By Subject - Environment

  • Honeybees getting lost?
    Honeybees getting lost?

    As colony collapse disorder continues to attack honeybee hives, a new study shows that a common insecticide interferes with their return flights. Although the disorder probably has many causes, agricultural chemicals have long been key suspects, and this study adds to the suspicion!


    Thursday, March 29th, 2012
  • Shaking it up: Maverick scientist dies
    Shaking it up: Maverick scientist dies

    Sometimes, scientists feel the need to leave the lab and warn the public about onrushing hazards. Rowland warned about ozone, but others are warning about warming. Does scientific culture encourage or hinder going public? Does the helpful response to ozone depletion suggest we’ll succeed in confronting global warming?


    Thursday, March 22nd, 2012
  • Putting the brakes on fish invasions
    Putting the brakes on fish invasions

    As Asian carp approach the Great Lakes, ecologists seek to forestall a devastating invasion. Electric fish barriers on Chicago’s canals — built to dump wastewater into the Mississippi — are blocking carp from reaching Lake Michigan. Many scientists prefer closing the canals, but the shipping industry objects. Who’s right?


    Thursday, March 8th, 2012
  • Flying robots
    Flying robots

    Compared to regular airplanes, radio-controlled craft are safer, cheaper, and easier to use for observing wildlife and environmental conditions. Where are these robots being used? What are they finding? And as prices continue to fall, what stands in the way of much broader use?


    Thursday, February 9th, 2012
  • Bookin’ science: Best of the batch.

    If (gasp!) the subject is too big for a Whyfile, hit the books. Here, we review four great science books, on evolution, environment, fighting nature, and discovering motherly love.


    Tuesday, December 20th, 2011
  • Amphibian anxiety
    Amphibian anxiety

    Amphibians are disappearing faster than any other animals. A new study looks at the effects of changes in climate, land use and disease. The picture isn’t pretty, but looking at three threats at once shows the true danger facing frogs, toads, salamanders and their relatives.


    Thursday, November 17th, 2011
  • Science Teachers: Hip yourself to a great resource!
    Science Teachers: Hip yourself to a great resource!

    For 15 years, we’ve presented the science behind the news. The Why Files are accurate, engaging, entertaining and educational. Check our links from national science teaching standards to specific Why Files — all 750 of them! Whether it’s geology or archaeology, weather or human behavior, The Why Files has it covered.


    Tuesday, November 8th, 2011
  • Texas is dry and hot. Global warming?
    Texas is dry and hot. Global warming?

    If scientists agree that the globe is warming, aren’t hot, dry spells more evidence of warming? Yes, but. Last year’s Texas heat wave showed a blend of climate change and natural variation. More on the search for the fingerprints of global warming.


    Thursday, October 27th, 2011
  • Cattle, wildlife: No real conflict?
    Cattle, wildlife: No real conflict?

    In African savannas, cattle graze the same grass as zebras, elephants and gazelles. Obviously, wildlife are stealing food from the mouths of cattle, and from the people who depend on cattle. But new data show that in the wet season, grazing wildlife actually benefit cattle!


    Thursday, September 22nd, 2011
  • Tundra fire: Bad news on warming
    Tundra fire: Bad news on warming

    The globe warms, and the Arctic starts to burn. If warming causes fires that release carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas, will this accelerate further warming? A new study measures carbon releases from the largest tundra fire in North America.


    Thursday, July 28th, 2011


Twitter Facebook Email RSS
The Weather Guys
Curiosities
Cool Science Images Virtual Science! Paper Bound: Book Reviews

©2012 University of Wisconsin
Board of Regents