New fossil rove beetle is a first in Africa
In the heart of Botswana, a discovery at the Orapa Diamond Mine has unveiled a fossil that sheds light on the evolutionary history of beetles......»»
Discovery of organic catalyst could lead to cheaper fuel cells
With atmospheric carbon dioxide at record highs, the search for clean-energy alternatives to the use of fossil fuels is growing increasingly urgent......»»
Reptiles in South Africa are under threat, but there"s good news too
Media reports about the biodiversity crisis and what researchers have argued qualifies as a mass extinction event tend to focus on the big ecological effects. Melting ice sheets, severe weather events, droughts, habitat loss and wildfires dominate he.....»»
The Paradox That"s Supercharging Climate Change
Humanity needs to burn less fossil fuels. But that means fewer aerosols to help cool the planet—and a potential acceleration of global warming......»»
Digging up new species of Australia and New Guinea"s giant fossil kangaroos
Paleontologists from Flinders University have described three unusual new species of giant fossil kangaroo from Australia and New Guinea, finding them more diverse in shape, range and hopping method than previously thought......»»
Africa"s iconic flamingos threatened by rising lake levels, study shows
It is one of the world's most spectacular sights—huge flocks or "flamboyances" of flamingos around East Africa's lakes—as seen in the film "Out of Africa" or David Attenborough's "A Perfect Planet.".....»»
West Africa"s falling fish stocks: Illegal Chinese trawlers, climate change and artisanal fishing fleets to blame
Average fish catches by traditional fishing communities along the west African coast have declined significantly over the past three decades......»»
Tiny weevils are waging war on the invasive water lettuce plant choking South Africa"s Vaal River
Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.), also known as Nile cabbage, is a free-floating aquatic plant from the family Araceae, the same family as the arum lily......»»
New spectrometer helps identify alternative catalyst materials for affordable hydrogen fuel cells
Fuel cells are quickly becoming a viable, clean energy alternative to commonly used fossil fuels, such as gasoline, coal, and oil. Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy resources that release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere......»»
Climate change has positive and negative effects on invasive mountain pine beetles
Climate change is hampering mountain pine beetle reproduction but also appears to slightly benefit the invasive insect in other ways, new University of Alberta research shows......»»
South Africa is to shut down captive lion farms—experts warn the plan needs a deadline
The South African government has officially confirmed that captive lion farms will be shut down. A new ministerial task team report just released has cemented the government's intention, first made public in 2021, to put an end to African lions being.....»»
Protesters close Chicago Apple Store over Palestinian employee firing
A small group of demonstrators disrupted the Lincoln Park Apple Store in Chicago on Saturday to protest Apple's use of labor in Africa and its disciplining of at least one employee wearing pro-Palestinian clothing items.The protest, which took place.....»»
Why are there so many species of beetles?
Diet played a key role in the evolution of the vast beetle family tree. Enlarge (credit: Laurie Rubin via Getty) Caroline Chaboo’s eyes light up when she talks about tortoise beetles. Like gems, they exist in myriad br.....»»
South Africa"s conservation model: Why expanding the use of biodiversity to generate money is a good idea
South Africa's government is calling for public comments on an updated version of its existing biodiversity economy plan......»»
Africa"s carbon sink capacity is shrinking
The population of Africa, the second-largest continent in the world, currently sits at about 1.4 billion, but is set to exceed 2 billion by 2040. This means greater swaths of land than ever before are being used for agriculture, and livestock numbers.....»»
New fossil dolphin identified
University of Otago researchers have formally identified and named a fossil dolphin which they discovered has a unique feeding method......»»
New Catan game has overpopulation, pollution, fossil fuels, and clean energy
If pollution levels go too high, the game ends for everyone. It's a fun escape! Enlarge / If you didn't know what "New Energies" meant, this promotional image puts a windmill on it. (credit: Catan GmbH) In Klaus Teuber's.....»»
Viewpoint: Fossil fuel subsidies cost Canadians a lot more money than the carbon tax
The federal carbon tax increase is now in effect, and will raise gas prices by three cents per liter in most Canadian provinces......»»
Africa"s Ph.D.s: Study shows how to develop strong graduates who want to make a difference
The challenge for universities is to produce graduates who can work with others to produce knowledge and research that can change institutions and societies for the better......»»
South Africa"s laws aren"t geared to protecting against climate change: Judges are trying to fill the gap
South Africa has plenty of environmental laws but none that specifically oblige government officials to consider the risks and impacts of climate change when they approve new developments......»»
El Niño disasters: Governments know what"s coming, but are unprepared. Here"s what must change
Drought disasters in southern Africa are mainly attributed to a lack of preparedness, inadequate response and mitigation and poor risk reduction measures. With little to no preparation for drought disasters, such as the failure of the staple maize cr.....»»