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Northwest Passage voyage of scientific discovery

Northwest Passage voyage of scientific discovery By Mark KinverEnvironment reporter, BBC News A crew of sailors is embarking on a pioneering citizen science expedition through the Northwest Passage between Canada and Greenland. During the voyage, they will collect data on weather conditions, wildlife, phytoplankton levels and microplastic. The eight-strong crew … Continue reading

Bats ‘fly by polarised light’

  Bats ‘fly by polarised light’ By Jonathan Webb Science reporter, BBC News   Bats use the pattern of polarised light in the evening sky to get their bearings, according to a new study. As well as having unusual echolocation skills and their own magnetic compass, bats are now the … Continue reading

Global decline of wildlife linked to child slavery

    By Matt McGrath Environment correspondent, BBC News Global decline of wildlife linked to child slavery     New research suggests the global decline in wildlife is connected to an increase in human trafficking and child slavery. Ecologists say the shortage of wild animals means that in many countries … Continue reading

Chimpanzee language: Communication gestures translated

    By Victoria Gill Science reporter, BBC News Researchers say they have translated the meaning of gestures that wild chimpanzees use to communicate. They say wild chimps communicate 19 specific messages to one another with a “lexicon” of 66 gestures. The scientists discovered this by following and filming communities … Continue reading

Web users join hunt for Hawaii tree invaders

  By Mark Kinver Environment reporter, BBC News US conservationists and a satellite imagery company have teamed up to use the power of crowdsourcing to halt the spread of destructive invasive plants. Species such as the Australian tree fern are using up vital water supplies within native forests on Hawaii, … Continue reading

‘Immediate protection’ needed for Pitcairn’s marine bounty

    By Matt McGrath Environment correspondent, BBC News Researchers say that “immediate protection” is required for the waters around the remote Pitcairn Islands in the Pacific, home to one of the world’s rarest and most valuable collections of marine species. The waters have “unique global value that is irreplaceable” … Continue reading

Researchers develop cheaper way of making solar cells

      By Pallab Ghosh Science correspondent, BBC News Researchers have developed a new manufacturing method which could bring down the cost of making a type of solar cell. A team at Liverpool University has found a way of replacing the toxic element in the process with a material … Continue reading

US sets up honey bee loss task force

The White House has set up a taskforce to tackle the decline of honey bees. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the agriculture department will lead the effort, which includes $8m (£4.7m) for new honey bee habitats. Bee populations saw a 23% decline last winter, a trend blamed on the … Continue reading

Badgers: Ministers ‘wilfully’ ignoring science advice

    By Pallab Ghosh Science correspondent, BBC News A senior government adviser has described coalition plans to change the way the pilot badger culls are assessed as “an abuse” of the scientific method. Prof Timothy Coulson is concerned the government is considering a less reliable way of assessing humaneness … Continue reading

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