SCIENCE IN THE NEWS WEEKLY
Marine Census Records 1,200 New Species
Scientists say that 60 percent to 80 percent of sea species remain undiscovered, even after a 10-year international Census of Marine Life involving some 2,700 researchers. The census has so far described 1,200 new species.
By the latest estimate, the fungal white-nose syndrome has killed about a million little brown bats in North America. Researchers fear it could drive the species to extinction in the northeastern U.S.
In other environmental news, a three-year wildlife census has revealed that mammals are declining in the exclusion zone surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The study aimed to establish the most reliable way to measure the impact on wildlife of contamination in the zone.
A Stanford University scientist spent 10 years isolating the widespread warming effects of soot from the climate effects caused by greenhouse gases. He has concluded that soot is currently the No. 2 driver of climate change--behind carbon dioxide but ahead of methane.
And, finally, a group of water-management scientists say that some of the studies of chemicals in the world's sewer systems may have fundamental flaws in sampling protocols, leading to exaggerated claims.
Science in the Media
Newspapers:
Magazines and Web Sites:
The Science-Media Intersection:
Subscribe to Our Content!
Visit our RSS Feeds page to choose among 13 customized feeds, or create a free My AmSci account to request an email notice whenever a specified author, department or discipline appears online.