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Archive for July 9th, 2013
As Biotech Seed Falters, Insecticide Use Surges In Corn Belt
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on July 9th, 2013
National Public Radio: Across the Midwestern corn belt, a familiar battle has resumed, hidden in the soil. On one side are tiny, white larvae of the corn rootworm. On the other side are farmers and the insect-killing arsenal of modern agriculture.
We've reported on earlier phases of this battle: The discovery of rootworms resistant to one type of genetically engineered corn, and an appeal from scientists for the government to limit the use of this new corn to preserve the effectiveness of its protection against rootworm....
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Climate change to strain water supplies used by power plants
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on July 9th, 2013
Sydney Morning Herald: Waterways warmed by climate change will increase electricity prices by as much as a third in southern Europe as producers struggle to cool power stations, a study showed.
Countries from Romania to Bulgaria and Slovenia face the biggest price increases, according to research today from the Laxenburg, Austria-based Institute for International Applied Systems Analysis. Dutch, German and Spanish scientists participated in the study.
"The combination of increased water temperatures and reduced summer...
Explosion at West Virginia Gas Fracking Site Injures at Least 5
Posted by Reuters: Edward McAllister on July 9th, 2013
Reuters: An explosion over the weekend at a natural gas well site in West Virginia operated by Antero Resources injured at least five people, prompting state and federal investigations, local officials and Antero said on Monday.
A spark triggered a flash explosion and a fire after a problem during the "flow back" process when drilling fluids are pumped into storage tanks, according to Pat Heaster, director of emergency services in Doddridge County, about 100 miles north of Charleston.
The "flow back"...