NPR Topics: Environment

Is It Time To Throw Out 'Primordial Soup' Theory?

Date: Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500
A group of scientists says the idea that life emerged from a prebiotic broth is past its expiration date.

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Blue Whales Croon A New Tune

Date: Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500
Blue whales are updating their playlist, according to new research on the huge mammals. One scientist says it's because they've got more reason to sing.

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High Above, Insects Travel On Sky Superhighways

Date: Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:02:00 -0500
New research dispels the notion that migrating insects are simply at the mercy of the wind. Researchers have found that the moths can actually select wind currents and often end up traveling faster than many migrating birds.

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Behind The Weather: Strongest El Nino In A Decade

Date: Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500
Heavy rains in California, record snowfalls in the mid-Atlantic and fires in Indonesia are all being attributed to the phenomenon. Government meteorologists say the effects of the most powerful El Nino since 1997-98 will very likely persist for another month or two.

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A Toxic Century: Mining Giant Must Clean Up Mess

Date: Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:50:00 -0500
After years of polluting and contaminating the environment, the American Smelting and Refining Company's notorious copper-smelting plant in El Paso, Texas, will be cleaned up this year. Asarco will also pay $1.79 billion to settle claims for pollution at more than 80 sites throughout the country.

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