round

Sowing larger patches of flowers can increase bumblebee reproduction in areas surrounding intensive arable farms

Agri-environment schemes (AES) have been implemented throughout Europe to mitigate against the negative effects of agricultural intensification. Although these schemes have shown positive effects on the abundance and richness of certain species and taxa, the impact of AES on reproduction of target species at the local and landscape scale is poorly understood. This large-scale study looked for the effect of selected AE measures on bumblebee reproduction. Results indicate that bumblebee reproduction is significantly higher on sown flower patches when compared to conventional management. Although the increase is most pronounced at the plot scale, higher reproduction was found in landscapes surrounding larger sown plots (at least one hectare) compared to smaller sown plots.




round

Calculating pesticide risks to groundwater

A recent study has investigated the effectiveness of the EU concentration limit for Plant Protection Products (i.e., agricultural pesticides) in protecting groundwater ecosystems. For the majority of pesticides, the standard of 0.1 micrograms per litre for each individual pesticide was found to be sufficient, but this may not be the case for some insecticides.




round

Groundwater pollution in Europe: an overview

An overview of groundwater contaminants in Europe is provided by a recent study, which calls for more integrated monitoring using a range of indicators. Groundwater contamination presents serious health and environmental concerns.




round

The public value of including scientific information in groundwater protection policies

The public places a high value on the use of scientific information, especially regarding climate change, in the management of groundwater resources, a case study in Finland indicates. This suggests that incorporating scientific research into management policies is likely to have the support of stakeholders in the region.




round

Grazing cows may pick up persistent organic pollutants from soil or surroundings

Soil is an overlooked source of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) for grazing cows, finds a new study of contaminated farms in Switzerland. The researchers tested a new modelling tool to track two specific environmental POPs — known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins (PCDD/Fs) — as they moved from the farm environment into a cow’s body over time. The tool could be used to assess measures designed to decontaminate animals or to prevent contamination, such as grazing regimes that aim to reduce the risk of cows eating soil accidentally.




round

Groundwater protection: first voluntary initiative to develop a pollutant watch list

Over the past two decades, concern has grown globally about the occurrence of anthropogenic organic contaminants in the environment, such as substances used in pharmaceuticals, food production and manufacturing. Many of these compounds are not sufficiently monitored or regulated in groundwater — a critical water resource in Europe. A recent paper proposes an approach to developing the first voluntary Groundwater Watch List (GWWL): an initiative with which to identify, monitor, and characterise substances that have the greatest potential to pollute this water resource.




round

Bacterial remediation of groundwater depends on environmental conditions

New low cost methods using bacteria to remove toxic metals from groundwater have been investigated using both actual contaminated groundwater and artificially controlled systems. Environmental conditions, such as changing levels of acidity or alkalinity, can have a significant effect on the removal of toxins, results show.




round

Oil spills could be cleaned up by bacteria from underground petroleum reserves

Bacteria taken from underground petroleum reserves could be used to effectively break down crude oil from spills at sea, new research has found. The study measured the breakdown of crude oil components in simulated seawater by four bacterial strains that had been isolated from petroleum reservoirs, as well as by four genetically modified stains. The findings raise the possibility of tailor-making organisms to clean up specific types of contamination.




round

Case Study : BT One Enterprise Cisco: Work without boundaries around the world

A BT One Enterprise Cisco solution makes voice calls between the UK and India simple and immediate. In most cases they’re free of charge too. Best of all, the employees feel as one with the BT global team.




round

No need to travel as Southbank Sinfonia recruits artists around the world using a Cisco TelePresence solution from BT

Every year some of the world’s best young musicians would jet into London to audition for a bursary with the Southbank Sinfonia. Simon Over wanted to cut down on those thousands of air miles and hours in transit. He also didn’t want to miss out on youngsters who couldn’t afford the fare.




round

Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District's May BOD Meeting






round

New book takes readers on a journey around Watford 100 years ago

A new book will tell the story of Watford’s lost places.




round

Radlett Cricket Club groundsman Nick Searle receives ECB Groundsman of the Year commendation

Radlett Cricket Club head groundsman Nick Searle has received a commendation in this year’s annual ECB Groundsman of the Year Awards.




round

Watford Ladies progress in FA Cup with win over Plymouth Argyle and will now travel to AFC Fylde or Sunderland in the next round

Watford Ladies started the new year with a flourish in their resounding 5-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle in the Women's FA Cup third round.




round

Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber on clubs' Premier League Project Restart neutral ground reservations

Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber insists it is not just clubs fighting for Premier League survival who oppose the completion of the season at neutral venues.





round

Energy Turnaround Pro Sees Demand Destruction as Top Issue

SierraConstellation Partners' Basil Karampelas says oil and gas firms need to focus on three themes.




round

​‘Topological’ laser can route light around corners 

Scientists and engineers from NTU Singapore and the University of Leeds in the U.K. have created the first electrically driven topological laser, which has the ability to route light particles around corners and to cope with defects in the manufacture of the device....




round

Oil Will Hit $100 in Around 18 Months

The oil price has been predicted to hit $100 per barrel in around 18 months.




round

Sweet dad cheers his son through infant's first round of shots

Antwon Lee tells his little man "it's OK to cry" and to "stay strong" during the ordeal.



  • Babies & Pregnancy

round

Weekend reads: Is there pink slime in your ground beef?

Food news and items of interest from around the Web for your weekend reading.




round

What food pyramids look like around the world

The U.S. has moved from a pyramid to a plate. How do other countries visually communicate good nutrition?




round

10 good luck charms from around the world

These symbols of good luck from around the world might just improve your energy in the universe.



  • Arts & Culture

round

11 rollicking pre-Lent parties around the world

The festivities preceding the Catholic season of Lent are known by different names in different parts of the world. But it's a celebration everywhere.



  • Arts & Culture

round

Why does Easter move around on the calendar?

The Council of Nicaea decided that Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox.



  • Arts & Culture

round

Nuclear skepticism around the globe

More questions are being raised about nuclear power — in the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa.



  • Wilderness & Resources

round

What lies beneath: Is the ground underneath your home ripe for fracking?

Reuters investigates the growing trend of builders keeping hush about the severing of mineral rights attached to newly built homes.




round

Fog surrounds a frozen volcano in this ethereal photograph

Alaska's Izembek National Wildlife Refuge is silent and still as fog creeps towards Mount Dutton.



  • Wilderness & Resources

round

How London's 'lost' underground rivers could help curb carbon emissions

Environmental group 10:10 Climate Action sees untapped potential in waste heat extracted from waterways buried beneath the British capital.




round

Dive deep into the past in this prehistoric underground spring

Devil’s Den Spring in Florida is a premier diving spot hidden inside a sunken cavern.




round

EV living: Honda breaks ground on net-zero concept home

Car giant Honda breaks ground on a net-zero energy home, a super-efficient demo home at UC Davis.



  • Remodeling & Design

round

Storm of protests unleashed around the U.S.

Activists line up for different causes along different U.S. coasts to make sure that politicians know how they feel about methly iodide and a proposed pipeline



  • Protection & Safety

round

Seals may use wind farms as hunting grounds

Offshore wind farms may become seal hunting grounds, new research shows.




round

Iceland embraces slow TV trend with leisurely 24-hour drive around the country

Soundtracked by Sigur Rós, the ultra-mellow trek was broadcast live on national television.



  • Arts & Culture

round

An egg that monitors air quality goes online around the world

The Air Quality Egg was named one of Kickstarter's best projects of 2012.



  • Gadgets & Electronics

round

20 ways to reuse coffee grounds, tea leaves

It's unlikely that coffee or tea is growing in your garden, so after you finish that cup, put the grounds to work with these clever ideas.




round

Artist crochets fabulous playgrounds for kids

The idea behind Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam's lovely, loopy play structures was born when children started playing on the designer's crochet sculpture in an art ga



  • Arts & Culture

round

10 gorgeous U.S. waterfront campgrounds

We've found several camping areas on lakes, rivers and the ocean that offer beautiful views and plenty of recreational opportunities.




round

iFixit: The website dedicated to fixers around the world

iFixit.org is dedicated to providing free repair manuals to every gadget on Earth.




round

Friday food news roundup 1/30/2009

Food news from around the web for your weekend reading




round

How an American helped Iceland turn its youth crisis around

The 'Icelandic Model' may be the country's best export.



  • Fitness & Well-Being

round

Wind is carrying huge amounts of microplastic dust around the world

Even remote places like the French Pyrenees can contain urban levels of microplastics.



  • Wilderness & Resources

round

Green book roundup: Sustainability and innovation in business and the economy

From sustainability as a means of innovation to envisioning a prosperous, peaceful future free of oil, coal and nuclear energy, these five books are taking care



  • Arts & Culture

round

George Lucas' groundbreaking art museum exits Chicago

After two years of fighting for permission to build along the city's waterfront, Lucas says he's pivoting back to California.



  • Arts & Culture

round

17 repeatable quotes from 'Groundhog Day'

These 'Groundhog Day' quotes are perfect for when you feel like you're living the same day over and over.



  • Arts & Culture

round

10 renewable energy initiatives by SC Johnson around the globe

Take a photo tour of 10 different facilities around the world where SC Johnson is using renewable energy and learn about their positive environmental impact.




round

Former salt mine transformed into spectacular underground theme park

Basketball, mini-golf, a Ferris wheel, an underground lake and a spa are just some of the attractions found in this majestic 13th-century Romanian salt mine.




round

Cities around the world to dim lights for Earth Hour

More than 7,000 cities in 172 countries are expected to take part in the one-hour event on Saturday.



  • Climate & Weather