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Solar Power in the UK Almost Doubled in 2014

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Mar 1, 2015

Solar power in the UK almost doubled in 2014, with total installations on homes, businesses, and even bridges, surpassing 650,000, according to year end figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

The almost five gigawatts of solar photovoltaic panels now is enough to supply the equivalent of 1.5 million homes in the UK, according to the solar industry.

The data shows that more than 125,000 homes got small-scale solar PV panels installed on their roof last year. Slightly larger solar installations – on schools, village halls or business units – grew by over 50% in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared to the previous three month period, with 164 new installations.

Paul Barwell, chief executive of the Solar Trade Association called it a milestone achievement for Britain’s several thousand solar businesses. “These small and medium sized companies are at the forefront of a real solar transformation as the technology steadily becomes one of the cheapest sources of clean, home-grown power.”

(READ more in the Guardian) – Photo by ATIS547, via CC license

Australian Researchers Discover New Treatment Options for Pancreatic Cancer

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Feb 28, 2015

An international project assisted by researchers from The University of Western Australia has offered new hope to patients with pancreatic cancer.

While many advances have been made in other types of cancer, pancreatic cancer remains largely incurable, with survival rates less than five per cent five years after diagnosis.

The Australian Pancreatic Genome Initiative (APGI), funded by the NHMRC and led by a team at the Garvan Institute and Kinghorn Cancer Centre in Sydney, has led an international program aimed at changing this.

Dr Nicola Waddell, of the Queensland Centre for Medical Genomics at The University of Queensland, led the latest step in the initiative, a study which examined the variations in the genome present in 100 pancreatic adenocarcinomas – the type most frequently diagnosed.

The research allowed those cancers to be further divided into four categories, one of which demonstrated high amounts of genomic instability – a trait which ironically may also render them susceptible to treatments which work through DNA repair mechanisms.

Several of the cancers were also found to have mutations amenable to treatment with drugs used for other cancers, and not at present for pancreatic cancer. In addition, two novel gene mutations were observed which may offer leads for new approaches to treatment.

“This project depends upon getting access to high quality specimens that are ethically obtained,” said colleague Nikolajs Zeps of UWA’s School of Surgery and St John of God Subiaco Hospital. “Working closely with our colleagues in surgery, pathology and medical oncology, we have not only supported this project but have established pathways that will benefit people who suffer from other cancers.”

He said the study was a good illustration of the power of biobanks linked to genomic sequencing.

The next steps will be to use these genetic signatures as the basis for new clinical trials aimed at alleviating the suffering from this cancer.

The paper, Whole Genome Sequencing Redefines the Mutational Landscape of Pancreatic Cancer, was published February 27 in Nature.

(Source: University of Western Australia)

Baby Tortoises Survive on Galapagos Island for First Time in 100 Years

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Feb 28, 2015

During a December survey of giant tortoises on one Galapagos island, conservationists found evidence of the first hatchlings to survive in the wild in over a century.

The exciting find of ten baby tortoises was the direct result of a rat eradication campaign completed two years ago on Pinzón, when helicopters criss-crossed the island dropping rat bait, which was non-toxic to the native flora and fauna.

The Pinzón Island saddleback giant tortoise (Chelonoidis ephippium) was on the brink of extinction by the 1960s when there were only around 100 animals left in existence. The only thing saving the species was the longevity of the adults, which have lifespans of more than 100 years.

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Black rats that were accidentally introduced to the Equadorian island chain by pirates and whalers in the 17th and 18th centuries had decimated the tortoise population. In fact, zero hatchlings could survive during a period of almost 150 years.

Beginning in the 1960’s when the Galapagos National Park and Charles Darwin Foundation were formed, eggs were carefully gathered, hatched and reared in captivity, and then reintroduced back to the wild after 4-5 years when they were large enough to withstand the non-native predators.

Only 11 of 15 distinct types of Galapagos tortoises have survived extinction after humans began capturing them for food and also leaving behind non-native predators, such as pigs and rats. The population that barely escaped extinction lived on the island of Española, where the sub-species hoodensis had only 3 males and 12 females surviving — and so widely dispersed were they that no mating in the wild had occurred. The 15 remaining tortoises were brought to the Charles Darwin Research Station in 1971 for a captive breeding program. In the following 33 years they gave birth to over 1,200 progeny which have been released onto their home island and have since reproduce naturally.

Today, thanks to the rat eradication program, the adult Pinzón saddleback tortoises (approximately 100 of the original natives and an estimated 400 individuals from the captive breeding program, ages 5-40 years old) have begun to repopulate the island unaided, like they did centuries ago.

There are likely hundreds of additional hatchlings on the island, said James Gibbs of the State University of New York, Syracuse, who participated in the survey and posted the above photo. They are well camouflaged when they are young and very hard to find.

(READ more in Geographical.co.uk) – Photo credit: James Gibbs

Girl Scouts Give Cookie Revenues to 75-Year-old Woman Who Lost Everything

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Feb 27, 2015

Eight Girl Scouts, who had planned to spend $300 on a “Spa Day” for their troop, decided to donate the money to a woman who had lost everything in a house fire.

The fourth grade girls from West Carrollton, Ohio were going to use their reward money from cookie revenues on manicures and other pampering at a local spa, but on Monday night during their bi-monthly troop meeting they heard about the misfortunes of Barbara Dolan, the great-grandmother of one of the girls.

Last weekend, Barbara’s home burned to the ground and there was no insurance. When the girls heard the news, they decided, unanimously, to forgo their Spa Day and, instead, give away the money.

Dana Dickson, the leader of the troop said, “When I told my daughter Molly (who is 10-years-old) how proud I was of her and her troop, her response was ‘It’s okay Mom, we can do mani-pedis at somebody’s house. The lady needs the money way more than we do.”

The moms, who have been together since kindergarten, collected an additional $200 in donations.

“We all went to the home of Mrs. Dolan’s granddaughter and the girls presented her with a handmade card and $500 inside,” Dickson told the Good News Network.

”That night we moms were all extremely proud, and so of course we all posted to Facebook about what the girls had done.”

A Facebook friend of one of the moms contacted the local news station and on Tuesday the station arranged to have the troop come in for an interview. When they were at the station the girls got a big surprise to thank them for their kindness.

Bonnie Wright, Mrs. Dolan’s granddaughter, was so touched by the girls’ generosity that she called 8 or 9 local spas until she found one — Fab Kid Spa Party Boutique in Vandalia, Ohio — that was willing to donate services.

In the video below, the girls are left speechless when they are told that they will get their “Spa Day” after all.

“For a group of young girls that age, to give up something that meant so much to them for a complete stranger, it’s just mind-blowing,” Wright told WDTN-TV.

The girls have taken on a new mission: To raise more money for Mrs. Dolan, who has been left without furniture, clothing or any personal care items, they set up a GoFundMe page with a goal of $5,000. So far they have raised $295 in six days. Please support their kindness and give if you can.

(WATCH the video below)

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Israel, Jordan Sign Historic Water Deal to Save the Dead Sea

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Feb 27, 2015

“Bringing an historic deal to fruition, Israeli and Jordanian government officials on Thursday signed a bilateral agreement to exchange water and jointly funnel Red Sea brine to the shrinking Dead Sea.”

“The agreement, worth some $800 million, is the result of a memorandum of understanding signed among Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian officials on December 9, 2013, in Washington.”

(READ the story in the Jerusalem Post)

Photo credit: Chalky Lives (CC license)

World’s Rarest Wild Cat Doubles in Number

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Feb 27, 2015

At least 57 Amur leopards now exist in Russia’s Land of the Leopard National Park, up from just 30 cats counted in 2007, according to new census data announced last week. An additional 8-12 leopards were counted in adjacent areas of China, meaning the number of Amur leopards, a rare subspecies considered the world’s rarest wild cat, has more than doubled over the past seven years.

The census, taken with camera traps spread out over more than 900,000 acres of primary leopard habitat, collected around ten thousand photographs that scientists used to identify nearly 60 individual animals. Individuals are determined by distinctive patterns of spots found on leopard fur.

“Despite still being on the brink of extinction, the Amur leopard is showing encouraging signs of gradual recovery, demonstrating that dedicated conservation efforts do pay off,” said Carlos Drews, director of WWF’s global species program.

Conservationists are working toward creating a collaboration between Russia and China to monitor leopard populations across the border in neighboring Chinese nature reserves. One of the highly anticipated next steps would be the establishment of a Sino-Russian trans-boundary nature reserve.

Land of the Leopard National Park, which includes all of the Amur leopard’s known breeding areas, was hailed as a lifeline to the critically endangered Amur leopard when established in 2012. The park is also home to the endangered Amur tiger.

The census was carried out jointly by the park and the Russian Academy of Sciences with the support of The Amur Leopard Center and WWF-Russia.

(Source: WWF – Photo credit: WWF-Russia/ISUNR)

FCC Protects Open Internet, Adopts Net Neutrality

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Feb 27, 2015

Ending lingering uncertainty about the future of the Internet, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission today passed historic rules to reclassify broadband Internet service as a public utility.

Supported by the high tech industry and consumer groups demanding “net neutrality,” the Open Internet Order prohibits ISPs from blocking, throttling or giving priority to one media company over another, even if that entity uses more bandwidth. It prevents a tiered Internet where content providers can pay for speedier access to customers and protects the consumer’s access to legal content no matter how they access the Internet, whether on a desktop computer or a mobile device.

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The rules were passed by a 3-2 vote along party lines. The commission chairman Tom Wheeler, a Democrat, said that Internet access was “too important to let broadband providers be the ones making the rules.”

“These rules are guided by three principles: America’s broadband networks must be fast, fair and open—principles shared by the overwhelming majority of the nearly 4 million commenters who participated in the FCC’s Open Internet proceeding.”

Wheeler and his two colleagues believe the new rules are grounded in multiple sources of legal authority that will withstand the inevitable court challenges from companies such as Verizon.

(READ the news from the FCC here) – Photo credit: Jeremy Brooks (CC license)

‘World’s Largest Warhol’ to Decorate Dome Roof

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Good News Network

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Feb 27, 2015

The city of Tacoma, Washington wants to give the old gray dome that is a fixture of its skyline a facelift – by turning the arena’s 5-acre roof into an Andy Warhol painting.

Warhol submitted the giant, colorful flower design in a 1981 competition, but it was too modern for city officials then.

The idea didn’t fit with those times, but now the 30-year-old building might become the world’s largest Warhol canvas.

(WATCH the video below, or READ the story from King-5 *Note auto-playing so adjust your speakers.)

Thanks to Michael McGinley for submitting the link on our Facebook Page

Actor Jared Leto Becomes Global Wildlife Ambassador for WWF

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Feb 26, 2015

Academy Award-winning actor, musician and director Jared Leto was this month named WWF Global Ambassador to bring attention to wildlife poaching across Africa and Asia.

Mr. Leto recently traveled to South Africa with WWF (World Wildlife Fund) to learn first-hand about the conservation group’s efforts to save rhino populations.

Mr. Leto will work with WWF to raise awareness of the current poaching situation facing rhinos and other endangered species like elephants and tigers, reduce growing demand for rhino horn and recover species populations across Africa and Asia.

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“My latest adventure in South Africa was as mind-blowing as always. Being that close to majestic creatures like rhinos and elephants reminds me of the deep connection and important responsibility we have to protect and shepherd these fragile species and their habitats. I’m committed and passionate about doing all I can to help ensure that these endangered animals survive, and will continue to encourage others to get into action as well,” said Leto.

“We must double our efforts to restore their populations across Africa and Asia. It can and – with a focused global effort – will be done. I’m honored to join with WWF and the global conservation community and do my part.”

The translocation of rhinos to create new populations is an important facet of WWF’s rhino recovery effort. Later this year, roughly 100 animals will be moved from high poaching areas to undisclosed locations to help with breeding efforts.

Photo credit: WWF © Jennafer Bonello

Alaska Farmer Turns Icy Patch Of Tundra Into A Breadbasket

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Good News Network

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Feb 26, 2015

An Alaskan farmer believes he’s expanded America’s breadbasket to the frigid North.

“For the last 10 years, Tim Meyers has been coaxing an enviable quantity of fruits and veggies from just four acres of land,” reports NPR. “Last year, he produced 50,000 pounds of potatoes, beets, carrots and other vegetables.”

Warmer temperatures are giving him a longer growing season. But, he says, the secret behind his yield, which he sells year-round at a market, is actually the soil.

(READ the story from NPR News)

Australian Radio Hosts Surprise Grieving Mom With Amazing Gift of Time

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Good News Network

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Feb 26, 2015

Two radio hosts planned a “Surprise Giveback” that bestowed an amazing gift on a grieving Australian mother who just lost her 19 year-old son in a freak farming accident.

In December, Blaine Rozs’ death turned Michelle’s world upside down. The mom of three was able to take some time from work to grieve, but bills piling up were now forcing her to go back even though she was still struggling.

Her daughter took the initiative to apply for the Giveback program at radio station KIIS 106.5. Thanks to the generosity of Clarendon Homes, the two hosts Kyle and Jackie O were able to surprise Michelle while on the air, through her car radio. (Watch the video below)

“For six months we would like to pay your mortgage so that you don’t have to rush back to work, and you can take your time to grieve properly.”

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“Thank you so much,” Michelle whispered through tears.

Later, the radio station received a lot of callers asking how to donate to the family so KIIS set up a fundraising page that has raised an additional $8,000 through the kindness people who wanted to help.

Perhaps it wasn’t Blaine’s freak accident on a tractor that moved people to sympathy. His kind-hearted nature was described by Jackie O on the radio:

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“He was a family man, and was not afraid of showing his affection… He appreciated everything he got in life. He loved his mum Michele very much even doing the housework like folding clothes and helping with some renovations to the front yard – things that we all know not every 19-year-old would do. This is what made him so special.”

In addition to paying the mortgage for six months, Clarendon Homes is donating $5000 in outdoor renovations to finish the front yard that Blaine started before he passed away.

Solar Energy Advocates Find Unexpected Ally In Tea Party

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Good News Network

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Feb 25, 2015

“Florida is one of several states where the Tea Party has embraced a new cause: solar energy. Tea Party groups are teaming up with progressive organizations to open up the solar energy industry,” reports NPR.

The New Yorker reports that a coalition of libertarians, Christian Coalition conservatives, liberal environmentalists, and Tea Party groups already helped defeat an effort by Georgia Power to impose heavy fees on customers with rooftop solar systems.

It’s an unusual coalition and puts them at odds in some states with another conservative grassroots organization, the Koch brothers-backed Americans for Prosperity.

(READ the story from NPR and another in the New Yorker)

Photo credit: DECCgovuk (CC license)

Google’s Eric Schmidt and Wife Give $10M to Seafood Watch Program

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Feb 25, 2015

Google Founder Eric Schmidt and his wife, who have already invested both time and money in ocean health issues, presented a $10 million gift to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to support their program that pushes for globally sustainable seafood.

With the grant, the aquarium will be able to expand collaborations with food industry leaders and other key players to transform the way seafood is caught and farmed worldwide.

Since its inception as a consumer-based program in 1999, the aquarium’s Seafood Watch program has become the most respected source of science-based information about sustainable seafood for major North American buyers and – increasingly – for global fisheries and aquaculture producers far beyond U.S. shores.

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As part of the effort, the grant will allow the Seafood Watch program to work more effectively on urgent global seafood challenges, like advancing seafood traceability to enable buyers to purchase more seafood from sustainable sources.

“We have made remarkable progress in the last few years, changing perceptions and practices among business and the public,” said aquarium Executive Director Julie Packard. “While we’ve seen tremendous progress in recovery of U.S. fisheries, so much more needs to be done globally to ensure food security and healthy oceans for the future.”

”It’s gratifying to have our successes recognized by the Schmidts. With their support, we will now be able to accelerate progress in changing the way people and businesses view their seafood and use what we know about global fisheries and aquaculture to transform the marketplace.””

“Eric and I are delighted to provide the resources that will allow the Seafood Watch program to expand internationally, and help ensure that fisheries across the world have access to the kind of information that will allow them to employ practices that protect the health of our oceans,” said Wendy Schmidt, co-founder with her husband of The Schmidt Family Foundation and The Schmidt Ocean Institute.

In 2009, the Schmidts created the Schmidt Ocean Institute, and in 2012 launched the research vessel, Falkor, as a mobile platform to advance ocean exploration, discovery, and knowledge, and catalyze sharing of information about the oceans.

In keeping with the couple’s commitment to ocean health issues, Mrs. Schmidt has partnered with XPRIZE to sponsor the $1.4 million Wendy Schmidt Oil Cleanup XCHALLENGE, awarded in 2011, and the Ocean Health XPRIZE, a prize that will respond to the global need for better information about the process of ocean acidification. It will be awarded this year.

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Romantic Firefighters Save Couple’s Wedding After Snow Caves in Roof

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Good News Network

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Feb 25, 2015

An Arlington, Virginia fire captain and his team of romantic firefighters saved the day for a bride and groom Saturday after a snow storm wrecked their wedding plans.

23-year-old Camille Bethea was told at the last minute that their wedding venue had a caved-in roof. After another venue cancelled due to unplowed snow in their parking lot, the pastor called to say he would have to cancel.

With 25 guests from out of town ready to see a wedding, she needed a rescue, and who better to turn to than firefighters.

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Bethea rang up Arlington County’s Fire Station 105 and told her frantic tale to Captain Chuck Kramaric.

“The crew that I work with are romantics,” Kramaric told WJLA. So, by the time the couple arrived Saturday evening, firefighters at the station had mopped floors, set up chairs, and “rigged up a table as a makeshift altar.”

They even played romantic music on the fire truck’s radio for the couple’s first dance while the truck’s red lights swirled around like a disco ball.

The relief was doubly satisfying because Camille’s new husband Marc, a Marine Corps reservist, is shipping out for deployment in the next couple of months.

(WATCH the video below or READ the story from WJLA)

Photo from Arlington Fire Twitter feed @ACFDPIO / Story tip from Autumn Taylor Yates

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