Desert ‘skins’ drying up, and one of the oldest Maya calendars
On this week’s show: Climate change is killing critical soil organisms in arid regions, and early evidence for the Maya calendar from a site in Guatemala
Staff Writer Elizabeth Pennisi joins host Sarah Crespi to discuss how climate change is affecting “biocrust,” a thin layer of fungi, lichens, and other microbes that sits on top of desert soil, helping retain water and create nutrients for rest of the ecosystem. Recent measurements in Utah suggest the warming climate is causing a decline in the lichen component of biocrust, which is important for adding nitrogen into soils.
Next, Sarah talks with Skidm...
Source: Science Magazine Podcast - April 14, 2022 Category: Science Authors: Science Magazine Source Type: podcasts
Desert ‘skins’ drying up, and one of the oldest Maya calendars
On this week’s show: Climate change is killing critical soil organisms in arid regions, and early evidence for the Maya calendar from a site in Guatemala
Staff Writer Elizabeth Pennisi joins host Sarah Crespi to discuss how climate change is affecting “biocrust,” a thin layer of fungi, lichens, and other microbes that sits on top of desert soil, helping retain water and create nutrients for rest of the ecosystem. Recent measurements in Utah suggest the warming climate is causing a decline in the lichen component of biocrust, which is important for adding nitrogen into soils.
Next, Sarah talks with Skidmore College ...
Source: Science Magazine Podcast - April 14, 2022 Category: Science Authors: Science Magazine Source Type: podcasts
"Avocado Analysis" -- The Discovery Files
Scientists have sequenced the avocado genome, shedding light on the ancient origins of this buttery fruit and laying the groundwork for future improvements to farming. The study reveals for the first time that the popular Hass avocado inherited about 61% of its DNA from Mexican varieties and about 39% from Guatemalan ones. The research also provides vital reference material for learning about the function of individual avocado genes, and for using genetic engineering to boost productivity of avocado trees, improve disease resistance and create fruit with new tastes and textures. (Source: The Discovery Files)
Source: The Discovery Files - August 22, 2019 Category: Science Authors: National Science Foundation Source Type: podcasts
MSF Frontline Reports - July 2009
This month, MSF launches a new podcast format, including a round-up of emergency updates from MSF projects worldwide. In our main reports, hear how MSF's program for victims of sexual violence has helped a 17-year-old patient in Guatemala, and listen to an interview with an MSF water and sanitation specialist just returned from Bangladesh, where survivors of Cyclone Aila are struggling to recover. (Source: MSF Podcasts)
Source: MSF Podcasts - July 31, 2009 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Source Type: podcasts
