December, 2013
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Understanding Winter Solstice - December 17, 2013 09:30 AM
Winter Solstice this year will fall on December 21, but what exactly is a solstice? Learn more about how this astronomical event has been celebrated through the ages, and how Winter Solstice may have influenced the date of Christmas.
August, 2011
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On This Day: Hurricane Andrew Ravages Southern Florida - August 24, 2011 06:00 AM
On Aug. 24, 1992, Hurricane Andrew stormed across southern Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi, leaving an unprecedented trail of devastation.
March, 2011
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On This Day: Exxon Valdez Wreck Causes Massive Oil Spill - March 24, 2011 06:00 AM
On March 24, 1989, the oil tanker Exxon Valdez struck a reef in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, causing 11 million gallons of oil to spill into the water. It is one of the most environmentally damaging oil spills in world history.
January, 2011
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The Making of an Endangered Species - January 17, 2011 07:00 AM
Take a look at the origins of the endangered species list and learn what qualifies a species for inclusion on the list.
December, 2010
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In Tough Times, Christmas Can Be Green and Fun - December 20, 2010 12:00 PM
Economic and environmental concerns have combined to generate more interest in having a green Christmas this year, and experts have plenty of sustainability advice.
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Albino Kookaburras Are the Latest Albino Animals to Make Headlines - December 07, 2010 06:00 AM
Two female albino kookaburras have been found in northern Australia, in the wake of last year’s pink elephant and pink dolphin.
September, 2010
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Climate Change, Pollution and Human Interference Pose Danger to Penguins, “Nature’s Survivors” - September 30, 2010 08:00 AM
Due to climate change, increase in ocean pollution and the rapid human colonization of their natural habitats, 13 out of 18 existing penguin species are now considered to be threatened, endangered or even on the verge of extinction. However, the penguins’ natural resilience and adaptability, product of the struggle for survival in the harshest of climates, prepare them well to fight the circumstances that endanger them.
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Are Biofuels Ready for Prime Time? - September 13, 2010 07:00 AM
As energy experts tout the potential of algae as a fuel source, we look more closely at pond scum, the current state of biofuels and the innovative ways scientists are deriving fuel.
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Can Animals Sense Earthquakes Before They Strike? - September 10, 2010 07:00 AM
A new study suggests toads can detect impending earthquakes, calling to mind other examples of animals sensing disasters before they hit.
July, 2010
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New Species Discovered in Atlantic Ocean - July 21, 2010 03:00 PM
The coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the area between Iceland and the Azores, is teeming with marine life previously unknown to scientists.
April, 2010
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Original Earth Day Environmentalists Nostalgic for the Good Old Days - April 22, 2010 10:00 AM
Despite the prevalence of “green” items and high-profile environmental advocacy, there is skepticism surrounding today’s Earth Day. Some experts contend that it’s a less meaningful version of the original.
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Bringing Conservation into the Classroom with Disneynature's "Oceans" - April 21, 2010 12:10 PM
Set for an Earth Day release, the new Disney film features stunning underwater images, and can help educators broach topics like marine conservation.
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National Park Week Inspires a Look at Our Green Gems - April 20, 2010 04:10 PM
It’s a good time to visit national parks around the country, and take a look at other areas that may earn national park status.
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Genetically Engineered Pigs More Environmentally Friendly - April 01, 2010 04:00 PM
“Enviropigs” produce up to 65 percent less phosphorous in their feces and urine, creating less of a burden on the environment. Still, environmentalists’ reactions aren’t all favorable.
March, 2010
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World Health Day Spotlights Urban Well-Being - March 26, 2010 12:30 PM
Next month, the World Health Organization’s World Health Day will focus on urbanization and health. Many U.S. cities are already making strong efforts to go green.
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Parthenogenesis: When Animals Reproduce Without a Mate - March 25, 2010 07:00 AM
In the wild, some female animals are able to create offspring without the help of a mate, a process known as parthenogenesis.
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Bee Population Suffers Another Blow - March 24, 2010 05:30 PM
A federal survey found that bees are threatened more than ever after a winter of severe die-off, having serious implications for the human food supply.
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Buying and Selling Illegal Wildlife Flourishes Online - March 23, 2010 12:40 PM
The Internet has made it easier than ever to buy exotic animals and animal products, creating yet another threat to rare and endangered species.
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Nature Wages War: Earthquakes - March 23, 2010 03:00 AM
The earthquake, a popular stop in a child’s scientific education, holds a lot of excitement. It’s a popular topic of television programs, too. But the consequences of earthquakes can be disastrous, especially for impoverished countries. Today we look at the science behind the earthquake and its various effects in history.
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With An Oscar for Best Documentary, Can “The Cove” Halt Japan’s Dolphin Slaughter? - March 08, 2010 12:21 AM
A documentary revealing Japan's annual dolphin slaughter wins an Oscar for Best Documentary, drawing further attention to a practice both traditional and disturbing.
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As Shamu Show Goes On, Many Wonder Whether It’s Curtain Time - March 03, 2010 06:14 AM
Despite the tragic death of a trainer and protests from animal rights activists, Sea World has resumed its famous Shamu show.
February, 2010
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Vast Patch of Floating Plastic Waste Found in Atlantic Ocean - February 25, 2010 01:03 PM
Researchers have found the Atlantic Ocean’s equivalent of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in an area southwest of Bermuda.
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Seeding the Clouds for Drought Relief - February 22, 2010 01:00 PM
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez seeds the clouds above his country to combat a drought that has brought Venezuela’s reservoirs to their lowest levels in years.
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Stranger Than Fiction: Researchers Discover Sea Creatures Stranger Than Brown Bar-ba-loots - February 07, 2010 09:00 AM
Weird animals have long been found in children’s literature. Now scientists are finding animals deep in the ocean that are just as bizarre.
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Innovative Temporary Homes Could Replace Tents in Port-au-Prince - February 02, 2010 03:14 PM
Expandable, lightweight houses are being developed for homeless Haitians in Port-au-Prince, though some experts suggest relocating the capital city is the safest option.
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Blue Whales Singing at Ever-Lower Frequency - February 01, 2010 05:40 PM
Researchers can’t figure out why blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, are singing in deeper voices every year.
January, 2010
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Countries Call for Copenhagen Climate Initiatives to Begin - January 25, 2010 04:25 PM
At the Copenhagen conference, $10 billion was promised to developing nations to help them combat the effects of climate change. South Africa, Brazil, China and India say it's time to pay up.
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Errors in UN Climate Report Fuel Global Warming Debate - January 21, 2010 04:30 PM
Five errors in a U.N. climate panel report have called into question the credibility of the panel, prompting climate change skeptics to cry foul.
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Haiti Disaster Illustrates Power of Earthquakes - January 13, 2010 04:00 PM
Earthquakes are often the focus of films and television programs, but are truly more disturbing than entertaining. The consequences of earthquakes can be disastrous, especially for impoverished countries like Haiti. Learn about the science behind earthquakes and their various effects in history.
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A Closer Look at the Controversy Surrounding School Gardens - January 10, 2010 04:00 PM
School gardens are not without controversy, despite largely positive news coverage and political attention.