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Cooling the air; speeding up global warming

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Air Conditioner

[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/EW-08-13-12-Air-Conditioners.mp3|titles=EW 08-13-12 Air Conditioners]

Since their popularization in the 1950s, air conditioners have revolutionized American life. A tool that lets us control the climate – they make oppressive, humid conditions more tolerable. In their absence, it is unlikely places like Arizona and Florida would support such large populations. [Read more…] about Cooling the air; speeding up global warming

Science, art, and music—all in the same room

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Rebecca Allan Painting

[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/EW-08-06-12-Science-Art.mp3|titles=EW 08-06-12 Science Art]

The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is a scientific research and education organization. Sixteen Ph.D. scientists explore pressing environmental problems including acid rain, forest health, the ecology of Lyme disease, and pharmaceuticals in our waterways. Postdoctoral associates and summer undergraduate researchers round out a robust scientific staff. [Read more…] about Science, art, and music—all in the same room

We all know about rain forests. Now we are learning about fog forests

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Fog Forest

[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/EW-08-07-12-Fog-Forests.mp3|titles=EW 08-07-12 Fog Forests]

There’s a desert in north-central Chile that receives less than six inches of rain a year. Right in the middle of it is a lush mountain forest that is dense with trees, bromeliads, ferns, and mosses. [Read more…] about We all know about rain forests. Now we are learning about fog forests

Natural gas, fracking, and your green lawn

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Summer Lawn

[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/EW-07-18-12-Lawn-Fracking.mp3|titles=EW 07-18-12 Lawn (Fracking)]

When you buy fertilizer, you’ll notice three numbers on the label, for instance, 12, 6, 6. These indicate the percentage of three key nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. For green grass, nitrogen is the most important ingredient. [Read more…] about Natural gas, fracking, and your green lawn

Quality hay versus quality birds. What should we choose?

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Bobolink

[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/EW-07-06-12-Bobolinks.mp3|titles=EW 07-06-12 Bobolinks]

The male bobolink is a striking black-and-white bird with a creamy yellow cap. It’s sometimes called the skunk blackbird due to the pattern of its coloring. The bobolink’s song has been described as “a reckless song fantasia, an outbreak of pent up, irrepressible glee.” The bobolink’s song, beauty, and rarity make it a favorite among birdwatchers. [Read more…] about Quality hay versus quality birds. What should we choose?

Are new wetlands any good?

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Wetlands

[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/EW-07-05-12-New-Wetlands.mp3|titles=EW 07-05-12 New Wetlands]

In 1972, when Congress passed the Clean Water Act, protection was given to wetlands. Once treated as wasteland, wetlands were recognized as unique habitats in filtering water, preventing floods, and sheltering wildlife. Dredging or filling them was forbidden. [Read more…] about Are new wetlands any good?

Slowing down super salmon

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Salmon

[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EW-07-02-12-GMO-Salmon.mp3|titles=EW 07-02-12 GMO Salmon]

AquAdvantage salmon could become the first genetically-engineered animal approved for human consumption. A 2010 Food and Drug Administration evaluation was supportive of commercializing the fish. Recommendations now await further White House review. [Read more…] about Slowing down super salmon

The Earth Observing System

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Earth

[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/EW-07-06-12-Earth-Observing-System.mp3|titles=EW 07-06-12 Earth Observing System]

My most lasting memories of John Glenn’s space flight and Neil Armstrong’s 1969 landing on the Moon were the pictures they took of the Earth.  We could see our marvelous blue planet against the black backdrop of outer space. [Read more…] about The Earth Observing System

WAMC Northeast Public Radio

WAMC/Northeast Public Radio is a regional public radio network serving parts of seven northeastern states (more...)