training on? Is the game on? Has it been called off? Are we playing?”

Wimbledon official defends Barclays sponsorship deal amid protests

admin — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 14:40:24 +0000

Usama Al-Qassab cited tournament’s ‘very thorough vetting process’ after pro-Palestine and climate protests

A top Wimbledon official has staunchly defended the tournament’s sponsorship deal with Barclays, accusing pro-Palestine and climate protesters of seeking to boost their campaigns’ profiles.

BP-owned company is selling carbon credits on trees that aren’t in danger, analysis finds

admin — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 12:00:22 +0000

Satellite analysis looked at credits sold by Finite Carbon, which runs some of North America’s largest offset projects

This story is co-published with SourceMaterial and Floodlight

Some forest carbon offsets sold by the biggest offsetting company in the US offer little or no benefit to the climate, a satellite analysis has found.

Herring gull chicks would rather have fish than your chips, finds study

admin — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 11:00:23 +0000

Rescued chicks favour seafood, suggesting they turn to urban diet as adults from necessity rather than preference

Herring gulls have wrecked many a seaside picnic, pouncing on unsuspecting people trying to enjoy a Cornish pasty, a sandwich or a bag of chips.

But a study from the University of Exeter suggests gull chicks prefer seafood even after being raised on a diet of the sort of scraps found around humans.

Thames Water placed in special measures due to ‘significant issues’

admin — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 08:58:34 +0000

Ofwat says UK’s biggest water company will come under extra scrutiny as it faces prospect of restructuring or temporary renationalisation