Science - AP

Gore: Polar ice may vanish in 5-7 years
AP – Mon Dec 14, 9:24 pm ET

AP

COPENHAGEN - New computer modeling suggests the Arctic Ocean may be nearly ice-free in the summertime as early as 2014, Al Gore said Monday at the U.N. climate conference. This new projection, following several years of dramatic retreat by polar sea ice, suggests that the ice cap may nearly vanish in the summer much sooner than the year 2030, as was forecast by a U.S. government agency eight months ago. Full Story »
Aussie scientists find coconut-carrying octopus
AP – 17 mins ago

AP

SYDNEY - Australian scientists have discovered an octopus in Indonesia that collects coconut shells for shelter — unusually sophisticated behavior that the researchers believe is the first evidence of tool use in an invertebrate animal. Full Story »
Tense atmosphere clouds climate talks
AP – Mon Dec 14, 7:18 pm ET

AP

COPENHAGEN - The atmosphere at the U.N. climate conference grew more tense and divisive after talks were suspended for most of Monday's session — a sign of the developing nations' deep distrust of the promises by industrial countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Full Story »
Giant iceberg off Australia breaking up
AP – Mon Dec 14, 8:09 pm ET

AP

SYDNEY - A massive iceberg edging slowly toward Australia's southwestern coast is breaking up into hundreds of smaller icebergs as it drifts into warmer waters, creating potentially hazardous conditions for ships trying to navigate the region, a scientist said Tuesday. Full Story »
New species of coral, sponges found near Hawaii
AP – Mon Dec 14, 9:02 pm ET

HONOLULU - New and dramatic species of coral and sponges have been found in the Pacific during deep sea dives near the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, scientists said Monday. Full Story »
DNA map shows pandas may lack meat taste buds
AP – Mon Dec 14, 6:45 am ET

AP

BEIJING - Genome mapping showing that pandas may prefer a bamboo-based diet because they can't taste meat could unlock secrets to ensuring the survival of the endangered species. Full Story »
World's mayors tackle climate change on their own
AP – Mon Dec 14, 4:36 am ET

AP

COPENHAGEN - It isn't easy getting Italy's city dwellers out of their Fiats, off their Vespa scooters and onto bicycles to ride to work, "like here in Copenhagen," says an Italian environmental official. Full Story »
Science not faked, but not pretty
AP – Sat Dec 12, 8:22 pm ET

AP

LONDON - E-mails stolen from climate scientists show they stonewalled skeptics and discussed hiding data — but the messages don't support claims that the science of global warming was faked, according to an exhaustive review by The Associated Press. Full Story »
Scientists: Climate talks aim too low for target
AP – Sat Dec 12, 12:53 pm ET

AP

COPENHAGEN - The cuts in greenhouse gases offered at the 192-nation climate conference are "clearly not enough" to assure the world it will head off dangerous global warming, a key U.N.-affiliated scientist said Saturday. Full Story »
Antarctic nations plan tough new shipping controls
AP – Sat Dec 12, 4:20 am ET

AP

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Countries that manage Antarctica plan tough new controls on ships visiting the southern oceans and the fuels they use to reduce the threat of human and environmental disasters as tourist numbers rise, officials said Saturday. Full Story »