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Millions of tonnes of plastic debris dumped each year in the world's oceans could pose a lethal threat to whales, according to a scientific assessment to be presented at a key international whaling forum this week. A review of research literature from the last two decades reveals hundreds of cases in which cetaceans - an order including 80-odd species of whales, dolphins and porpoises - have been sickened or killed by marine litter. Entanglement in plastic bags and fishing gear have long been identified as a threat to sea birds, turtles and smaller cetaceans. For large ocean-dwelling mammals, however, ingestion of such refuse is also emerging as a serious cause of disability and death, experts say. Grisly examples abound.

Republicans, though correct that environmental regulations cost money, are oblivious to the public health consequences of pollution and the economic costs of inaction.

Science is becoming increasingly interested in the relationship between sound and the brain. An expert explains

Exposure to specific bacteria in the environment, already believed to have antidepressant qualities, could increase learning behavior

Climatologists exonerated, by all except the conservative media, that is

How worried should we be about everyday chemicals?

ScienceDaily (June 29, 2010) - A new study shows the Arctic climate system may be more sensitive to greenhouse warming than previously thought, and that current levels of Earth's atmospheric carbon dioxide may be high enough to bring about significant, irreversible shifts in Arctic ecosystems.

Embassy dispatches show America used spying, threats and promises of aid to get support for Copenhagen accord

ScienceDaily (Jan. 13, 2011) - The magnitude of climate change during Earth's deep past suggests that future temperatures may eventually rise far more than projected if society continues its pace of emitting greenhouse gases, a new analysis concludes.

New global research on equality, inequality, and the happiness of nations. It's an American issue.