‘Angel’ and ‘Devil’ Parts of the Brain Battle for Supremacy (Links)

This entry was posted by owl and bear staff on Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 at 8:28 pm.

Obama Returns of Science to Endangered Species Act Interior Secretary Ken Salazar rescinded eleventh-hour Bush administration changes to Endangered Species Act regulations that allowed federal agencies to decide for themselves if their own projects—such as roads and dams—would threaten imperiled species. Fish and Wildlife Salamander Study Could Limit L.A. Sprawl If the Tehachapi slender salamander, which lives north of L.A., becomes a protected species, urban growth could be limited. Southern California Beetle Destroying Oaks A beetle that was first detected in California in 2004 has now attacked 67 percent of the oak trees in an area 30 miles east of San Diego. Why Invasive Plants Take Over New research shows that two key causes of plant invasion—escape from natural enemies, and increases in plant resources—act in concert. Stimulus Reinvigorates Underfinanced Superfund Program The Superfund program, established nearly 30 years ago to clean up the nation’s most contaminated industrial sites, has been underfinanced since a tax expired in 1995. Turtle Deformed After Being Trapped in a Six-Pack Plastic Ring A snapping turtle affectionately named Mae West suffered deformities from being trapped within a plastic ring. Fire an Overlooked Contributor to Climate Change Intentional deforestation fires alone contribute up to one-fifth of the human-caused increase in emissions of carbon dioxide, a heat-trapping gas that increases global temperature. ‘Angel’ and ‘Devil’ Parts of the Brain Battle for Supremacy People have “angel” and “devil” parts of the brain that are in constant battle over their self control a study has shown. Nuclear Tests Help to ID Fake Whisky Radioactive material is helping scientists to fight the multimillion pound trade in counterfeit antique malt whisky. Palm Oil Not a Healthy Substitute for Trans Fats Both trans fatty acids and saturated fatty acids are associated with elevated heart disease risk factors. No Natives Allowed Over the last century, the conservation movement has created some beautiful parks–and millions of refugees.