The genetic blueprint of the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) has been deciphered by an international team that includes Australian scientists, and published in the journal Nature. More explanation here on the BBC News website: Platypus genetic … [Read more...] about Mammal, Reptile, or Bird? Platypus DNA Unravelled
Shining the Hard Light of Reason on Environmental Problems
Last Wednesday was the launch of a new initiative between the University of Queensland and the Institute of Public Affairs for environmental research. There is some reporting of the program in today's The Australian newspaper under the title … [Read more...] about Shining the Hard Light of Reason on Environmental Problems
Mealybugs and Jumping Plant Lice
I must confess that I really can't remember when I first came to believe that Green Tree Ants, presented in the previous entry, farmed aphids concealed under frass. However, I am always willing to learn, so thank you Jennifer for the … [Read more...] about Mealybugs and Jumping Plant Lice
Green Tree Ants
Green tree ants Oecophylla smaragdina farm aphids for their honeydew. They are occasionally referred to as weaver ants because they form large leafy nests bound with silk. Through amazing co-operative strength, they form strings of hundreds of ants … [Read more...] about Green Tree Ants
Cyclone: Mangrove Loss Left Burma Exposed, but Gore Blames Global Warming
Destruction of mangrove forests in Burma left coastal areas exposed to the devastating force of the weekend's cyclone, a top politician suggests. ASEAN secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan said coastal developments had resulted in mangroves, which act … [Read more...] about Cyclone: Mangrove Loss Left Burma Exposed, but Gore Blames Global Warming
Measuring the Surface Air Temperature (Part 1)
The orthodoxy has been that as a consequence of greenhouse gas emissions global temperatures will continue to increase. But what is really meant by global temperatures? According to James Hansen from NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies … [Read more...] about Measuring the Surface Air Temperature (Part 1)
Jennifer Marohasy BSc PhD is a critical thinker with expertise in the scientific method.
