The flu virus (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
A new analysis of the current swine-origin H1N1 influenza A virus suggests that transmission to humans occurred several months before recognition of the existing outbreak.The work, published online in Nature June 10, highlights the need for systematic surveillance of influenza in swine, and provides evidence that new genetic elements in swine can result in the emergence of viruses with pandemic potential in humans.
This composite satellite image shows the Arctic in May 2009. Photo: NSIDC
The annual melting of Arctic sea ice is trending toward another record-low.While it’s still too early to say whether the 2009 melt will exceed the record 2007 melt — the annual low-point isn’t reached until September — the trend line for 2009 for the first time has dipped below 2007, according to the latest data from the National Snow and Ice Data Center.
The melting of Arctic sea ice is one of the clearest signals of global warming, and a leading indicator of what is to come. The melting is also an example — one of many — of a positive feedback loop that scientists expect will accelerate global warming: As sea ice melts, the darker water that is exposed absorbs more of the sun’s energy, which leads to warmer waters and more melting ice.
The Arctic is referred to as the “Earth’s air conditioner,” moderating climate worldwide.
The element 112, discovered at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung (Centre for Heavy Ion Research) in Darmstadt, has been officially recognized as a new element by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). IUPAC confirmed the recognition of element 112 in an official letter to the head of the discovering team, Professor Sigurd Hofmann. The letter furthermore asks the discoverers to propose a name for the new element.
A car that has neither an engine nor a muffler will debut on the Japanese market next month. Developed by Mitsubishi Motors Corp. the “i-MiEV” is the world’s first mass-produced zero-emission minicar that does not need an internal combustion engine because it runs on a motor charged with electricity.Mitsubishi Motors’ new “i-MiEV” is the world’s first mass-produced zero-emission minicar. It runs on a motor charged with electricity and emits no carbon dioxide. The i-MiEV reduces the “original sin” of automobiles that have polluted the environment and contributed to global warming.
