Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Wide Angle: Swine Flu OutbreakSwine flu cases have quickly skyrocketed, especially in Mexico. The sudden outbreak of a flu virus that's killing the young and healthy begs the question, is this the next "Big One?" We look at pandemics and the flu in this Wide Angle. |
Scientists, as well as CDC and world health officials, are very concerned that this strain of flu could turn into a pandemic. Credit: AP
Mexican officials passed out face masks to the public to try to stamp out the spread of the swine flu virus. Credit: AP
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking cases of swine flu in the United States. The CDC is preparing local and state clinics to treat the virus, and some cities have issued face masks and personal contact guidelines to combat the spread of germs. Discovery News looks at whether this swine flu outbreak could be the next pandemic, how microbes behave, and more.
- Top 10: Top 10 Animals That Carry Flu
Which animals can pass the flu virus on to people? Find out in our Top 10. - IM Interview: Microbes Spread in the Wind
Dust storms can carry the germs that cause illnesses like swine flu to far-flung parts of the globe. - Video: Coughing Robot Spews 'Flu Germs'
Flu viruses are spread in part by coughing and sneezing. A coughing robot shows James Williams just how far those germs can fly. - HowStuffWorks: The 10 Worst Epidemics
Experts say a flu pandemic is inevitable, given the existence of avian and swine flu viruses. Epidemics can become pandemics, if they're not controlled. Read about the worst. - News: April 27, 2009 Is Swine Flu 'The Big One'?
As reports of a unique form of swine flu erupt around the world, the inevitable question arises: Is this the next big global illness? - News: April 26, 2009 -- Swine Flu Symptoms Worse in Mexico than U.S.
Over 100 people have died in Mexico from a strange human strain of the swine flu, but of the few cases in America, all are recovering. The CDC and others are asking why the virus seems to be weaker in the United States.
SWINE FLU NEWS
Read more from: http://dsc.discovery.com/news/swine-flu-outbreak/
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Rockdust - how you can help the Earth
Author: Denise Tansley (16th April 2009)
 |
Seer Rockdust is 420 million years old and is freshly ground, untreated volcanic rock blended from various Scottish quarries. It is a natural top dressing for soil and contains more than 50 minerals and trace elements. It has been certified as organic by the Scottish Organic Producers Association and Organice Farmers and Growers. Years of stringent gardening trials and scientific analysis have shown Seer Rockdust is safe to be added to soils and compost.
Why Should I Use It and What Benefits Are There?
- Climate Change
Minerals and trace elements that have such as calcium and magnesium, which have been locked in rock for 420 million years (and not due to be released until the next ice age!), form carbonates with CO2 in the atmosphere. This process is a slow and long term process which is known as "long-term carbon offsetting". - Soil Health
Many of the vital minerals that should be in our soil have been washed through the soil and depleted by over-agriculture. By using Rockdust, the health and population of soil fauna, from bacteria to worms, is boosted. - Crop and Flower Health
Using Rockdust has been proven to show the following benefits:- Boosts organice soil fertility
- Bigger and healthier crops
- Higher nutritional value
- Better flavour
- Longer shelf life
- Increases pest resistance
- Lusher lawns
- Improves drought resistance and less rootball
- Vibrant colours of flowers (despite heavy summer rains)
- More flowers and better plant growth
- Boosts organice soil fertility
- Human Health
As many of today's problems are due to poor diet, crops grown with Rockdust (and free from synthetic chemicals) have an important part to play in human health. - Animal & Insect Health
Insects such as bees and butterflies who pollinate the flowers and ladybirds who feed off aphids, and animals that eat grasses, will be taking up many more minerals, making them stronger and more resistance to disease. - Reduces Pollution
Today's food is dependent on synthetic fertilisers. These wash from the soil and pollute our waterways. The fast grown crops are weak and require more chemicals to kill the pests. These pesticides form part of our diet. Rockdust reduces the reliance on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides and increases biodiversity and removes the poisoning side effects of chemicals from our food. If we all used Rockdust, there would be no need for GM crops ! - Composting
Rockdust speeds up the composting process, creates a higher temperature, reduces the odour, locks nitrogen and produces more fertile compost.
Monday, April 20, 2009
10 Ways to Destroy Earth
http://www.livescience.com/technology/destroy_earth_mp-1.html
Sunday, April 19, 2009
10 Things You Should Know About Earth
By Nick Greene, About.com
Earth, our home planet, is the only planet whose name is not derived from Greek/Roman mythology. In Roman Mythology, the goddess of the Earth was Tellus - the fertile soil, while the Greek goddes was Gaia, terra mater - Mother Earth. The name we use today, Earth, comes from Old English and Germanic.
1. Earth is the third planet from the Sun
"Earth Globe"NASA Glenn Research Center (NASA-GRC)
The Earth's average distance from the Sun is 149,597,890 km (92,955,820 miles) or one astronomical unit (AU). Located between Venus and Mars, some people have called it the "third rock from the sun."
Sponsored Links
Earth DayAn Alphabet Book Vivid Illustrations. Ages 3 & Upwww.uuabookstore.org
Picture Of EarthFind more sources/options for Picture Of Earthwww.webcrawler.com
Satellite Images of EarthView Raster, Elevation And Vector Datasets. Download a Free Demo Now!www.GlobalMapper.com/SatelliteImage
2. Earth is the fifth largest planet
"Full Earth "NASA
The diameter of the earth at the equator is about 7926 miles, but that's not the whole story. Because the earth is not a perfect sphere but is slightly flattened at the poles, the diameter of the earth measured around the North Pole and the South Pole is about 7899 miles.
3. Earth is the only planet known to harbor life
"SeaWinds Global Coverage with Detail of Hurricane Floyd"NASA/JPLQuikScat
All of the things we need to survive are provided under a thin layer of atmosphere that separates us from the uninhabitable void of space. Earth is made up of complex, interactive systems that are often unpredictable. Air, water, land, and life - including humans - combine forces to create a constantly changing world that we are striving to understand.
4. Earth is mostly covered in water
"Earth - Pacific Ocean"NASA/JPL
While the word earth is often used synonymously with dirt, seventy-one percent of the its surface is covered with water. It is the only planet where it exists in its liquid form on the surface. This is probably part of the reason that the Earth is the only planet known to contain life.
5. Early philosophy had the Earth as the center of the universe
"World Globes, Shaded Relief and Colored Height"NASA/JPL/NIMA
Although Aristarchus of Samos, in the 3rd Century B.C., figured out how to measure the distances to and sizes of the Sun and the Moon, and concluded that the Earth orbited the Sun, this view didn't attract followers until Nicolaus Copernicus, a Polish astronomer, published "On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres" in 1543.
6. Earth has four distinct seasons
"Global Images of Earth"NASA/JPL/Johns Hopkins University
This is a result of a result of Earth's axis of rotation being tilted more than 23 degrees. Seasons changes as the tilt of Earth's axis changes during it's revolution around the Sun.
7. Earth has an atmosphere that sustains life
"Pacific Ocean Surface Winds from QuikScat"NASA/JPL/QuikScat
Earth's atmosphere is 77% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, with traces of argon, carbon dioxide and water. This atmosphere affects Earth's long-term climate and short-term local weather; shields us from nearly all harmful radiation coming from the Sun; and protects us from meteors as well - most of which burn up before they can strike the surface.
8. Earth has one natural satellite
"Pictures of the Moon - Moon Color Composite"JPL
Earth's Moon (called Luna) orbits at a distance of 384,000km, with a radius of 1738KM and a mass of 7.32e22kg. However, there are thousands of small artificial satellites which have been placed in orbit around the Earth. Also, asteroids 3753 Cruithne and 2002 AA29 have complicated orbital relationships with the Earth; they're not really moons, the term "companion" is being used.
Because of its size and rocky composition, the moon has also been called a terrestrial planet along with Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. It has no atmosphere, but there is water ice in some deep craters. The moon is the only extra-planetary body that a human has visited.
9. Earth has a magnetic field
"South Polar Projection of Earth"NASA/JPL
Our planet's rapid spin and molten nickel-iron core give rise to a magnetic field, which the solar wind distorts into a teardrop shape. The magnetic field does not fade off into space, but has definite boundaries. Just like the field around a magnet, ours is also polarized. When charged particles from the solar wind become trapped in Earth's magnetic field, they collide with air molecules above our planet's magnetic poles. These air molecules then begin to glow and are known as the aurorae, or the Northern and Southern Lights.
10. Our close proximity prevents us from seeing Earth in its entirety
"Earthrise - Apollo 8"Manned Spacecraft Center
To completely view our own planet, we must leave its surface and journey into space. From the vantage point of space we are able to observe our planet globally, as we do other planets, using similar sensitive instruments to understand the delicate balance among its oceans, air, land, and life. Viewing Earth from the unique perspective of space provides the opportunity to see Earth as a whole. Scientists around the world have discovered many things about our planet by working together and sharing their findings.
Earth, our home planet, is the only planet whose name is not derived from Greek/Roman mythology. In Roman Mythology, the goddess of the Earth was Tellus - the fertile soil, while the Greek goddes was Gaia, terra mater - Mother Earth. The name we use today, Earth, comes from Old English and Germanic.
1. Earth is the third planet from the Sun
"Earth Globe"NASA Glenn Research Center (NASA-GRC)
The Earth's average distance from the Sun is 149,597,890 km (92,955,820 miles) or one astronomical unit (AU). Located between Venus and Mars, some people have called it the "third rock from the sun."
Sponsored Links
Earth DayAn Alphabet Book Vivid Illustrations. Ages 3 & Upwww.uuabookstore.org
Picture Of EarthFind more sources/options for Picture Of Earthwww.webcrawler.com
Satellite Images of EarthView Raster, Elevation And Vector Datasets. Download a Free Demo Now!www.GlobalMapper.com/SatelliteImage
2. Earth is the fifth largest planet
"Full Earth "NASA
The diameter of the earth at the equator is about 7926 miles, but that's not the whole story. Because the earth is not a perfect sphere but is slightly flattened at the poles, the diameter of the earth measured around the North Pole and the South Pole is about 7899 miles.
3. Earth is the only planet known to harbor life
"SeaWinds Global Coverage with Detail of Hurricane Floyd"NASA/JPLQuikScat
All of the things we need to survive are provided under a thin layer of atmosphere that separates us from the uninhabitable void of space. Earth is made up of complex, interactive systems that are often unpredictable. Air, water, land, and life - including humans - combine forces to create a constantly changing world that we are striving to understand.
4. Earth is mostly covered in water
"Earth - Pacific Ocean"NASA/JPL
While the word earth is often used synonymously with dirt, seventy-one percent of the its surface is covered with water. It is the only planet where it exists in its liquid form on the surface. This is probably part of the reason that the Earth is the only planet known to contain life.
5. Early philosophy had the Earth as the center of the universe
"World Globes, Shaded Relief and Colored Height"NASA/JPL/NIMA
Although Aristarchus of Samos, in the 3rd Century B.C., figured out how to measure the distances to and sizes of the Sun and the Moon, and concluded that the Earth orbited the Sun, this view didn't attract followers until Nicolaus Copernicus, a Polish astronomer, published "On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres" in 1543.
6. Earth has four distinct seasons
"Global Images of Earth"NASA/JPL/Johns Hopkins University
This is a result of a result of Earth's axis of rotation being tilted more than 23 degrees. Seasons changes as the tilt of Earth's axis changes during it's revolution around the Sun.
7. Earth has an atmosphere that sustains life
"Pacific Ocean Surface Winds from QuikScat"NASA/JPL/QuikScat
Earth's atmosphere is 77% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, with traces of argon, carbon dioxide and water. This atmosphere affects Earth's long-term climate and short-term local weather; shields us from nearly all harmful radiation coming from the Sun; and protects us from meteors as well - most of which burn up before they can strike the surface.
8. Earth has one natural satellite
"Pictures of the Moon - Moon Color Composite"JPL
Earth's Moon (called Luna) orbits at a distance of 384,000km, with a radius of 1738KM and a mass of 7.32e22kg. However, there are thousands of small artificial satellites which have been placed in orbit around the Earth. Also, asteroids 3753 Cruithne and 2002 AA29 have complicated orbital relationships with the Earth; they're not really moons, the term "companion" is being used.
Because of its size and rocky composition, the moon has also been called a terrestrial planet along with Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. It has no atmosphere, but there is water ice in some deep craters. The moon is the only extra-planetary body that a human has visited.
9. Earth has a magnetic field
"South Polar Projection of Earth"NASA/JPL
Our planet's rapid spin and molten nickel-iron core give rise to a magnetic field, which the solar wind distorts into a teardrop shape. The magnetic field does not fade off into space, but has definite boundaries. Just like the field around a magnet, ours is also polarized. When charged particles from the solar wind become trapped in Earth's magnetic field, they collide with air molecules above our planet's magnetic poles. These air molecules then begin to glow and are known as the aurorae, or the Northern and Southern Lights.
10. Our close proximity prevents us from seeing Earth in its entirety
"Earthrise - Apollo 8"Manned Spacecraft Center
To completely view our own planet, we must leave its surface and journey into space. From the vantage point of space we are able to observe our planet globally, as we do other planets, using similar sensitive instruments to understand the delicate balance among its oceans, air, land, and life. Viewing Earth from the unique perspective of space provides the opportunity to see Earth as a whole. Scientists around the world have discovered many things about our planet by working together and sharing their findings.
EARTH
 Famous "Blue Marble" photograph of Earth, taken from Apollo 17 | ||||||||||
| Designations | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjective | Terrestrial, Terran, Telluric, Tellurian, Earthly | |||||||||
| Epoch J2000.0[note 1] | ||||||||||
| Aphelion | 152,097,701 km 1.0167103335 AU | |||||||||
| Perihelion | 147,098,074 km 0.9832898912 AU | |||||||||
| Semi-major axis | 149,597,887.5 km 1.0000001124 AU | |||||||||
| Eccentricity | 0.016710219 | |||||||||
| Orbital period | 365.256366 days 1.0000175 yr | |||||||||
| Average orbital speed | 29.783 km/s 107,218 km/h | |||||||||
| Inclination | 1°34'43.3"[1] to Invariable plane | |||||||||
| Longitude of ascending node | 348.73936° | |||||||||
| Argument of perihelion | 114.20783° | |||||||||
| Satellites | 1 (the Moon) | |||||||||
| Physical characteristics | ||||||||||
| Mean radius | 6,371.0 km[2] | |||||||||
| Equatorial radius | 6,378.1 km[3] | |||||||||
| Polar radius | 6,356.8 km[4] | |||||||||
| Flattening | 0.0033528[3] | |||||||||
| Circumference | 40,075.02 km (equatorial) 40,007.86 km (meridional) 40,041.47 km (mean) | |||||||||
| Surface area | 510,072,000 km²[5][6][note 2] 148,940,000 km² land (29.2 %) | |||||||||
| Volume | 1.0832073 × 1012 km3 | |||||||||
| Mass | 5.9736 × 1024 kg[7] | |||||||||
| Mean density | 5.5153 g/cm3 | |||||||||
| Equatorial surface gravity | 9.780327 m/s²[8] 0.99732 g | |||||||||
| Escape velocity | 11.186 km/s | |||||||||
| Sidereal rotation period | 0.99726968 d[9] 23h 56m 4.100s | |||||||||
| Equatorial rotation velocity | 1,674.4 km/h (465.1 m/s) | |||||||||
| Axial tilt | 23.439281° | |||||||||
| Albedo | 0.367[7] | |||||||||
| Surface temp. Kelvin Celsius |
| |||||||||
| Atmosphere | ||||||||||
| Surface pressure | 101.3 kPa (MSL) | |||||||||
| Composition | 78.08% Nitrogen (N2) 20.95% Oxygen (O2) 0.93% Argon 0.038% Carbon dioxide About 1% water vapor (varies with climate)[7] ___________________ Soure: Wikipedia | |||||||||
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