Wild grass could hold key to clean fuels of the future (AFP)

   

AFP - A wild grass found in Asia and Africa could hold the key to dreams of providing an alternative to fossil fuels blamed for global warming, experts said.

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Scientists seek rescue for thousands of threatened frog species (AFP)

   

AFP - Scientists have called for a Noah's Ark-type rescue for thousands of frog species they say could face the same fate as the now-extinct dinosaurs unless drastic measures are taken swiftly.

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Crew try to fix Japanese whaling ship (AP)

   

AP - The crew of a Japanese whaling ship stranded in Antarctic waters was trying to repair its engines Sunday and prevent an abrupt end to Japan's whaling season, an official said.

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Solar storm satellites launched from Florida (Reuters)

   

Reuters - Five satellites were launched into space from Florida on Saturday aboard an unmanned Delta rocket to investigate electromagnetic storms, the dark side of the phenomenon that causes Earth's dazzling aurorae.

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Elephant's tusk removed with chain saw (AP)

   AP - The next time you dread a trip to the dentist, consider the plight of poor Tusko the elephant.
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Satellites launch on substorm mission (AP)

   

AP - Five science satellites blasted off on a single rocket into a golden sunset Saturday on a mission to figure out the source of powerful geomagnetic substorms in the Earth's atmosphere.

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Nasa's aurora mission blasts off

   A Nasa mission to study the phenomenon known as the northern lights blasts off from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
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Avalanches block highways in Colo. (AP)

   

AP - Thousands of travelers heading to ski areas for the holiday weekend were stalled by giant traffic jams Saturday as highways were blocked by crews removing snow slides.

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5 science satellites blast off on rocket (AP)

   AP - Five science satellites blasted off on a single rocket into a golden sunset Saturday on a mission to figure out the source of powerful geomagnetic substorms in the Earth's atmosphere.
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Lab audit: Cleveland juries not misled (AP)

   

AP - An ongoing audit of the city's crime lab criticizes a fired forensic analyst for following poor procedures but says there is no evidence that he intentionally misled juries with his testimony, an Associated Press review shows.

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U.S. has more science smarts - sort of (AP)

   AP - People in the U.S. know more about basic science today than they did two decades ago, good news that researchers say is tempered by an unsettling growth in the belief in pseudoscience such as astrology and visits by extraterrestrial aliens.
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Study: Wolves alter elk breeding pattern (AP)

   AP - The presence of wolves in and around Yellowstone National Park has led to changes in elk breeding patterns, likely a significant factor in the decline in elk populations, a study published Friday concludes.
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Tiny frog in amber may be 25M years old (AP)

   

AP - A miner in the state of Chiapas found a tiny tree frog that has been preserved in amber for 25 million years, a researcher said. If authenticated, the preserved frog would be the first of its kind found in Mexico, according to David Grimaldi, a biologist and curator at the American Museum of Natural History, who was not involved in the find.

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Nasa aurora probe delayed

   The launch of a Nasa mission to study the phenomenon known as the Northern Lights is delayed due to high winds.
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Deaf to sign via video handsets

   A US team develops software to help deaf people use video to chat via sign language over mobile networks.
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Japan rejects Greenpeace help

   Japan rejects New Zealand's plea to allow Greenpeace to tow a stricken whaling ship out of Antarctic waters.
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Tanzania to get rain-making help

   Drought-prone Tanzania has been given permission to use Thailand's rain-making technology, Thai media report.
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Wind shifts devastate ocean life

   The interplay between the oceans and atmosphere is changing, wiping out vast swathes of marine life, say scientists.
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Japan turns down Greenpeace help

   Japan rejects New Zealand's plea to allow Greenpeace to tow a stricken whaling ship out of Antarctic waters.
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Action plan for killer asteroids

   A draft UN treaty to tackle any future giant asteroids heading for Earth is to be drawn up this year.
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