Clipmarks | Plants Clips

What is Aquaculture?

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:34:44 GMT

clipped by: onlinedesign
clipper's remarks: Our oceans simply cannot yield sufficient quantities of fresh fish and seafood to produce enough viable protein for the Earth's population.

That poses a dilemna for Fishermen, however, for a large majority of the world, without underwater agriculture, they would simply go hungry...or die.

Clip Source: islandbountyfoods.wordpress.com

What is Aquaculture? What Underwater Agriculture Means for World Food Supplies

Aquaculture is the “farming” of plants and animals that live in water, especially fish, shrimp and seafood. It is defined as the science, art, and business of cultivating marine or freshwater food.

Aquaculture is the newest and fastest growing food production service in the world! It is vital to the overall sustenance of our Earth’s inhabitants.

“Never before has the ocean’s natural fish and shellfish population been in such severe decline.”

Aquaculture - Underwater Agriculture:
“The Blue Revolution”

According to a recent CBS Business Report, it is estimated that over 75% of food fish species are collapsed or on the verge of collapse.

What does the the “Blue Revolution” mean for the World’s population?

Everything! Without continuing Aquaculture Technology efforts to supplement our food supplies, several hundred million people will go without a reliable source of protein in their diet.

protein

Phytoplankton Bloom in the Barents Sea

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:16:14 GMT

clipped by: valann 47

Clip Source: earthobservatory.nasa.gov

Phytoplankton Bloom in the Barents Sea

The waters of the Barents Sea off the northeast coast of Norway (bottom left) were bright with a bloom of phytoplankton on August 12, 2008, when the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite passed overhead and captured this photo-like image. Phytoplankton are tiny plant-like organisms that are the foundation of the ocean food web. Like plants, they contain chlorophyll and other pigments that they use to harvest sunlight for photosynthesis. In northern waters, these organisms are starved for sunlight much of the year, but during the summer months, they explode in colorful blooms such as this one.

Tags: plankton, barents sea, norway

Energy Recovery Inc.500

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:46:02 GMT

clipped by: energyrecovery
clipper's remarks: ERI, a Cleant Technology company makes it into Inc. 500

Clip Source: www.inc.com

Year	2007
Industry	Environmental Services
Founded	1992
Growth	396.4%
2003 Revenue	$4.0 million
2006 Revenue	$20.1 million
Employees	45
Website	www.energy-recovery.com

Ranked No. 11 in the Top Companies in Environmental Services
Ranked No. 47 in the Top Companies in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

What it does: Makes an energy recovery device that derives energy from desalination seawater plants.

Why it's growing: Increasing demand for fresh water driven by diminishing fresh water resources, global warming and climate change as well as the increased affordability of desalinated water, driven largely by he new economics of energy efficiency introduced by ERI's PX technology.

What's noteworthy: They plan to open a new office in Dubai.

Tags: energy recovery, desalination, clean technology, desalinization, pressure exchanger, water resources

plant a tree links

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:57:03 GMT

clipped by: kajakaja

Clip Source: home.howstuffworks.com

Algae: Biofuel Of The Future?

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:42:57 GMT

clipped by: Mohir

Clip Source: www.sciencedaily.com

In the world of alternative fuels, there may be nothing greener than pond scum.

Algae are tiny biological factories that use photosynthesis to transform carbon dioxide and sunlight into energy so efficiently that they can double their weight several times a day.

As part of the photosynthesis process algae produce oil and can generate 15 times more oil per acre than other plants used for biofuels, such as corn and switchgrass. Algae can grow in salt water, freshwater or even contaminated water, at sea or in ponds, and on land not suitable for food production.

On top of those advantages, algae — at least in theory — should grow even better when fed extra carbon dioxide (the main greenhouse gas) and organic material like sewage. If so, algae could produce biofuel while cleaning up other problems.

With the grant, the team will try to determine exactly how promising algae biofuel production can be by tweaking the inputs of carbon dioxide and organic matter to increase algae oil yields.

Tags: algae, biofuel, green

China’s Cyber-Militia--Did it cause the '03 blackout?

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:13:23 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: interesting article worth reading.

Clip Source: www.nationaljournal.com

Chinese hackers pose a clear and present danger to U.S. government and private-sector computer networks and may be responsible for two major U.S. power blackouts.

Computer hackers in China, including those working on behalf of the Chinese government and military, have penetrated deeply into the information systems of U.S. companies and government agencies, stolen proprietary information from American executives in advance of their business meetings in China, and, in a few cases, gained access to electric power plants in the United States, possibly triggering two recent and widespread blackouts in Florida and the Northeast, according to U.S. government officials and computer-security experts.

One security analyst in the private sector with close ties to the intelligence community said that some senior intelligence officials believe that China played a role in the 2003 blackout that is still not fully understood.

Moving away from the limitation of natural selection

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:51:13 GMT

clipped by: balthazarus
clipper's remarks: This is one of the most fascinating things about the human, wishes to break free from the borders of the "natural".
i find it much more natural

Clip Source: www.sciencedaily.com

Engineers Build Mini Drug-producing Biofactories In Yeast

genetically modified common baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) so that it contained the genes for several plant enzymes.

The enzymes allow the yeast to produce a chemical called reticuline, which is a precursor for many different classes of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid (BIA) molecules.

The BIA molecules are a large group of chemically intricate compounds, such as morphine, nicotine, and codeine, which are naturally produced by plants.

the natural plant sources of BIAs accumulate only a small number of the molecules, usually "end products" like morphine and codeine that, while valuable, can't be turned into other compounds, thus limiting the availability of useful new products.

To their reticuline-producing yeast, Smolke and Hawkins added the genes for other enzymes, from both plants and humans

not be limited by the activities that have been selected for in nature

Tags: biology, genes

Summit targets world water issues

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:36:14 GMT

clipped by: spirithiker
clipper's remarks: The U.S. is sending millions every year to developing countries in food and medical supplies. It seems it would be more beneficial to build wastewater treatment plants to produce water for farming.

Currently 85% of of cities in developing nations discharge water without any treatment and many people are using this water to grow food crops.

The situation is getting worse as more and more people move to urban areas. This creates a higher demand for farmers to produce more food and with clean water becoming more scarce the problem just becomes more compounded.

Clip Source: news.bbc.co.uk

While global attention has recently focused on energy and food, a global summit this week in Stockholm, Sweden, will tackle the key issue of water.

The World Water Week meeting starts on Sunday and will hear renewed calls to solve growing challenges of sanitation, climate change and drinkable supplies.

The organisers say lack of adequate sanitation is a scandal that costs the lives of 1.4m children every year.

Investing in this area, say scientists, is the most cost effective health intervention the world could make.

While global concerns about energy and food are real, experts say that tackling key water issues is more fundamental to the world and long-term sustained action is needed urgently.

By 2025, 1.8bn people will be living in regions with absolute water scarcity.

Any discussion on water issues will also have to address climate change.

Tags: water, world health, environment

The Parts Of Your Body You Don't Need (1. part)

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:21:54 GMT

clipped by: tanjazaric
clipper's remarks: view the full article on the page http://www.amazingposts.com/2008/08/20-parts-of-your-body-you-dont-need.html

Clip Source: www.amazingposts.com

EXTRINSIC EAR MUSCLES: These three muscles most likely made it possible for our ancestors to move their ears independently of their heads, as rabbits and dogs do. We still have them, which is why most people can learn to wiggle their ears.

WISDOM TEETH: Early humans had to chew a lot of plants to get enough calories to survive, making another row of molars helpful, but unless you chew a lot of branches, these will eventually come out in a painful procedure. Only about 5 percent of the population has a healthy set of these third molars.

MALE NIPPLES: Lactiferous ducts form well before testosterone causes sex differentiation in a fetus. Men have mammary tissue that can be stimulated to produce milk.

ERECTOR PILI: Bundles of smooth muscle fibers allow animals to puff up their fur for insulation or to intimidate others. Humans retain this ability (goose bumps are the indicator) but have obviously lost most of the fur.

Tags: body, organes

Hydrogen harvested using nature's recipe

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:59:05 GMT

clipped by: pokkets

Clip Source: www.abc.net.au

Dani Cooper

Researchers have split water into hydrogen and oxygen by replicating how plants use photosynthesis to make carbohydrates.

The team of Australian and US researchers says their findings, published in the latest Angewandte Chemie International Edition could lead to a cheap and easy way of making hydrogen, which many experts believe is the green fuel of the future.

Professor Leone Spiccia, of Monash University's School of Chemistry says the team has mimicked the process of photosynthesis, whereby plants convert light and atmospheric carbon dioxide into energy.

The new system involves an electrode coated with a proton conductor that is then impregnated with a form of manganese.

Manganese clusters are essential to a plant's ability to use water, carbon dioxide and sunlight to make carbohydrates

However instead of creating carbohydrates, the team have used nature's recipe to split water into its two elements, oxygen and hydrogen.

with the help of sunlight and 1.2 volts of electricity.

"Dead Zones" Multiplying Fast, Coastal Water Study Says

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:40:37 GMT

clipped by: coonhnd

Clip Source: news.nationalgeographic.com

"Dead Zones" Multiplying Fast, Coastal Water Study Says

"Dead zones" are on the rise, says a new study that identified stark growth in the number of coastal areas where the water has too little oxygen to sustain marine life.

There are now more than 400 known dead zones in coastal waters worldwide, compared to 305 in the 1990s, according to study author Robert Diaz of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

Those numbers are up from 162 in the 1980s, 87 in the 1970s, and 49 in the 1960s, Diaz said. In the 1910s, four dead zones had been identified.

Dead Zones

Dead zones occur when excess nutrients—usually nitrogen and phosphorus—from agriculture or the burning of fossil fuels seep into the water system and fertilize blooms of algae along the coast.

As the microscopic plants die and sink to the ocean floor, they feed bacteria, which consume dissolved oxygen from surrounding waters. This limits oxygen availability for bottom-dwelling organisms and the fish that eat them.

Tags: ocean, marine, biology, news

Ancient tree helps birds survive

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:03:51 GMT

clipped by: valann 47

Clip Source: news.bbc.co.uk

An ancient species of tree is helping Britain's birds survive the effects of climate change, scientists have found.

Frequent early spring weather means blue tits and great tits have been laying eggs ahead of schedule, making it difficult for them to find food.

However ecologists say birds have been feeding on gall wasps, which make their homes in Turkey oak trees, rather than the usual young caterpillars.

The discovery was made during a study by the University of Edinburgh.

The Turkey oak was reintroduced to Britain three centuries ago

It had been feared that the Turkey oak, reintroduced to Britain three centuries ago after an absence of thousands of years, may pose a threat to native plants and animals.

But now it appears to be providing the country's birds with a food source.

Tags: birds, survival, trees, turkey oak

Biophilia, Selling the Love of Nature

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:06:14 GMT

clipped by: mrobert
clipper's remarks: Discussion on various ways the biophilia theory is being researched and put to use.

Clip Source: www.planterra.com

Among the recent projects that have biophilic attributes is the University of Guelph-Humber Building in Ontario, Canada. Completed in May of 2004, the most striking feature of the building is a four-story "biowall" covered with tropical plants. The 30'Wx55'H wall is strategically placed under a skylight and designed so the dense plant life is visible from nearly every floor, public space and corridor in the building.

In fact, the planted biowall is a prototype for a new filtration system. It acts as an indoor air purifier, pulling air through the wall and into the mechanical air ducts. According to the University, the biowall could supply all of the building's fresh air intake needs. Irrigated by a vertical hydroponic system, it naturally cools the building in the summer and humidifies in the winter.

Tags: biophilia, edward o. wilson

Chile peppers' spice is a built-in pesticide

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 02:40:08 GMT

clipped by: Kelika

Clip Source: www.latimes.com

If you like your chile peppers hot, thank a fungus.

The spicy fruits developed their kick to ward off invading pathogens bent on destroying chile seeds before they could grow into new plants, according to a study published Tuesday. The bigger the threat from microbial invaders, the more pungent the pepper.

Chiles are native to South America, where heat and humidity nurture the toxic fungus Fusarium semitectum. The fungus enters chiles through puncture holes made by hungry insects.

Chile peppers responded by growing built-in pesticides -- capsaicinoids, the chemical compounds that give chiles their distinctive zesty taste.

Those antifungal properties may have been the reason why people first domesticated chiles more than 6,000 years ago, said Paul W. Sherman, a professor of neurobiology and behavior at Cornell University who has studied the use of spices. Without refrigeration, ancient cooks would have needed a way to keep microbes from spoiling fresh food.

Tags: spice, food

Can we have wind power and birds, too?

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:58:35 GMT

clipped by: JACraves

Clip Source: birdsredesign.wordpress.com

Wind power has emerged as a front runner in the world’s sudden longing for renewable energy sources.

Still, to the pragmatic, having wind power boils down to accepting a certain amount of dead birds. And you can put a number on the amount: At last week’s AOU meeting, I learned that existing wind-power plants typically kill about 1 to 12 birds per megawatt generated per year. (A megawatt can meet the electricity needs of roughly 1,000 Americans.)

Ken Otter’s task was to advise the Canadian power company about ways to get that number as low as possible. So he hauled out a mobile radar system to track birds as they flew over the steep-sided mountain ridges where the turbines would be built. Radars can’t identify bird species, so Otter also posted graduate students with binoculars to document what was flying over.

But after two years of study, Otter found bird movements tended to be fairly predictable.

Wind power will never be harmless to birds.

But climate change and pollution kill birds, too