Greenland is Rising

Satellite image of Western Greenland. Narrow grey band in center is melting ice, between the rocky coast to the left (west) and thicker, non-melting, higher altitude ice to the right (east). Small lakes form in this region during the summer. Arrow points to darker grey zone of rapidly thinning ice near the outlet of Jacobshavn glacier, which also loses mass due to iceberg calving. Photo courtesy: NASA

Reprinted from LiveScience

The ice is melting so fast in Greenland that the giant island is rising noticeably as the weight is lifted. In some spots, the land is rising 1 inch per year.

A vast ice cap covers much of Greenland, in some places up to 1.2 miles (2 km) thick. The ice, in place for eons, presses down the land, making the elevation at any given point lower than it would be sans ice.

Scientists have documented on Greenland and elsewhere that when longstanding ice melts away, the land rebounds. Even the European Alps are rising as glaciers melt.

Now, scientists at the University of Miami say Greenland's ice is melting so quickly that the land underneath is rising at an accelerated pace.

Some coastal areas are going up by nearly 1 inch per year, the scientists announced today. If current trends continue, that could accelerate to as much as 2 inches per year by 2025, said Tim Dixon, professor of geophysics at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) and principal investigator of the study.

"It's been known for several years that climate change is contributing to the melting of Greenland's ice sheet," Dixon said in a statement. "What's surprising, and a bit worrisome, is that the ice is melting so fast that we can actually see the land uplift in response."

Dixon added: "Even more surprising, the rise seems to be accelerating, implying that melting is accelerating."

The results, based on a study of data from global positioning system (GPS) receivers stationed on the rocky shores of Greenland, were published online by the journal Nature Geoscience. The data stretches back to 1995.

"During ice ages and in times of ice accumulation, the ice suppresses the land," explained Shimon Wdowinski, research associate professor in the University of Miami RSMAS, and co-author of the study. "When the ice melts, the land rebounds upwards," Wdowinski said. "Our study is consistent with a number of global warming indicators, confirming that ice melt and sea-level rise are real and becoming significant."

The measurements are restricted to places where rock is exposed, limiting the study to coastal areas. However, previous data indicate that ice in Greenland's interior is in approximate balance: Yearly losses from ice melting and flowing toward the coast are balanced by new snow accumulation, which gradually turns to ice. Most ice loss occurs at the warmer coast, through melting and iceberg calving and where the GPS data are most sensitive to changes. In western Greenland, the uplift seems to have started in the late 1990's.

Melting of Greenland's ice contributes to global sea-level rise. If the acceleration of uplift and the implied acceleration of melting continue, Greenland could soon become the largest contributor to global sea-level rise, said Yan Jiang of the University of Miami RSMAS and another co-author of the study.

"Greenland's ice melt is very important because it has a big impact on global sea-level rise," Jiang said. "We hope that our work reaches the general public and that this information is considered by policy makers."

Via LiveScience

Baby Sloths: Too Cute For Words

A short video taken at a sloth refuge. So cute! Take a minute, watch the video, then spend the rest of the day smiling.

Meet the sloths from Amphibian Avenger on Vimeo.

Rare Photo of Cuvier Beaked Whale

Photo courtesy: Wildlife Extra

Cuvier's beaked whale is probably the most common of all the beaked whales, and they are the most commonly seen. These whales are found worldwide in tropical and temperate waters. They can grow up to 7m (23 ft) long and weigh up to 3 tons.

Cuvier's beaked whale hotspots: The Azores, Madeira, The Falkland Islands & the Bay of Biscay.

I'll Huff and I'll Puff and I'll Blow Your House In

Take a look at the house below. I'd move in there in a flash - it's good looking; and, there's a lot of windows. Works for me! Well, this house is made from an unusual, environmentally-friendly material that is proving to be tough as nails.

All photos courtesy: balehausatbath

This house is being put through rigorous testing; and, the results have been very impressive so far. Despite the fact that it's built from straw bales (yes, you read that right - straw bales), this home is strong enough to survive hurricane-force winds. When exposed to the equivalent of 120 mph winds, it only moved one-sixth of an inch. The results weren't too surprising to me. In one of my past lives, I worked on a farm. Anyone who has ever had to "sling bales" (lift them and sling them to another location) knows those puppies are heavy.

A housing co-operative in Leeds, UK is so impressed they are seeking permission to build 20 straw houses. And why not? Not only are they completely environmental; but, they look sleek and modern (and, I still love those huge windows!) A little landscaping and the squareness of the building can be used to great advantage.


The University of Bath's Centre for Innovative Construction Materials have been carrying out a major research project for the past two years to scientifically assess straw as a sustainable building material. The two-storey house was opened last year. Since then the group has been monitoring it for sustainability in a number of different areas such as insulating properties, humidity levels, air tightness and sound insulation qualities.

But; it doesn't look like straw? The straw bales are actually between the inner and outer wall acting as insulation; and, performing other amazing duties. The wood panels are prefabricated; and, the straw is just dropped in at the construction site. This wall and roof cladding system is called Modcell; and, uses only straw bales and hemp. The walls are 1'6" thick making it an incredibly sturdy structure. Remember the hurricane-force winds?

The insulating properties are pretty superior too. The heating bills for a straw home were 80% lower than for a brick home due to the insulating properties of the panels. Construction had a much lower carbon footprint because of the ease of transport.


Straw and hemp are the ultimate environmentally-friendly building materials because they are totally renewable. Straw absorbs carbon dioxide as it grows; so, the buildings made from it can have a small; or, even negative, carbon footprint. It is a by-product of farming (affordable); and, can be grown locally in many places (easy availability).

The house has passed (surpassed, actually) fire tests. It was exposed to temperatures over 1000°C with the requirement that they had to withstand the heat for more than half an hour. After two hours the panel still was intact: that's 4x the time required. That would make me feel much better about my chances of surviving a fire in this home!

Worried about a flood? No problem, the straw can be easily replaced in the panels at a minimal cost. In the Centre's view, the house could last more than a hundred years.

About that housing co-op in Leeds? They are planning to build 20 of them. The price of a single-storey flat (condo) will be £60,000 ($US 86,000 ) and a 4 bedroom row house (town house) will be £160,000 ($US 230,000).

Via TreeHugger

Dirt is Becoming Haute Cuisine

Photo courtesy: Food & Wine

Nothing sets your teeth on edge quite like biting down on a piece of dirt or a little sand in your salad. Yuck!

However, despite the fact that most people find dirt in their salad repulsive, the latest copy of "Food & Wine" discusses an interesting new trend in haute cuisine. Unbelievably, chefs across the world are experimenting with dirt; both real and lovingly created.

Eating dirt or clay (geophagy) has actually been around for a long time. Most people who eat dirt/clay live in Central Africa and the southern United States. While, in some instances, it is a cultural practice; it also fills a physiological need for nutrients.

The clay commonly ingested in Africa contains important nutrients often lacking in the daily diet due to poverty; unavailability of fresh fruits and vegetables; and, many other reasons. These nutrients include: phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese, and iron. The tradition of geophagy spread from Africa to the United States with slavery.

Now it would seem that dirt has attracted the attention of the culinary world. Some chefs are so intent on "getting back to the land" that they are incorporating the soil into their dishes.

TreeHugger says:

Kristin Donnelly of Food & Wine reports that the trend is widespread - chefs around the world are experimenting with dirt on the plate. Some are creating imitation dirt from ingredients like dehydrated beets, or crushed dried-mushrooms. But others, like Spain's Joan Roca of El Celler de Can Roca are using high tech devices like the Rotavapor—more commonly used in the perfume industry—to distill soil, the essence of which is used to create an earthy foam. The trend isn't just confined to chefs—installation artist Laura Parker asks gallery goers to sniff soil samples, and then taste vegetables that were grown in that soil.

If you are of trusty European stock (as I am), I grew up hearing that a little dirt never hurt anyone - not that my mother ever recommended eating it. However, if a little dirt was eaten all that was required was a bit of a wash.

Old English farmers who farmed by traditional methods would taste their soil to determine mineral content and other factors. One taste; and, they knew what the earth needed.

Who knows maybe the next fad will be gardening by the taste of your soil. Night classes to learn the fine art of soil tasting?

Via TreeHugger

Genetically-Modified Crops Cause Liver and Kidney Damage

Photo courtesy: Health Freedom Alliance

I, and many others like me, have long been against genetically-modified foods. We believe that our food is fine the way it is. I, and many others like me, are particularly outraged over the fact that there is no law requiring food companies to label these frankenfoods as genetically-modified. I maintain its my right to know what you are trying to feed me. When I came across the following article, I just had to reprint it.

Reprinted from Health Freedom Alliance

A report published in the International Journal of Microbiology has verified once again that Monsanto’s genetically modified (GM) crops are causing severe health problems. A legal challenge issued against Monsanto forced the multi-national agriculture giant to release raw data revealing that animals fed its patented GM corn suffered liver and kidney damage within just three months.

Adding to the mounting evidence that GM crops are dangerous all around, this information provides a damning indictment against Monsanto which continually insists that its GM products are safe. Not only are GM crops proving disastrous for the environment, but study after study, including those conducted by Monsanto itself, is showing that GM foods are detrimental to health.

Monsanto’s data indicated that the company had conducted tests on three varieties of its GM corn, two of which contain the dangerous Bt protein, and one designed specifically to resist Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide. All three are widely grown in the United States while only one is currently grown in Europe.

Dr. Gilles-Eric Seralini, a French researcher from the University of Caen, was tasked with examining the data and providing a review. While stopping short of declaring GM crops to be toxic, he did emphasize that chronic negative effects were apparent and that there were “statistically significant” indications of kidney and liver damage.

The specific effects observed in test rats included a buildup of hormones in the blood indicating that their liver and kidneys were not functioning properly. One variety of the corn led to elevated blood sugar levels and increased triglyceride levels in female rats given it.

Dr. Seralini concluded that, because GM crops are foreign substances that have never been a part of a normal diet, there is no telling what the long-term effects of consumption will be on people. In animals, significant disruption of normal bodily function has been observed even in the short term.

Genetically-manipulated food crops are not fit for human consumption and should not be classified as food. No legitimate study has ever proven them to be safe or nutritious. The burden of proof is on the producers of such crops to verify their safety and, to date, all data has revealed that they are unsafe. Claims that GM foods will end world hunger are baseless, propagated only by those that have a financial interest in converting the world’s food supply to their own patented varieties in order to control it.

Via Health Freedom Alliance

Five Everyday Items That May be Killing You

News last week that many popular perfumes and colognes contain chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions and disrupt hormones drew attention to the hidden potential danger posed by popular products. Here's a list of the five things you use every day that may be affecting your health.

Photo courtesy: amazon.com

1. Cellular phones

While studies have been claiming mobile phone use can lead to cancer and other neurological ailments for years, the evidence remains hazy. That said, cellular signals aren't the only way your phone can kill you. Phone calls made in the car, even when made hands free, are extremely dangerous. According to the U.S. National Safety Council, 28 per cent of all car accidents are related to phone use. Texting is even worse and is causing an epidemic of accidents amongst young drivers. The problem is beginning to attract celebrity attention, with Oprah waging a very public campaign to end the use of phones in cars. The death of a 9-year-old girl near the host's home, hit on her bike by a distracted driver, inspired Oprah to begin her "No Phone Zone" drive.

The daytime TV mogul says she sees the campaign as similar to that waged by Mothers Against Drunk Driving in an earlier era; hopefully using a mobile while driving will soon be viewed with the same scorn.

Photo courtesy: aromaterapia

2. Perfumes and Colognes

While scents have already been banned in many offices for the havoc they can wreak on sensitive snouts, a study released last week, revealed that hidden ingredients in many popular perfumes may pose hidden dangers. The report by Environmental Defence in Canada and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics in the U.S. found many popular fragrances contain chemicals that can cause allergic reactions and disrupt hormones. Most disturbing, is that these chemicals were not listed on labels. The tests also turned up a large number of other substances that have yet to be reviewed by regulatory bodies. Industry spokesman Darren Praznik argues cosmetic makers are not required by law to list chemicals found in minuscule quantities and that none of the compounds noted by the study are on the list of prohibited ingredients maintained by Health Canada. Researchers warn to pay particular attention to avoiding products that smell like a rain forest or strawberries, as they likely contain lilial, a chemical that causes estrogen-like effects on the body.

Photo courtesy: mommyofmany

3. Cleaning Products

While improved household hygiene in the modern era has helped push life expectancies in the developed world toward triple digits, the products that have helped accomplish the feat pose dangers of their own. Many all-purpose cleaners contain ammonia, an irritant that can be fatal when swallowed and which can burn the skin and lungs. A popular antibacterial found in soap and toothpastes called triclosan is being investigated in the U.S. after an animal study found it may alter hormone regulation. Furthermore, according to the World Health Organization, the overuse of anti-bacterials and antibiotics poses a risk to public health by helping to breed drug-resistant strains of germs. And so called green products may not be much better. Montreal schools recently banned green cleaners because they contain enzymes linked to rhinitis, conjunctivitis, dermatitis and, most importantly, asthma. What is safe? Vinegar and water is recommended most as a safe and easy way to keep things clean at home.

Photo courtesy: Kitchen Mall

4. Non-stick cookware

While non-stick pans and pots may be cheap, convenient and easy to clean; they also pose an increased cancer risk. The chemicals PFOA (pentadecafluorooctanoic acid), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), all linked to cancer and hormone problems, are commonly found in the cookware. If you are going to use them, make sure to cook at a low to medium temperature to avoid the release of dangerous fumes - baking and broiling should be strictly avoided. So what should you cook with? Buy stainless steel, copper or cast iron pans and keep them clean using a paste made from flour, salt, water and vinegar.

Photo courtesy: yogabearblog

5. Plastic bottles

With giant plastic islands devastating life in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, there is no doubt that disposable bottles are a threat to life. Already, many countries ban the import and sale of baby bottles containing the chemical bisphenol A after studies in animals suggested the compound may be linked to obesity, infertility and insulin resistance. The substance, found in many hard plastics, is now being studied for adverse health effects in the United States. Furthermore, Both PVC (#3) and polystyrene(#6) plastics commonly used for drink containers have been linked to cancer and the disruption of hormones. Check out this list of seven commonly used plastics to discover which numbers are safe for use.

25 Wasteful Things We Can All Live Without

All photos courtesy: Care2

We produce a lot of waste. In 2008 alone, Americans generated 250 million tons of trash, and though about a third of that was recycled, a lot went into landfills or was incinerated. Our culture is centered around disposability, and only we have the power to change that.

Take stock of the disposable, overly-packaged, and single-use products that you use, and then look for reusable alternatives. Not sure where to start? Here are more than two dozen items that many people use . . . and can easily live without.

25 Wasteful Things You Can Live Without:

Tin foil — Use an oven-safe pot or dish with a lid.
Plastic wrap — Instead, use a container with a lid.
Disposable cleaning cloths, dusters, etc. — Use a microfiber cloth that can be washed.
Paper towels — Use a tea towel, instead.
Disposable pens — Buy a good pen that only needs the ink well or refill changed.


Plastic cutlery — Use the metal stuff.
Paper plates — Washing dishes may be an effort, but it’s worth it.
Paper or plastic single-use grocery bags — Get a few reusable bags.
Packaged fruits and vegetables — Produce does not need to be packaged.
Individually wrapped snacks — Snacks travel better anyway in a hard container.


Disposable razors — Invest in a razor that only needs the blades changed.
Juice boxes — Put juice in a reusable container (not plastic).
Electric pencil sharpeners — Use the hand-crank version of days gone by.
Disposable diapers — Cloth diapers aren’t that much more difficult to use.
Disposable cloths — Fabric cloths can be washed regularly to avoid bacterial or viral build-up.


Plastic cups — Stick to reusable cups.
Bottled water — Install a water filter on your tap or pick up a water jug with a filter.
Non-rechargeable batteries — Make the investment for rechargeable batteries and you’ll save money in the long run.
Electric can openers — Use a little muscle.
Single-serving pudding or yogurt cups — Buy a large container of yogurt or make your own pudding, and send it in a reusable container.


Antibacterial wipes — If you must, use a gel hand sanitizer.
Disposable table cloths — Spills are a reality of life; just clean them up as they happen.
Facial tissues — Unless you have a bad cold, a handkerchief will work just fine.
Paper billing — Switch to e-billing for your bank statement, credit card bill, utility bill, etc.
Plasticized sticky notes — Use the original paper sticky notes; they can be recycled when you’re done with them.

Via Care2 and PlanetGreen

Dandelions: Powerhouses of Nutrition

Photo courtesy: Care2

Reprinted from Care2.

Pity the American dandelion. In countries across the world the dandelion is considered a delicious vegetable and is consumed with love, and dandelion has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. In America, it is most often cursed as an irksome weed and is pulled, poisoned and otherwise generally maligned.

Fortunately, dandelions do have a small and very allegiant cadre of fans here in the States. Along with traditional eaters, a new group of greenmarket enthusiasts, and those interested in foraging and wild greens are taking a shine to dandelions. And for good reason. They are delicious, and hugely healthy.

Nutritionally, dandelion greens and roots are chock full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They are one of the most nutritionally dense greens you can eat. Along with the punch of nutrition, they have many medicinal qualities as well. They are potassium-rich and have a strong diuretic quality, as well as efficacy as a blood detoxifier and good for the liver. They have long been used to treat digestive disorders and to treat arthritis and eczema.

Dandelion greens have a reputation for bitterness, but they are nicely so, and the bitterness is balanced by a lovely spiciness similar to arugula. Mature greens can get pretty bitter, but this can be tamed by blanching them.

The time to harvest dandelion greens is early in the spring, when they are their youngest and before they flower. They can be harvested again in late fall as they loose some of their bitterness after a frost. Look for young dandelions growing in rich, moist soil, making sure not to forage close to roads (they can accumulate pollution) or from areas that have been treated with garden chemicals. For a special treat, get out early in spring and look for the crown, which is the cluster of new buds that sits above the taproot. These are the tenderest, sweetest parts of the plant.

Young dandelion greens are tender and delicious served raw in salads or sandwiches. If you use the greens that have been harvested after the plant has flowered, you can blanch them in water to remove the bitterness; dump the bitter water, and blanch them again. You will loose a lot of vitamins this way, but there are still plenty of beneficial nutrients left. Use sauteed or steamed dandelion greens as you would any other greens. Dandelion root can by ground and used as a substitute for coffee, and dandelion flowers can be used in recipes and for garnish.

The French have a well-known soup called creme de pissenlits (cream of dandelion soup), which is easy to make, as is Dandelion Syrup.

Your Gonads Are Located Where?

A new family of jellyfish discovered off Tasmania. Photo courtesy: CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation)

There has been a staggering number of new species found recently proving that we have only scratched the surface of what Gaia still has to offer us.

Just this month, there have been many new species of jellyfish discovered in Australia - one being of particular interest.

Ironically, this discovery was made off the jetty of a wharf belonging to Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Hobart, Tasmania with a specially-designed plankton net. Short of the jellyfish leaping onto the wharf, collection doesn't get much easier than this. The jellyfish has been given the name Csiromedusa medeopolis and is not just a new species; but, an entirely new family.

Researchers from the Queen Victoria Museum and Gallery in Launceston and the South Australian Museum didn't know what they had until they put their catch under the microscope.

"There it was, just waiting to be discovered," said jellyfish researcher Lisa-Ann Gershwin.

What the microscope revealed was a tiny 1-2 mm (.04-.08") jellyfish that was shaped like a flying saucer. Protruding from a hole in the top of its head are its gonads (testicles and ovaries) looking like teensy skyscrapers. This became a feature of its name: csiromedusa means "jellyfish from CSIRO" and andmedeopolis means "city of gonads". A bit of research humour here?

The discovery of a new family of any kind is extremely rare. "A discovery of a whole new family like this is an uncommon occurrence," said Lisa-Ann. How apropos that this discovery was made in the International Year of Biodiversity.

The researchers found many new species of jellyfish in the samples collected from marinas, wharfs, jetties and boat ramps around Tasmania. However, this new family of jellyfish stand out because they have a structure that has never been seen before in the jellyfish world.

This new family belongs to the narcomedusa group of jellyfish that are only found in deep water. So how was it caught just off a wharf? Jellyfish have two life stages in their life cycle. As polyps, they are small cylindrical creatures that are either free-floating or attached to the ocean floor, rocks, or even small clumps of algae. These microscopic polyps have tiny tentacles at the top to catch food.

When the polyps mature, the jellyfish or medusa drifts away on the ocean currents. Mature jellyfish release sperm and eggs into the water so fertilization is a completely random affair occurring outside the body of most species. It will be interesting to see what kind of life cycle the Csiromedusa medeopolis has.

Via Wildlife Extra News