GM cottonseed could feed millions
By Will Dunham
November, 20 2006
Scientists have found a way to use the cotton plant, long a source of fiber for clothing but inedible* by humans, to feed potentially half a billion people a year. Texas A&M University plant biotechnologist Keerti Rathore and colleagues reported they have genetically altered the plant to reduce the levels of the toxic chemical gossypol in cottonseed, making it fit for human consumption.
“It actually tastes pretty good. It reminds me of chickpea. It’s a fairly good-tasting seed,” Rathore said in an interview.
… The new-and-improved cottonseed could be ground into a flour and made into bread and other foods.
Read the article here: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N20300910.htm
[* In fact we already make vegetable oil out of crushed cotton seed.]
Intelligence of dolphins cited in fight against hunt
by Rick Weiss
November 20, 2006
A coalition of marine scientists has launched a campaign to halt Japan’s annual “dolphin drive,” in which thousands of bottlenose dolphins are herded into shallow coves to be slaughtered with knives and clubs.
…This year 21,000 dolphins can be killed, Fukuda said, of which 15,000 or 16,000 have already been killed.
Read the article here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/19/AR2006111901250_2.html?referrer=email
The good behind the bad and the ugly cane toad
by Richard Macey
November 22, 2006
THERE may be a surprise silver lining to the cane toad’s relentless march across Australia.
Research suggests cane toads may be an ally in the war against another pest, the mosquito.
Rick Shine, from the University of Sydney’s School of Biological Science, has studied cane toads for more than five years as they approached, then occupied, Fogg Dam, in the Northern Territory.
… Professor Shine said yesterday there was evidence Australia’s native wildlife was evolving, or at least learning to cope with the invader. And the toad could even offer benefits for human health.
His team found that mosquito larvae laid in water containing toad tadpoles produced insects much smaller than normal. This was important because smaller mosquitoes were thought to be less able to spread disease.
Read the article here: http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/the-good-behind-the-bad-and-the-ugly/2006/11/21/1163871403111.html
Nature and Religon
Michael Duffy interviews Walter Starck
November 27, 2006
Michael Duffy: In recent times, Counterpoint has talked about a number of environmental issues; mining, timber cutting in New Guinea, the proposed pulp mill in Tasmania. We’ve involved environmental activists in some of those discussions. You’ve heard from Greenpeace and the Tasmanian Greens. I suspect there’s a common theme linking all these campaigns and we’re joined now by a man who has some very interesting ideas on it…
Walter Starck: Thank you.
Michael Duffy: I know you like to distinguish between conservation and environmentalism. What’s the difference?
Walter Starck: Conservation is an earlier ethos which was aimed at trying to preserve and not overexploit the natural environment. But environmentalism is a more recent development and it has taken on many of the aspects of a religious crusade.
You can read the full transcript and/or listen to the interview here: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/counterpoint/stories/2006/1798342.htm
And finally…
What is the most green and ethical way to commit suicide?
By Ethan Greenheart
November 16, 2006
Dear Ethan, After careful consideration I have decided to end my life. Things haven’t been going very well for me lately, but more importantly I am keen to reduce my carbon impact on the planet. Like the average Briton I probably produce around 9.3 tonnes of carbon each year. I am 26 years old, and reckon I could live for another 60 years; if I end things now I will save a total of 558 tonnes of carbon, for which I believe future generations should be grateful. But I have a question: what is the most ethical way to commit suicide? I don’t want my self-destruction to be destructive to the planet!
Details here: http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/article/2100/
Jennifer Marohasy BSc PhD has worked in industry and government. She is currently researching a novel technique for long-range weather forecasting funded by the B. Macfie Family Foundation.