New record: Ethereal deep-sea fish lives 5 miles underwater

Scientists have discovered a new species of fish that glides gently through the water on white, translucent wings 5 miles beneath the ocean surface.It is the deepest living fish ever discovered.
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-mariana-trench-deep-sea-fish-20141219-story.html
Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times-Science Now by Deborah Netburn

Of mice and men: Researchers point to differences in cell development

Scientists say they have discovered a key factor in the lab formation of human primordial germ cells -- the precursors to egg and sperm -- and that it differs significantly from experiments involving rodent cells.http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/
Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times-Science Now by Monte Morin

Astronomers find 'new' dwarf galaxy in Milky Way's neighborhood

Hey, neighbor! Astronomers searching the sky with NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope have discovered an odd little dwarf galaxy in our very own backyard -- a mere 7 million light years away.http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/
Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times -Science Now by Amina Kahn

Greenland Ice Loss May be Worse Than Predicted: Study

A warming planet may lead to swifter ice loss on Greenland's ice sheet, and faster sea level rise for the rest of the world than previously predicted, scientists said Monday.
Two separate international studies raised concern about the pace of ice melt on the world's second largest ice sheet after Antarctica, and suggested that scientists may have underestimated the variable behavior of Greenland's ice. http://www.newsmax.com/SciTech/Science-Britain-US-space/2014/12/15/id/613129/ Article courtesy of The Boston Herald

Robot Tuna That Swims Like a Fish Meant for Spying, Protection

The U.S. Office of Naval Research has developed an underwater robot tuna capable of swimming into enemy territory.

The 5-foot, 100-pound robot is built to look like a Bluefin tuna as part of an operation called Project Silent Nemo.  http://www.newsmax.com/TheWire/robot-tuna-fish-spying/2014/12/15/id/613204/
Article courtesy of The Boston Herald by Ken Mandel

Here's What Would Happen to Your Groceries If Bees Went Extinct

Without pollinators, say goodbye to fruit-flavored yogurt and that chocolate in your chocolate milk. Plus, plants that cows graze on would be depleted, so milk would be scarce. And it’s not just dairy; Whole Foods estimates that more than half of the produce department is dependent on bees.
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/green-living/whole-foods-groceries-honeybee-population
Article courtesy of Good Housekeeping by Megan Friedman

Peru climate change talks slowed by clashes of rich and poor nations

International climate talks in Lima, Peru, are entering their final week, with few hints of whether a newfound optimism that marked the start of negotiations will ultimately translate into an agreement that would rein in climate change.
Convened by the United Nations, the talks aim to craft the framework for an international accord to curtail heat-trapping emissions and adapt to changes already occurring on the planet. The final agreement is due to be signed in Paris next December.

That collective groan must have been overheard by Boston 2024, the group leading the charge to host the Olympics. On its website, Boston 2024 dismisses concerns over traffic congestion and public transportation overload as “myth.” http://www.boston.com/cars/news-and-reviews/2014/12/05/olympic-hype-what-the-games-could-boston-transportation/NY0WqJeZ7cB6dZAUr07KVP/story.html?p1=well_Cars_subheadline_hp

Olympic Hype? What the Games Could Do To Boston Transportation

That collective groan must have been overheard by Boston 2024, the group leading the charge to host the Olympics. On its website, Boston 2024 dismisses concerns over traffic congestion and public transportation overload as “myth.” http://www.boston.com/cars/news-and-reviews/2014/12/05/olympic-hype-what-the-games-could-boston-transportation/NY0WqJeZ7cB6dZAUr07KVP/story.html?p1=well_Cars_subheadline_hp
Article courtesy of Boston.com by Sanjay Salomon

Study Gauges Plastic Levels in Oceans

It is no secret that the world’s oceans are swimming with plastic debris — the first floating masses of trash were discovered in the 1990s. But researchers are starting to get a better sense of the size and scope of the problem.  http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/11/science/new-research-quantifies-the-oceans-plastic-problem.html?ref=science&_r=0
Article courtesy of the New York Times by John Schwartz

Storm headed for Bay Area could bring 8 inches of rain and a blizzard

One of the biggest winter storms to hit the Bay Area in the last 10 years is expected to quickly dump inches of rain and blast residents with powerful winds Thursday and Friday, the National Weather Service said.  http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-winter-storm-preparations-20141210-story.html
Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Times by Joseph Serna and Veronica Rocha

Peru climate change talks slowed by clashes of rich and poor nations

International climate talks in Lima, Peru, are entering their final week, with few hints of whether a newfound optimism that marked the start of negotiations will ultimately translate into an agreement that would rein in climate change.
Convened by the United Nations, the talks aim to craft the framework for an international accord to curtail heat-trapping emissions and adapt to changes already occurring on the planet. The final agreement is due to be signed in Paris next December. http://www.latimes.com/world/mexico-americas/la-fg-climate-talks-20141207-story.html
Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Times by Neela Banerjee

New Fire Code Will Allow ‘Hold-Open’ Clips on Gas Station Pumps

For decades, Massachusetts drivers have been left out in the cold by state laws, but that’s about to change this winter.

According to WGBH, gas stations will be allowed to install hold-open clips on their pump nozzles starting January 1st. http://www.boston.com/cars/news-and-reviews/2014/12/05/new-fire-code-will-allow-hold-open-clips-gas-station-pumps/hsvbj51JfIUsVEeDLVuJBN/story.html

Article courtesy of Boston.com by Kelly O'Brien

‘Superbugs’ Kill India’s Babies and Pose an Overseas Threat

AMRAVATI, India — A deadly epidemic that could have global implications is quietly sweeping India, and among its many victims are tens of thousands of newborns dying because once-miraculous cures no longer work.  http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/04/world/asia/superbugs-kill-indias-babies-and-pose-an-overseas-threat.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0
Article courtesy of The New York Times by Gardiner Harris

Why More Solar Panels Should Be Facing West, Not South

For years, homeowners who bought solar panels were advised to mount them on the roof facing south. That captures the most solar energy over the course of the day, which benefits the homeowner, but does so at hours that are not so helpful for the utility and the grid as a whole.

Mount them to catch the sunlight from the west in the afternoon, and the panels’ production over all would fall, but it would come at hours when the electricity was more valuable.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/02/upshot/why-more-solar-panels-should-be-pointing-west-not-south.html?hpw&rref=upshot&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&abt=0002&abg=0

Article courtesy of The New York Times by Matthew L. Wald

Are We Missing the Big Picture on Climate Change?

To grasp climate change, you have to think in terms of species and their future. To know how things have already changed, you have to remember how they used to be, and so you may not notice birds disappearing from the skies, or hotter weather or more extreme storms and forest fires.   http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/07/magazine/are-we-missing-the-big-picture-on-climate-change.html?hpw&rref=magazine&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well
Article courtesy of the New York Times by Rebecca Solnit

Urban Farmers Trade Goods and Stories at "Crop Swaps"

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Bay Area is a culinary never-never land, a place where aspiring apiarists hire beekeeping coaches, and even 7-year-olds can discuss the virtues of Himalayan salt.

That is why, on a recent Sunday, a motley group of gardeners bearing windfall harvests of habanero chiles, persimmons and prickly pear cactus fruit gathered for a “crop swap,” an urban agricultural ritual in which city farmers get together to share their surplus bounty.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/28/us/urban-farmers-trade-goods-and-stories-at-crop-swaps.html?mabReward=RI%3A17&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&region=CColumn&module=Recommendation&src=rechp&WT.nav=RecEngine

Article courtesy of The New York Times by Patricia Leigh Brown

The Virus Detectives -Sifting Through Genes in Search of Answers

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — An old two-story brick building in a shabby part of town, formerly a distribution center for Budweiser beer, is now the world’s most powerful factory for analyzing genes from people and viruses.

And it is a factory. At any given time, 10,000 tiny test tubes each holding a few drops of gene-containing fluid are being processed by six technicians, working 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

 http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/02/science/factory-direct-virus-analysis.html?hpw&rref=health&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well

Article courtesy of The New York Times by Gina Kolata

All About Climate Change

Climate change is caused by emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are released when fossil fuels are burned or forests are cleared. These gases rise into the atmosphere and can remain for decades or even centuries. As they build up, the gases create a "glass window" over the Earth, trapping in heat that would otherwise escape. As the Earth’s temperature rises, our climate begins to change, resulting in:

• Decreasing snow cover and sea ice
• Rising sea levels and increases in water temperature
• Increasing precipitation over middle and high latitudes
• Severe drought in lower latitudes, leading to food shortages and starvation
• Faster spread of disease
• Increasing frequency of extreme precipitation
• Compromised living conditions, financial burdens, and social and cultural disruptions will be felt, particularly impacting people of color, low-income, and indigenous communities

http://www.greenamerica.org/programs/climate/facts/index.cfm
Article courtesy of Green America

Herbs for the Health of It

Most of us have been using immunity boosting medicinal herbs all of our lives without even realizing it. Just take a quick peek inside your cupboard or refrigerator, and you’re likely to find spice jars filled with garlic, curry, cloves, cardamom, cayenne, and turmeric. Certainly your crisper, at one time or another, contained fresh foods such as parsley, ginger root, citrus, red peppers, green peppers, or horseradish. All of these items pack an herbal wellness punch, and many of them can be grown in your own garden.  http://www.greenamerica.org/livinggreen/Herbs-for-the-Health-of-It.cfm
Article courtesy of Green America by Debra Doubek

Golden Gate Bridge to Close for 2 Days in 2015

The agency that runs that Golden Gate Bridge says it plans to shut down the famous span for 52 hours in early January so contractors can install a moveable median barrier that is designed to prevent head-on crashes.  http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/california/Golden-Gate-Bridge-to-Close-for-2-Days-in-2015-282822101.html
Article courtesy of The Associated Press from NBCBayarea.com

Hybrid vehicle momentum stalls

Nowhere do automakers sell more hybrid vehicles than California, with its unique combination of environmental consciousness, high gas prices and traffic-choked highways.
But new hybrid models will be in short supply at this week's Los Angeles Auto Show — one sign that the technology is still struggling to break out of its green-car niche, experts say.  http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-la-auto-show-no-hybrids-20141121-story.html
Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Times by Charles Fleming

L.A. leaders break ground on long-awaited Westside subway extension

After more than three decades of planning and delay, Los Angeles officials broke ground Friday on the first phase of a Westside subway extension that will expand transit options along one of the most densely populated and congested corridors in the region.  http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-subway-20141107-story.html
Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times by Dan Weikel

Pot Farmers Steal Water Amid Epic Drought

The water that flows through California’s public lands and state parks is the life blood of the forests’ ecosystems. But in the midst of a water shortage, the Investigative Unit has found some criminals are disrupting nature’s course and stealing massive amounts of water meant for public lands.

Uber Wants to Raise $1 Billion to Expand Service

The ride-sharing company has set its sights on opening up shop in Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Africa.

Uber is already the highest valued private company in the Silicon Valley, and officials hope its reputation will help in the fundraising and expansion.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Uber-Wants-to-Raise-1-Billion-to-Expand-Service-Worldwide-282057091.html

Article courtesy of NBC Bay Area by NBC Bay Area Staff

Gas Prices Continue to Fall Across US

Gas prices continue to fall across the nation, according to the Lundberg Survey.

The average price of gas nationally is $2.94 a gallon, which is down 13 cents from two weeks ago and down nearly 80 cents since May.  http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Gas-Prices-Continue-to-Fall-Across-US-282103341.html

Article courtesy of NBC-Bay Area by NBC Bay Area Staff

California geologist says quake fault lies beneath Hollywood project

California's state geologist has concluded that an active earthquake fault is underneath a massive proposed skyscraper project in Hollywood, setting the stage for a huge battle at City Hall over growth and seismic safety.
The California Geological Survey on Thursday released its final map showing the estimated path of the Hollywood fault. It shows the fault line running under the site of Millennium Hollywood, which would be the tallest and largest development in Hollywood history. http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-hollywood-fault-20141107-story.html#page=1
Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times by  Rong-Gong Lin III and Rosanna Xia

Built to defy severe quakes, the New Wilshire Grand is seismically chic

Under construction at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Figueroa Street, the New Wilshire Grand will be the tallest structure built in a seismic hot zone when completed in 2017. Its design has undergone the most sophisticated earthquake modeling performed on a building in Southern California  http://graphics.latimes.com/wilshire-grand-earthquakes/
Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times by Thomas Cuvwen

Heat, drought worsen smog in California, stalling decades of progress

Heat and extreme drought have worsened smog in California over the last year, stalling decades of progress toward cleaner air and increasing health risks.http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-air-pollution-20141110-story.html
Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Times by Tony Barboza

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen pledges $100 million to fight Ebola

Paul Allen, billionaire owner of sports teams and mega-yachts, on Thursday pledged at least $100 million to fight Ebola in what is believed to be the largest private foundation donation so far to combat the deadly disease and support healthcare workers in West Africa. http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-ebola-paul-allen-gift-20141023-story.html
Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Times by Maria L. LaGanga

Lack of parking drives many away from mass transit

Los Angeles County has funneled billions of dollars over the last two decades into new rail lines to lure commuters out of their cars and off the region's overcrowded freeways. But many would-be train riders are struggling with how to start.
One of the biggest barriers to attracting new riders to Metropolitan Transportation Authority trains is not the price of fares or the frequency of service. It's the lack of parking. http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-california-commute-20141021-story.html

Green Line Tracking Now Available for Above-Ground Trolleys

The Green Line is catching up to the rest of the T.

The MBTA released real-time tracking information for some trolleys today, making it possible for commuters to track their trains and better plan their commutes.

This is the first phase of a broader project, so there are a couple of caveats.  http://www.boston.com/business/news/2014/10/23/green-line-tracking-now-available-for-above-ground-trolleys/J5FtqbBm4HLybtBo923OFK/story.html

Article courtesy of Boston.com by Adam Vaccaro

Iran nuclear talks again stuck on Arak reactor's future, official says

The future of Iran’s planned research reactor at Arak is again proving a major sticking point in international talks over Tehran’s disputed nuclear program, according to a key negotiator.http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-iran-nuclear-talks-arak-reactor-20141016-story.html
Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Times by Paul Richter

Airship dedication reminds Worldwide Aeros chief of deferred dream

As the white helium-filled craft floated just above the hangar's floor, the gathering of VIPs congratulated Pasternak on selling the flying machine to a Mexican company. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-airship-dedication-20141018-story.html#
Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Times by Melody Petersen

Geothermal power industry lost steam but may be poised for comeback

Geothermal power was once king of California's renewable energy. So many companies were clamoring to transform steam into electricity that they sucked the world's largest geyser field dry.
http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-geothermal-20141020-story.html#page=1
Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times by Julie Cart

Quiet Atlantic Hurricane Season Gives Clues To Upcoming Winter

While October is just into its second day it’s worth noting that September, normally the tropics most active month, was one of the quietest on the Atlantic side of things in 14 years. You need to go back to September of 1997, to find a September with fewer storms, at only one. http://www.boston.com/news/weather/weather_wisdom/2014/10/quiet_atlantic_hurricane_seaso.html?p1=Topopage:Test_B:Main_headline
Article courtesy of Boston.com by David Epstein correspondent

China's battle plans in war on air pollution under scrutiny

Last fall, 29-year-old Fang Da, an entrepreneur and cycling enthusiast, suddenly found himself in the midst of a coughing fit after biking near his home in Hangzhou, in eastern China.
So he went to the Internet and started learning just how serious the air pollution problem was. Fang's curiosity quickly turned into an obsession.  http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/chi-la-fg-china-la-smog-policy-20140909-story.html#page=1
Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Times by Julie McKinen

From Duck Boats to Gondolas: Group Floats Back Bay Canal Plan

A new report suggests Boston could build canals to help withstand future water-level increases caused by climate change, according to The Boston Globe.

A canal system is just one of the suggestions contained in a report from the local chapter of the Urban Land Institute on how the region could respond to the effects of climate change.

Other suggestions include raising the Harborwalk, which rings the waterfront, to act as a stronger barrier for nearby buildings, adding breakwaters in the harbor, and creating wetlands that would act as sponges during periods of high water. http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2014/09/30/from-duck-boats-gondolas-group-floats-back-bay-canal-plan/KHJuRCprxMH41mwXup03fK/story.html?p1=Topofpage:sub_headline_1

Article courtesy of The Boston Globe by Jack Pickell / boston.com staff

 

Half of North American bird species threatened by climate change

Half of all bird species in North America — including the bald eagle — are at risk of severe population decline by 2080 if the swift pace of global warming continues, the National Audubon Society concluded in a study released Monday. http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-adv-birds-climate-change-20140909-story.html#
Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times by Louis Sahagun

U.N. climate agency reports carbon dioxide growing at alarming rate

Carbon dioxide accumulation in the atmosphere reached a record high last year and grew at the fastest rate in 30 years, the United Nations' climate agency reported Tuesday.
The World Meteorological Organization's latest Greenhouse Gas Bulletin "injected even greater urgency into the need for concerted international action against accelerating and potentially devastating climate change," the U.N. agency said. http://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-un-climate-carbon-dioxide-20140909-story.html#
Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times by Carol J. Williams

Communities going into power business to cut cost, carbon footprint

Sonoma County, which enticed Americans to forsake factory-made food for artisan wines and farmers market produce, now wants consumers to reconsider another everyday commodity.
New on the menu: locally curated energy.http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-sonoma-power-20140902-story.html#
Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Times by Evan Halper

Downtown L.A. streetcar line cost estimate is shaved by $55 million

Building a streetcar line in downtown Los Angeles may cost about $55 million less than officials previously said — an estimate that has buoyed the spirits of the project's supporters

http://www.latimes.com/local/cityhall/la-me-streetcar-cost-20140903-story.html#

Article courtesy of the Los Angles Times by Laura J. Nelson

 

Somerville’s New Assembly Square MBTA Station to Open Next Week

Somerville’s first Orange Line MBTA station, Assembly Square, is set to open Wednesday, September 2, according to Somerville Alderman At Large John “Jack” Connolly’s Facebook page . The T stop will be the MBTA’s first new rapid transit station in 26 years.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2014/08/27/somerville-new-assembly-square-mbta-station-open-next-week/SgjW9ub8Oil5uDXXbeK5OO/story.html?p1=Topofpage:Carousel_sub_headline
Article courtesy of Boston.com by Justine Hofherr

Giant Duck Will Stick Around LA Until September

The 11-ton rubber duckie - part art project, part boat - headlined the Tall Ships Festival this weekend, and proving incredibly popular for gawkers who flocked to see it.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/california/Giant-Duck-Will-Stick-Around-LA-Until-September-272630601.html Article courtesy of NBC Bay Area by Kelly Goff

California Lawmakers Reject Statewide Plastic Bag Ban Bill

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - The Assembly on Monday rejected legislation that would make California the first state to impose a ban on single-use plastic bags, but the bill could be heard again later this week.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/california/California-Lawmakers--Reject-Statewide-Plastic-Bag-Ban-Bill--272719561.html Article courtesy of NBC Bay Area by Fenit Nirappil of the Associated Press

Complicated case of a leaky radioactive dump in New Mexico

The eruption in February of a 55-gallon drum of nuclear waste buried deep in a salt shaft at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad, N.M., has left the facility closed for months and raised questions about the Department of Energy's ability to keep tabs on the content of nuclear waste containers buried at the site.. Some experts say that means the risk of additional eruptions is real. The incident this year wasn't without consequences--21 workers were exposed to low-level doses of radiation. What's the present level of risk? http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-nuclear-waste-dump-wipp-20140823-story.html# Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times by Ralph Vartabedian

Malibu Pier closed, surfer dies as big waves hammer L.A.-area beaches

The Malibu Pier was shut down Tuesday evening and an unconscious surfer was pulled from rough waters nearby earlier in the day as high waves began pounding Southern California beaches.. California State Park officials closed the pier after a piling was knocked loose Tuesday afternoon amid the big waves, officials said. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-malibu-pier-closed-surfer-dies-big-waves-20140826-story.html# Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times by Robert J Lopez

Did life on Earth come from space?

Did life on Earth come from space? The scientific evidence is mounting. A new report suggests amino acids, the chemical building blocks necessary for life as we know it, may be scattered throughout the solar system, created when high-speed comets smacked into the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn, and rocky planets like our very own Earth.http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-comet-impact-life-20130916,0,4729019.story Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times-Science Now by Deborah Netburn

Monsoonal Moisture Hits NorCal, Fires Rage in State

The monsoonal moisture that's been hammering portions of Southern California is now moving into Northern California, creating a stark environmental contrast in the state: Flash foods and fires.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/california/Monsoonal-Moisture-Wildfire-Moves-Toward-Northern-California-Tahoe-Sierra-Bay-Area-269834741.html Article courtesy of NBC Bay Area by Lisa Fernandez

Blocking Californians' beach access will soon carry a hefty fine

Frustrated beachgoers this summer will finally have a remedy against anyone who blocks public access to California's shoreline.. Under a new law that takes effect Tuesday, the California Coastal Commission will for the first time have the authority to impose fines on violators http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-coastal-penalties-20140630-story.html# Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times by Tony Barboza

Democratic bill would slow California's effort to curb climate change

A group of business-friendly Democratic lawmakers worries that requiring refineries to buy credits under "cap and trade" could add at least 15 cents to the price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-capitol-business-beat-20140714-story.html# Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times by Marc Lifsher

How many sheets of paper does one tree produce?

Since a typical 500-sheet packet of the paper weighs 5 pounds, that’s 10,000 to 20,000 sheets per tree The United States produced about 20,700,000 tons of this paper last year, which by my reckoning (see below) takes 55 to 110 million trees, but we only recycle about 11,000,000 tons, or 53 percent. http://sierraclub.org/sierra/2014-4-july-august/green-life/how-much-paper-does-one-tree-produce?src=1pt&utm_source=greenlife&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter Article courtesy of Sierra Magazine/Ask Mr. Green by Bob Shildgen

Senior Citizens Comprise Significant Portion of Bike Riders

While biking might be seen as a young person's pursuit, new data show that Americans aged 60-79 represent a sizeable chunk of new riders. The National Household Travel Survey reports that between 1995 and 2009, the rise in biking among people ages 60-79 accounted for 37 percent of the total nationwide increase in bike trips. To learn more: http://usa.streetsblog.org/2014/06/20/surprise-people-aged-60-79-are-behind-more-than-a-third-of-the-biking-boom/ Article Courtesy of Smart Growth Online Newsletter

Bike Path to Connect Long Beach to Los Angeles

The Los Angeles City Council asked city engineers to explore a proposal that would close an 8.5-mile gap in a bike path that runs inside the Los Angeles River channel, connecting Long Beach to Downtown Los Angeles. The bike path would be built right on the river bed, completing a 31-mile bike route from Griffith Park to Long Beach, and then working its way through downtown Los Angeles. To learn more: www.planetizen.com/node/70043?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=06302014 Article courtesy of Smart Growth Online Newsletter

MIT finger device reads to the blind in real time

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are developing an audio reading device to be worn on the index finger of people whose vision is impaired, giving them affordable and immediate access to printed words. http://bostonherald.com/business/technology/technology_news/2014/07/mit_finger_device_reads_to_the_blind_in_real_time ARticle courtesy of The Boston Herald by The Associated Press

Archer Daniels Midland buying Wild Flavors

ACQUISITIONS Sweet deal for natural flavors Archer Daniels Midland already makes sweeteners, fibers, emulsifiers and an array of other ingredients used in packaged foods and drinks. Now it's getting in the business of natural flavors. The agribusiness giant said Monday it will acquire the privately held Swiss company Wild Flavors in an all-cash deal that will total $3.13 billion, counting debt. Founded in 1931, Wild Flavors makes natural flavors and "flavor systems" that help give products their distinct tastes. http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Archer-Daniels-Midland-buying-Wild-Flavors-5605426.php Article courtesy of SF Gate by Chronicle News Services

State moves to improve safety in transporting oil by rail

A year after rail tanker cars carrying crude oil in Canada exploded and killed 47 people, California is stepping up efforts to prevent a similar disaster on tracks crisscrossing the state.. In recent weeks, the state began pumping more money into a new rail safety program, the Legislature approved new fees on oil being carried by train, and the state's Fish and Wildlife Department started planning how to better protect inland waterways from oil spills. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-oil-train-safety-20140708-story.html# Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Times by Marc Lifsher

Trove of ancient marine fossils surprises Bay Area dam builders

Crews had no clue when work started on a Bay Area dam in 2011 that they would stumble onto a trove of marine fossils many millions of years old. Hundreds of specimens have been found at the Calaveras Dam site nearMilpitas,Calif. http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/# Article Courtesy of the Los Angeles Times/Science Now

Senate approves 'kill switches' for cellphones sold in California

The state Senate on Thursday passed a measure that would require cellphones sold in California to be equipped with "kill switches" that can render them inoperable if stolen. http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-kill-switch-20140509-story.html# Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Times by Patrick Mcgreevy and Melanie Mason

Fish die-off in Marina del Rey blamed on oxygen depletion

State wildlife officials investigating the die-off of thousands of anchovies in Marina del Rey over the weekend have concluded that the fish probably died because they sought refuge in the harbor, became trapped and used up all of the oxygen in the water. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-dead-fish-marina-del-rey-20140520-story.html# Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times by Tony Barboza

L.A., Central Valley have worst air quality, American Lung Assn. says

The annual air pollution rankings, being released Wednesday by the American Lung Assn., were dominated by the Los Angeles Basin and California's Central Valley, which despite vast improvements over the last few decades still have the nation's highest levels of ozone and fine particle pollution. http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-0430-air-pollution-20140430,0,2614465.story#ixzz30MzECMow Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times by Tony Barboza

1 in 8 deaths linked to air pollution, World Health Organization says

Air pollution kills about 7 million people a year and is linked to 1 in 8 deaths worldwide, according to a report released Tuesday by the World Health Organization. The finding more than doubles previous estimates “and confirms that air pollution is now the world’s largest single environmental health risk,” the agency said http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-air-pollution-deaths-world-health-organization-20140325,0,5308688.story Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Times by Tony Barbosa

Yikes! Solar storm that almost hit Earth could have caused chaos

Phew! You may not have known it, but Earth barely missed the "perfect solar storm" that could have smashed into our magnetic field and wreaked havoc with our satellite systems, electronics and power systems, potentially causing trillions of dollars in damage, according to data from NASA’s STEREO-A spacecraft.http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-solar-storm-near-miss-record-geomagnetic-stereo-sun-20140319,0,2763985.story Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times-Science Now by Amina Khan

Climate engineering ideas no longer considered pie in the sky

WASHINGTON — As international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions stall, schemes to slow global warming using fantastical technologies once dismissed as a sideshow are getting serious consideration in Washington. Ships that spew salt into the air to block sunlight. Mirrored satellites designed to bounce solar rays back into space. Massive "reverse" power plants that would suck carbon from the atmosphere. These are among the ideas the National Academy of Sciences has charged a panel of some of the nation's top climate thinkers to investigate. Several agencies requested the inquiry, including the CIA http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-climate-engineering-20140305,0,3602250.story#ixzz2wc295nuJ Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Times by Evan Halper

Electric cars can go only half as far in freezing weather, AAA finds

Testing by AAA has found that how far an electric vehicle can travel on one charge varies widely depending on the weather. Frigid temperatures can reduce that distance by 57%. http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-aaa-electric-vehicle-range-20140320,0,3522803.story#ixzz2wc0Lciqi Article courtesy of The Los Angeles Times by Jerry Hirsch

Non-car Transportation Rises Dramatically in California

Almost one-quarter of household trips in California involve non-car transportation, a figure that's more than double what it was in 2000, according to the recently released Caltrans California Household Travel Survey. California officials are using these figures to back up their plans for a $129 million "Active Transportation Program" that will fund "human-powered transportation projects and programs to increase the proportion of trips accomplished by biking and walking." http://www.laweekly.com/informer/2014/03/11/nearly-1-in-4-california-household-trips-involve-walks-bikes-buses-or-trains Article courtesy of Smartgrowth.com from LA Weekly by Dennis Romero

PeopleForBikes selects new Green Lane Project cities

The PeopleForBikes Green Lane Project has selected six new U.S. cities to join its intensive two-year program to build better bike lanes. Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA, Denver, CO, Indianapolis, IN, Pittsburgh, PA and Seattle, WA will receive financial, strategic and technical assistance to create low-stress streets and increase vitality in urban centers through the installation of protected bike lanes. The six cities were chosen from more than 100 U.S. cities that submitted letters of interest for the program. http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/peopleforbikes-selects-new-green-lane-project-cities Article courtesy of Smartgrowth.com from Bikeforpeople.com blog

Use of Public Transit in U.S. Reaches Highest Level Since 1956, Advocates Report

PHILADELPHIA — More Americans used buses, trains and subways in 2013 than in any year since 1956 as service improved, local economies grew and travelers increasingly sought alternatives to the automobile for trips within metropolitan areas, the American Public Transportation Association said in a report released on Monday. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/10/us/use-of-public-transit-in-us-reaches-highest-level-since-1956-advocates-report.html?emc=eta1&_r=1 Article courtesy of Smartgrowth.com from NY Times by Jon Hurdle

SPACE JAM: Lowell terminal garage project will take out 561 parking spots

LOWELL -- Hundreds of parking spaces will be lost for commuters who leave their cars at the Gallagher Terminal, where commuter-rail trains run to Boston, when a parking garage next to the station is demolished and rebuilt. One of three parking garages on the site will be demolished. A second garage, which is located closest to Thorndike Street and where Lowell Regional Transit Authority buses park, relies on the first garage for vehicle access. In all, 561 parking spots will be lost for about a year beginning in early April. Article Courtesy of The Lowell Sun by Grant Welker Read more: http://www.lowellsun.com/news/ci_24891605/space-jam-lowell-terminal-garage-project-will-take#ixzz2uGjrGRzb

Huge thermal plant opens as solar industry grows

PRIMM, Nev. (AP) — A windy stretch of the Mojave Desert once roamed by tortoises and coyotes has been transformed by hundreds of thousands of mirrors into the largest solar power plant of its type in the world, a milestone for a growing industry that is testing the balance between wilderness conservation and the pursuit of green energy across the West. http://www.boston.com/business/technology/2014/02/13/huge-thermal-plant-opens-solar-industry-grows/J9oapTheyPlAfEvZiDB6aJ/story.html Article courtesy of The Boston Globe/Associated Press by Michael R. Blood and Brian Skoloff

Firm seeks to harness Wyoming's wind energy for California

RAWLINS, Wyo. — A relentless wind howls day after day across this high desert, pouring through a low gap on the Continental Divide. It would produce as much power as three nuclear reactors, making it the largest wind-generation facility in the nation, if not the world. http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-wyoming-wind-20140209,0,3366359.story#ixzz2tC5r854g Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Times by Ralph Vartabedian

California should set interim goal for cutting emissions, report says

California is on track to reach its target for reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, but much tougher choices loom if the state is to meet its goal for the year 2050, state air quality officials say in a new report. The changes needed to slash emissions enough to reach the mid-century target will be so great that the state should set an interim goal for about 2030, the California Air Resources Board said in a report released Monday http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-0211-climate-change-20140211,0,636855.story#ixzz2tC55UfI1 Article courtesy of The Los Angles Times by Tony Barbosa

One-third in state still live where air does not meet U.S. standards

Despite falling 15% to 20% in urban areas since 2003, smog remains above federal health standards in parts of Greater Los Angeles, the San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento and San Diego, the board's report said. Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Times-Science Now by Tony Barboza http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-0124-california-air-20140124,0,2523617.story#ixzz2rcGNpKZk

China's industry exporting air pollution to U.S. study says

About one-fifth of the pollution China spews into the atmosphere comes from producing goods for export to the United States and other countries, according to the paper by a group of scientists that was published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Winds blow pollutants from Chinese power plants and factories across the Pacific in about six days, where they boost levels of smog in the United States. Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Times-Science Now by Tony Barboza http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-china-exports-air-pollution-united-states-20140120,0,1142263.story#ixzz2rcEry6Hh