5,000 bees will be equipped with sensors to study the decline of the colonies

A pioneer investigation will equip 5,000 bees in Australia with tiny sensors so that the Colony Collapse Disorder can be studied. The sensors are radio frequency identification and measure about 2.5 mm by 2.5 mm. across these devices, scientists will be able to study how environmental changes influence the behavior of the colonies of bees.

The investigation is the result of a partnership between the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization and the University of Tasmania. This is the first time that such a large number of insects will be used for environmental monitoring, referred to Inhabitat.

In addition to trying to determine the factors that drive the Colony Collapse Disorder â€" a global phenomenon in which the bees suddenly disappear from their hives-, the study also seeks to find a way to stop the sting of varroa, a mite that causes paralysis of bees.

Read More

Chinese river becomes red overnight

Authorities and citizens of a city in Eastern China are perplexed and curious about the mysterious transformation of the local river, once the watercourse became Red overnight.

China has experienced changes in colour of waters of the rivers due to pollution, but that is not the case of this river of Wenzhou. According to the inhabitants, the River was normal at 5 in the morning, time for Beijing, last Thursday. However, within an hour, the River became red color of blood. Residents also have complained about a strange smell in the air.

The cause of the change of color of the river is still to be determined, but authorities have ruled out contamination because there are no industrial factories throughout the course of the river. "Nobody knows how it is that the river may have been polluted because there are no factories here," said one site, cites the Ecouterre. "The strangest thing is that we can continue to fish and you can drink the water because it's good and is ready for the public," adds the inhabitant of Wenzhou.

An analysis already made to water suggests that the change can come from illegal downloads. "We suspect that someone has laid artificial coloring in the water, thinking that the bad weather predicted for the last few days and the rain would water down the color", indicates the local police Chief, Jianfeng Xiao. However, it didn't rain in recent days and the color has not disappeared.

Read More

Binishells: temporary homes with environmentally friendly facilities

The hobbit House are fashionable, but often are not very appealing to people â€" in fact, they don't look very comfortable, despite all its green credentials. These structures, however, seem to be different.

Binishells calls, they are modern, but the idea is not new. She belongs to the respected architect Dante Bini, in 60 years, but has recently been relaunched by his son Nicoló. The new system using low air pressure to raise and shape light concrete structures â€" according to those responsible, she uses less 80% of materials, spends less 95% of CO2 emissions and has a carbon footprint 80% smaller than the traditional buildings.

The Binishells may be formed in a variety of ways and, in addition to housing, can be schools, offices, emergency shelters and cheap housing. Although they seem brittle, the constructs are, in fact, quite strong and can withstand hurricanes, floods, fires or earthquakes, advances the Inhabitat.

See some of the pictures.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More

The dogs are also jealous

As faithful Squires of humanity there are tens of thousands of years, always around to plead and comfort, you can almost say that the dogs have little more to do than to please us. But despite being generous in the distribution of their affections, the dogs don't like it when we share our affections with other animals that don't they.

Who have pets have probably realized that their cats or dogs, especially, get a little discouraged or angry when another animal is receiving attention. However, a new study confirms scientifically that dogs ' behavior, describing it as jealousy.

Until recently, it was thought that this kind of feelings was experienced only by human beings, but, according to a new study by the University of California at San Diego, is not the case.

Through a series of studies, based on tests to prove that the babies are jealous, researchers observed the way in which 36 dogs reacted when their owners were instructed to ignore and give attention to other animals, to television or a book, referred to the Dodo.

The dogs had a greater propensity to intervene in its owner's interaction with other animal than when the owner was busy with a book or with the TV. A third of the dogs observed tried even blocking fake dogs used in testing and a fourth tried to bite us fake dogs, signaling that are totally jealous over other animals.

Foto:  patchattack / Creative Commons

Read More

English transforms the home in a dwelling of 40 years

World War II food rationing, black-and-white television, conservative society. This is the scenario of the years 1940. However, this decade of the 20th century was also, more glamour in the United States than in Europe.

If an inhabitant of the Earth had to return to live in the years 1940, surely you would find life monotonous, without mobile phones, tablets, computers and without colour television with hundreds of channels. However, is there who don't mind to live partially so. Ben Sansum, an Englishman of Godmanchester, is fascinated by this decade and spent years turning its housing in the years 1940.

Sansum is obsessed by 1940 years since he was a teenager, writes the Daily Mail. In your House there is a bakelite telephone, a Gramophone, a kitchen full of old cans and vintage furniture. All the decor was chosen to detail and historical accuracy.

However, this Englishman who works for British Airways, is obliged to make concessions when it comes to modern technology. Sansum has a plasma hidden behind a rack and a washer behind an old calender. The car is parked in the yard is also modern. The bathroom, as dictated the rule in most homes, is situated outside in a garden cottage.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More

India is planting two billion trees and boosting youth employment

The Government of India will kill two birds in one stone to hire jobless youths to plant two billion trees in berms of motorways of the country.

The plan will allow employ 300,000 young people, helping to decrease the unemployment rate in the country, where unemployment reaches 10.2% young, referred to Inhabitat. At the same time the massive planting of trees will help combat climate change and beautify the Indian roads.

Indian highways stretch for 100,000 miles and as such, there's plenty of room in their berms to plant trees. The new Government plan is positive for the country, since India has six of the ten cities with the worst air quality in the world.

Foto: Chani17  / Creative Commons

Read More

Hidden pools of New York

Sometimes, life in cities can be boring, with both concrete and no green spaces â€" especially at the peak of summer, when temperatures are highest. No rivers or streams for cooling off, who can help themselves from swimming pools to relax â€" but are rare people with the capacity for this fun artificial.

It would be normal that, in a city like New York, this was also the rule, but the exclusive neighbourhood of Manhattan has a hidden luxury but perfect for summer-swimming pools on top of some buildings.

According to The New York Times, who photographed some of these equipment, an apartment in these buildings can cost around €5,5 million ($ 166 million). For the vast majority, however, cool in the summer of New York will still have to pass by throwing water balloons at each other or vandalize the hydrants.

As New York is growing â€" increasingly â€" vertically, urban wellness solutions are moulding themselves to life in the cities. See some pictures of these urban paradises and, like us, please feel envy.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More

Extraction of Tin is decimating the Indonesia island of Bangka

A remote island of the Indonesian archipelago is being gutted of its forests and resources due to the exploration of Tin, used to manufacture millions of cell phones, computers and tablets. Most of the Tin extraction on the island of Bangka is illegal and made dangerously. However, nobody seems to be doing nothing to stop it.

The island is being butchered by excavation sites and are left only small patches of forest, creating a devastating craters scenario.

Tin mining is the main activity of the inhabitants of this island, they begin to work on mineralogical exploration since very young. Workers are subject to health problems and being arrested for operating illegal, says the Guardian. Still, the small amounts of Tin that remove soil from Bangka yield more than fishing or farming.

The Bangka Tin finish, eventually, as weld on millions of mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices in Europe, United States and Asia, since the big brands have little or no control as to the provenance of the Tin they use in their equipment.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More

How to make recycling an opportunity to feed the abandoned dogs

Each time an inhabitant of Istanbul put a plastic bottle in one of the special ecopoints, which were installed in the streets, has the opportunity to help feed the stray dogs.

The ecopoints were created by Pugedon and allow passers-by to leave some of its water to animals. Subsequently, it is possible to leave the empty bottles on the Smart recycling Recycling Boxes. When the bottle is introduced in the recycling bin, is released a small amount of food that falls into a container suitable for the homeless animals.

The proceeds from recycling plastic allows the Pugedon to buy food for dogs, referred to the Dodo. The initiative keeps the city clean and the animals fed. It is estimated that there are about 150,000 stray dogs and cats on the streets of the largest city of Turkey.

Read More

The oldest animal reserve in Africa

The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa, is a natural oasis abundant in rhinos, elephants, leopards, Lions and more than 300 species of birds. However, the species in the wild areas of the Park are in danger due to plans to build an open-pit coal mine.

This South African Reserve is the oldest animal sanctuary in the world, created in 1895. Once this place was exclusive famous hunting ground chieftain Shaka Zulu. The reserve functions as a power Park, since it helps populate other protected areas. As such, its ecosystem is particularly important.

The shrine is home of the "big five" of Africa â€" elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, Lions and leopards. Currently there are about 600 elephants in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, spanning 96,000 hectares of Savannah, forest and mountain pastures, says the Guardian. Due to conservation efforts, the Park now has the largest population of white rhinos in the world.

However, the plans to start extracting coal in the region could threaten the habitat of the species in the Park. Separating the buffer and the location of the mine there is only the Umfolozi River, which marks the boundary of the Park.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More

Amy Tan: the woman who stood face-to-face with a whale shark

"On my last dive [in Isla Mujeres, Mexico] I was face-to-face with a whale shark. Breathe calmly and the shark swam calmly, while staring at me. When I calmed down, he also calmed down. For a long time we swam so â€" when finally stopped, he also stopped swimming, and when I put the head out of the water he turned and swam to the other side ".

So Amy Tan explained her adventure face-to-face with a whale shark. Amy, who wrote about his adventure on the site The Dodo, admitted that this was one of the rare moments when you realize an animal is, indeed, a be patient. "The shark was able to sense my calm and was never in danger", advanced.

Although I do not recommend anyone a similar adventure, the truth is that Amy's text has the Mojo to appeal to consumers to ensure that their actions are considered â€" especially when it comes to food consumption linked to fishing. Amy was in Isla Mujeres at the invitation of WildAid, an NGO that has a very direct approach to biodiversity.

"When the buying stops, the killing will stop too," explains the NGO. For shopping we mean, for example, the famous shark's fin soup, very consumed in China. According to WildAid, when Chinese consumers realized where it came from that piece of cartilage without flavor, many no longer ask the soup â€" and consumption fell 70%.

With the fall in consumption, the killing of sharks also declined. The consumer always has the last word when it comes to sustainability and biodiversity, believes the WildAid. Here are some pictures of Amy Tan and interiorize adventure that their actions are really important when it comes to the preservation of animal life. Even if you don't have this notion.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More

Photographer waiting three hours to photograph chorus of birds

Steve Ward, wildlife photographer, he got up at six in the morning and waited three hours to be able to document the moment four bird chicks were fed by the dam.

Aligned in position of chorus and with beaks wide open as if they were singing, the animals were waiting for breakfast on a door of an old barn in Merseyside, England. The photographer discovered bird chicks while driving through the city of Crosby. "I found the Cubs while going home from work through Little Crosby Village", indicates the photographer, quoted by the Daily Mail.

"At the time I didn't have my camera and, knowing that soon they would abandon the place, I went back the next day and after I got up at six o'clock in the morning I had to wait three hours for the mother to come to feed," says Steve Ward.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More

Discovered the largest aquatic insect in the world

A giant water bug has been discovered in China, with a wingspan of about 21 cm. The insect belonging to order Megaloptera, but little more is known about the specimen. However, scientists believe that may be the biggest species of insect ever discovered water.

According to the Chinese newspaper Xinhua News, representatives of the Insect Museum of West China found the large insect during a recent expedition to a mountain in Sichuan province. Locals have been delivering the copy to the experts of the Museum.

Experts have investigated, then the specimen and concluded that it is a large specimen similar to species of aquatic insects native to China and Vietnam, referred to the Huffington Post.

Read More

Port: Continent organizes second Dog Marathon

Tomorrow, between the 10:0 and the 11:0 pm, the Mainland, in partnership with Câmara Municipal do Porto, will hold the big family feast, full of activities and entertainment for all families. The realization of the 2nd Edition of the marathon of the Dog, in the programme of the Party of the family, will begin at 10:0.

"The owners and dogs will be able to participate in canine race, where over 4.5 km can test their speed and agility to win a place on the podium. Those who participate in the walk will enjoy nature in the company of the best four-legged friend, along 2 miles ", explains the Continent in a statement.

The inscriptions in the marathon can be made at www.continente.pt or at any store Continent â€" in both locations will also be all the information on the rules of participation.

On the same day will be still available several activities such as obedience demonstrations, workshops, demonstrations of grooming, beauty contest, disc dog, driving cattle and herding, agility trials and dog free style.

Read More

Évora: a dumpster that turned into solar farm (with video)

Bin the solar power Center is a very large distance, but this was the process of transformation occurred in Évora, on land that was, however, re-qualified and which is now a kind of technological showcase.

Solar modules has cutting-edge technology, but the American installation and management are in Portugal.

"The cell is a company that works for NASA, who does research at the highest level and that is now coming to the market consumption. The Prism is of companies linked to Boeing, "explained to the green economy Manuel Mira Godinho, CEO of Glintt.

The panels are not static and mobile, and can be managed by software â€" the parks are monitored remotely. "We are a company with the DNA software and engineering projects, so it made sense to invest here," continued Mira Godinho.

The investment in this third-generation central is € 5 million, should be paid in seven years and enough to produce electricity to 800 homes. The area of the photovoltaic solar energy is not new to the Glintt, but this project allows the company to export knowledge to Latin America or Africa, places where the Sun abounds but who need effective solutions to transform into energy.

The technology uses direct radiation and is ideal for sites with intense sun, as the Alentejo. Learn more about the project in the episode 279 of the green economy.

Read More

Parks and monuments of Sintra will travel by railway stations of the country

The Pena Palace, on guard, or the gardens and Palace of Queluz, in Entrecampos. That's how the Sintra Parks intends to make known the natural and architectural heritage of Sintra to Lisbon Metropolitan area, but also to the rest of the country.

In this way, the Fund Manager, in partnership with the REFER, has an ongoing itinerant photographic exhibition of the parks and monuments of the cultural landscape of Sintra, classified as world heritage. Currently, the exhibition is on from Cais do Sodré station and, in future, will travel to other stations in the country.

The exhibition features 30 images of Sintra â€" 15 of them in large format. The spaces represented cover the areas under the management of Sintra Parks: Park and Pena National Palace, Sintra National Palace, Park and Monserrate Palace, Queluz National Palace and gardens, Portuguese school of equestrian art, Chalêt and garden of the Countess d ' Daniel, Moorish Castles, Capuchos convent, Quinta da Abegoaria Pity and Quintinha de Monserrate.

The photographs are by Emídio Copeto Gomes, Giorgio Bordino, Gustavo Fonseca, Jonas Tavares, Luís Peacock, Maria João de Sousa and Pedro Yglesias de Sousa.



Dates and locations of the exhibition:

Cais do Sodré: 17 July to 4 August

Cascais: 4 August to 25 August

Santa Apolónia: 25 August to 15 September

Sintra: 15 September to 16 October

Entrecampos: 16 October-3 November

Estoril: 3 to 24 November

Castelo Branco: 24 November to 15 December

Guard: 5 to January 26, 2015

Photos: Emídio Copeto Gomes, Giorgio Bordino, Gustavo Fonseca, Jonas Tavares, Luís Peacock, Maria João de Sousa and Pedro Yglesias de Sousa

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More

Industrial waste management Sector invoiced less 2% in 2013

According to the study areas of Portugal, published by Informa D&B, the Portuguese sector turnover of industrial waste management has maintained a declining trend in recent years, against a background of unfavourable economic environment and contraction in industrial production. In 2013, the dispatching sector € 165 million, less than 2% in 2012.

Since 2011, when it has reached the maximum value of approximately €175 million turnover, the turnover has recorded falls â€" about 4% in 2012 and 1.8% in 2013. According to the study, this fall is due to the decline in demand, the reduction of public spending and cost containment measures adopted by the client companies of the sector.

Forecasts for the end of 2014 indicate to an additional reduction of the business sector, mainly due to the "strong pressure on prices and the slow recovery of industrial activity", in particular in some of the main waste-generating sources.

Foto: nmorao / Creative Commons

Read More

Litter of Mexican Wolves born in freedom for the first time in 30 years

As most of the rest of the wolves in the world, the Mexican Wolves â€" a subspecies of the gray wolf â€" have had a complicated relationship with humans. After more than a century of intensive hunting, since they constituted a danger to livestock from farms that were built on their territory, the species became extinct nearly 30 years ago.

But now, after three years ago Mexican environmental authorities initiate a recovery plan and begin to create the species in captivity to be released in the wild, conservation efforts are beginning to pay off. For the first in three decades, a new litter of Wolf pups was identified in the natural habitat.

"This first litter represents an important step for the recovery program, because these wolves have never had contact with humans, unlike wolves born in captivity," says the National Commission for Natural Protected areas of Mexico said in a statement, quoting the Dodo.

The Commission now expects this to be the beginning of prosperity of the species, which will continue to be protected and monitored in their natural habitat.

Foto: palmerb16 / Creative Commons

Read More

New York: Nordstrom Tower will be the tallest residential building in the world

Nordstrom Tower, which is being built in New York, will be the world's tallest residential complex, with 481.28 meters. A spiral roof will confer even more height to the building, a total of 541 metres â€" about 30 cm less than the World Trade Center 1, building which replaced the twin towers of the World Trade Center.

The new residential complex will be built in the city centre, at 225 West 57th Street, right in the Centre of Manhattan and part of the recent building boom that are initiated in the Centre of the island, referred to Inhabitat.

It is expected that Nordstrom Tower is ready in 2018. There will be more than 1.1 million square meters of residential space, which will include a large commercial area and which should occupy the first seven floors of the building.

Read More

5 myths and facts about soy

For many vegetarian and vegan, soy is part of the daily diet, replacing the meat as a source of protein. For others, who are lactose intolerant, the soy-based products, such as milk and butter, are an alternative.

Slowly, this grain was integrating Western diets, but many myths about this food persist. Soy is healthy for men? What is the link between soy and breast cancer? Learn the myths and truths about this grain, according to the portal my well-being.

Myth: soy is not a good source of protein.

Fact: soy is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids to the workings of the human body and that can only be extracted from foods, since the body produces. A cup of cooked soybeans contains 22 grams of protein, almost as much as a beef. Tofu, however, has less protein than soybeans.

Myth: soy-based products that mimic the meat are nutritious because they are vegetarians

Fact: give consistency to something that originates from soybeans in anything like a chicken nugget, a sausage or a Turkey Breast requires large amounts of processing, which translates to endless ingredients lists. Many of these ingredients are high in sodium and fat, which are added for flavor. As such, these products are not as healthy as they seem.

Myth: soy causes breast cancer

Fact: some types of breast cancer develop in the presence of estrogen. Soybeans, has constituted isoflavone, whose chemical structure is similar to estrogen and acts in a similar manner, referred to the Huffington Post. However, there is no direct link between soy consumption and the development of breast cancer. Studies in humans have shown that there is no connection between soy and breast cancer, either in your promotion wants on its reduction.

Myth: If you don't like tofu, the soy protein supplements are a good alternative

Fact: because of the health implications caused by soy supplements and which were revealed by some studies, most experts advise against the normal diet is supplemented with soybean derivatives, until more studies are done. The short-period may be safe, but long-term, the use of soy isoflavones has not yet been scientifically proven as beneficial. If you want to take advantage of the nutritional properties of soy, it is best to eat natural soy and not resort to grain-based supplements.

Myth: men should not eat soy

Fact: the fact that soy has components similar to estrogens have caused some worry that soy products can reduce testosterone levels in men. However, no clinical studies prove this fear. In fact, men may benefit from soy consumption, since the grain appears to decrease the risk of prostate cancer.

Read More

What to do with 150,000 plastic bottles? A private island

Some people wait a whole year to build a solar cooker and make that long-awaited cake, but Richart Sowa waited nearly a decade to be able to enjoy your private island. This old Carpenter joined recycled garbage over almost seven years and built a private island near Cancun, with the material collected.

Richart Sowa joined more than 150,000 bags of plastic bottles, which held the old wooden pallets before the launch in the water. Later, he covered the pallets with sand and Earth, which somehow manages to sustain trees and other plants on their island of 25 metres, referred to Grist. Additionally, mangrove roots grow around the bags containing the bottles, which protects and hides, making the most natural island.

The old Carpenter still uses the garbage bags too heavy to float to build his flower beds, where it grows agave, ginger and hibiscus. Additionally, the island resort to systems of harnessing rainwater and solar panels to generate electricity. Sowa has created a composting Center with which fertilize your plants.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More

Poaching of rhinos can reach the peak of the last decade in 2014

Poaching for rhinos extrapolates the values really well known and, despite efforts to protect animals, 2014 is heading to be the worst year of the last decade when it comes to the number of animals killed by hunters.

Since the beginning of the year, hunters have killed more than 500 rhinos, mostly in South Africa. In 2013, 1,004 were killed rhinos, the highest annual figure since 2006, referred to the Inhabitat. Rhinos are hunted for their horns, which are popular in several Asian countries, where popular belief indicate that the rhino horn powder increases sexual performance.

Since 2007 that poaching has increased about 5000%, despite the efforts of several countries and conservation organizations. More than 80% of the world's rhinos live in South Africa and there are only 25,000 animals in the wild. Most of the deaths recorded this year already took place in the Kruger National Park in South Africa, a popular Park for its safaris and where died 351 rhinos since January.

Foto: davisesq212 / Creative Commons

Read More

The mass migration of animals

The penguins, zebras migrating animals don't choose continent or species. Every year, millions walk miles to escape predators, find food or water, or to mate-many of these days of walking are passed in complicated terrain.

These photos depict one of the most beautiful and synchronized movements of animal life, on land or at sea. Some examples: 2.5 million flamingos fly to other regions when it comes to mating season; humpback whales travel the greatest distance of migration, about 8,500 miles to each side; about 750 thousand zebras or 1.2 million wildebeest trading area of Ngotongoro, in Tanzania, the Masai Mara, in Kenya.

See some of these photos, absolutely stunning. Missing only the images of human migration.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More

7 facts you probably don't know about Blueberry

The Blueberry crop is quite widespread in the national territory and has great potential to become an important share to the agricultural economy of Portugal. By this time, the Blueberry are fairs across the country. However, probably, there are many facts and benefits over the Blueberry which are of General ignorance. The portal my Well-being shared some of them.

1. protect against memory loss

A study of 2012 indicates that eating at least one cup of blueberries per week slows cognitive decline in several years. A possible explanation for this benefit has to do with the fact that the blueberries protect the brain to eliminate toxic proteins that accumulate in the body, as revealed another study of 2013.

2. u.s. State of Maine is the world's largest producer

Although in Portugal there is great production of the fruit, the u.s. State of Maine is the largest Blueberry producer in the world.

3. can be used as natural food coloring

Due to its strong coloring, the blueberries can be used as natural food coloring. Legends also say that early American settlers were boiling with milk to make gray paint.

4. In perfect condition must have a layer of dust

One way to see if the blueberries are in good condition for consumption is to verify the existence of a thin layer of dust, which gives a more matte appearance to the fruit.

5. should only be washed immediately before consumption

Wash softens the blueberries, which may accelerate their deterioration. As such, only those should wash immediately before consuming.

6. the shrub that gives the Blueberry is a "close relative" of rhododendron

The Blueberry is a species of small shrub and is close relative of rhododendron, a genus of flowering plant whose ingestion is poisonous, and the cranberries, a small shrub that produces edible red berries, known as Cranberry or Blueberry, too-red.

7. many foods flavoured with blueberries aren't actually the fruit

Products such as cereals, muffins, bread of known brands, for example, do not use real blueberries in their products. Instead use dyes, flavourings and sugars to recreate the taste of blueberry.

Read More

Surgery allows the blind to see turtle and swimming

Last week, hundreds of people gathered on a beach to Charleston, South Carolina, to say goodbye to a turtle, which became known as Briar. The crowd cheered and the flashes fired as the animal more than 90 pounds was walking by the beach towards the sea. The scenario seems happy, but not always was.

Briar was discovered in May last year, in the beach of another beach to Charleston on the verge of death. The body was covered in barnacles â€" which indicates that the lack of health presented made it too exhausted even to move. At the time he was rescued and taken to the Sea Turtle Hospital, animal's vitals were so weak that veterinarians feared that do not survive more than a week. However, Briar survived.

During the following months, the turtle was cleaned and his health began to improve and also gained weight. However, for no apparent reason, the appetite of Briar disappeared as the turtle left to hunt the food that was introduced in the pool. It was then that veterinarians discovered that the turtle had developed cataracts and could not see.

Knowing that the animal could never return to the sea without being able to see the Aquarium's team looked for someone who could help and managed to get in touch with Ann Cook, a specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology. In April this year, after having spent months investigating the falls in marine animals, Cook operated the turtle, who managed to see.

Before freeing the Briar in nature again, the handlers needed to ensure that the animal was fully recovered. As such, the tortoise spent a few more months in the Aquarium, referred to the Dodo. This week, the turtle was finally returned to the natural surroundings and seemed completely adapted.

Read More

20 doors leading to other worlds

Most doors are hopelessly mundane, but there are exceptions to the rule. More than safeguard entries, these objects can be symbolic portals for different environments and aspects of life. You never know what might be behind a door.

These different ports are hard to find, but there are and all over the world. Since doors decorated or with exceptional works of carpentry, exist for all tastes, referred to Bored Panda.

A door is probably the outside of a building with the highest degree of interaction. As such, these objects do not have to be drab, can be fun and beautiful. In India and in Indonesia there are doors worked and ornamented. In the German Alps, there is a door that leads to the mountains. In Morocco, there are doors with Islamic geometry. In Sintra there is a door that seems to be inserted on a vertical garden and, in Funchal, there are doors painted with images of the famous children's book "the little Prince" or with mermaids.

Discover here some of these unusual doors.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More

As fotografias estrelares finalistas do Astronomy Photographer of the Year

Star trails that spread the sidewalk of the Giants, in Northern Ireland, clouds of dust in colossal shapes molded by cosmic radiation light years away and bright Meteor racing across the sky with the Mount Bromo in Indonesia, as background scenery. These are some of the photos competition finalists Astronomy Photographer of the Year from 2014.

The contest, which is organized by the Royal Observatory Greenwich, in partnership with the BBC Sky at Night Magazine, goes in the Sixth Edition and hit a record this year of photos submitted, with more than 2,500 enthusiasts between amateur and professional photographers from around the world to submit your images.

The photo finalists â€" more than 120 â€" include the splendor of aurora borealis above the clouds, photographed from the window of transatlantic flight between London and New York or the milky way reflected in the Snake River in Oxbow Bend, Grand Tenton National Park, in Wyoming, United States.

The variety of scenarios is not limited to the planet Earth. The photographers also captured views of the entire solar system, the milky way and other galaxies. These photos include an image taken during the day of Jupiter, moments before the astronomical alignment of the planet behind the Moon or the scorching heat of Crescent Nebula, glowing in a swirling red and blue.

The winners of the four contest categories and three special prizes will be announced on 17 September and the exhibition of images winners opens its doors to the public the next day at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, says the Daily Mail.

Here are some photos of finalists.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More

CGD awarded for social responsibility

Caixa Geral de Depósitos won the Best Ethical Practices Award in the category of Social responsibility, an initiative that aims to identify, highlight and reward the good ethical practices implemented in Portugal.

This award is the result of a partnership between the business journal and the Capgemini and come and give relief to the importance of rules, tools and procedures for promotion and safeguarding of ethical principles that are as excellent examples that can draw attention to the importance of this subject in professional context, contributing to raising the level of ethical businesses.

"Considering the current climate, it is with pride that the CGD, as Bank, wins a prize associated with ethical behavior, emphasizing the work of all employees in order to construct new paradigms, fairer, more balanced and which are the raison d ' être the CGD and the reason why the box says", justified the CGD said in a statement.

Beyond corporate social responsibility, the initiative has enabled other companies distinguish three categories: respect for people, legal consciousness and business relations â€" the latter prize was not awarded.

Read More

Can you imagine the amount of garbage it produces during a week?

We are all aware of the pollution or global warming. But are we aware of the amount of garbage that we produce on a daily basis? Gregg Segal, a photographer from California, decided to raise awareness to this problem through strong images, having photographed several people who posed with the garbage they produced during seven days.

The project, denomidado "7 Days of Garbage", tries to portray people of different social strata and its garbage, in order to reach the largest audience possible.

Segal decided to photograph the participants in front of natural beds in order to illustrate better than the trash produced by us is affecting nature directly. "Obviously, the photographic series aims to foster the confrontation between the people and the excess that is part of their lives. I hope you recognize that much of the trash they produce is unnecessary, "says the photographer quoted by Bored Panda.

Some of the participants were embarrassed because of the amount of garbage produced per week and decided then to choose some of the trash in order to use the pictures. Others decided to use all the garbage they produced and the result are the images you can see here.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More

Maru, the smiling dog of Japan

Maru is a Shiba Inu-seven years quite photogenic. Always with a smiling expression, Maru appears to be the happiest dog on Earth and is perhaps why his owner loves photographing and filming.

Shinjiro Ono, canine enthusiast from Tokyo, is the owner of Maru and created several pages on social networks for your dog. The success was such that only on your page of Instagram, Maru has about 800,000 followers, referred to Bored Panda. Regularly, Shinjiro Ono put videos and pictures of your pet in a variety of activities, so that the followers of Maru can keep track of your daily life.

Maru likes mainly of long walks on the beach and playing with his toys. Don't like Fireworks and thunderstorms â€" as most dogs. The difference is that Maru does all this always with a smile on his face.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More

La Bestia: the most desired and dangerous world train

They call him La Bestia-the beast in Portuguese-or the train of death, and for many is the only opportunity to live a decent life. Every day, this freight train traverses part of Mexican territory to the border with the United States, and about 1,500 people end up traveling on your roof in search of a new life in America.

Most of these migrants are from Central America â€" many of them minors. According to the Daily Mail, between October and the end of June about 44 thousand unaccompanied minors traveled in La Bestia.

To worsen the already precarious situation, many of these people end up falling from the train, getting seriously injured â€" there is even a temporary treatment center for these refugees, the Alberge de Buen Pastor Jesus.

According to the Daily Mail, the situation at La Bestia is several times referred to the high-level meetings of the rulers of the United States, Mexico and Central American countries. However, so far, nothing has been done to solve this issue.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More

The joys and anxieties of an adoption very desired

When Megan and Jamie Parker discovered that they could not have children, they went into a long process to adopt Sam, a baby who revolutionized their lives. "We are so in love with this young man who brought so much love to our lives," explained the child's parents to the international press.

What makes this adoption in news is the work that Megan's sister, Kate, developed to document the love of Megan and Jamie-and, eventually, the entire family â€" for this baby so desired.

"There are so many interesting things and wonderful that I'm documenting: the power of love, the agonizing wait for an adoption, welcome to someone in our clan and what it means to be a multiracial family," explained Kate of 37 years.

The photographer had already documented, in recent years, the growth of its daughters, in a work with the friendly name "Srong is the new Pretty" â€" "strong is the new beauty", in Portuguese.

The Parker live in Roswell, Georgia. See some of the photos of the documentary.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More

How to protect the goat coil and still make money (with video)

In Viana do Alentejo, a country estate lies at the heart of the arteseanal brand of soaps Olivae, which uses milk from cabral coil to create a cosmetic product and beauty. The idea came from Carla January and Elza Neto, who last year created the company Planet lavender and launched the brand.

"[We value] the good quality products that are made in Portugal. That's why we have selected olive oil produced in Portel, the goat's milk a serpentine race that only exists in Portugal. We also have selected the oils produced by steam distillation, a race that only exists in Portugal, "explained Carla January to green economy.

Meet the brand on Facebook.

Besides being Alentejo, the serpentine goat milk with high protein content. However, there are only 4,300 adult females, making the species in all State threatened with existence. Thus, this investment may draw attention to this race and, maybe, bring new producers.

"We want to produce and promote the region. But [it also] for the sake of economy and shorten the distances between the producer and raw material and who makes his transformation, "added Soares Neto.

The Olivae brand can now be found in 30 stores across the country â€" and in Barcelona, Spain â€" and assumed an initial investment of € 10,000. Currently, 2,000 soaps are made per month, all handmade and natural.

Read More

Would be able to cross a bike the second largest bridge of Europe?

To Copenhagen to be the second most bike-friendly city in the world don't seem to get. The Danish capital is now considering one of the most ambitious ever cycling projects: the construction of a bike path over the Øresund bridge linking Copenhagen to Malmo, the third largest city in Sweden.

The two cities are separated by sea, particularly the Strait of Øresund. However, since 2000 it is possible to travel from one city to the other via a bridge with about 7.8 kilometres and is on this road crossing is considering to build a bike path. The bridge has two trays â€" a road and another railroad. And now the Swedish construction companies Skanska and Sweco presented a project for the construction of another cycling tray.

This new international bike path is just one aspect of an ambitious social project and ongoing engineering and that can be even more daring than Europe ever witnessed. Since the bridge opened, the Sweden and Denmark have worked together to create a new international metropolitan area, linking Copenhagen and Malmö, with nearly four million inhabitants, two Governments, two official currencies and two languages.

However, plans for the construction of bicycle paths are not easy. This new Board would have to be suspended above the road Board and covered to provide protection for cyclists. The Oresund Bridge is not always about sea, since it crosses land Danish side, on artificial island Peberholm. The bridge continues then to Copenhagen via an underground tunnel, built to allow the passage of vessels in the Strait. In this final section underground, with about four kilometres, the bike path would have to be implemented in a tunnel specially constructed for the purpose. The project will be quite expensive, but a large part of the funds would come from fees of crossing the bridge, referred to Atlantic City Lab.

The whole project may seem megalomaniac and the possibility of leaving the plant is unlikely. However, projects such as this seem to be becoming a regional speciality. This project is only part of a thorough plan for the region, called the Øresund 2070, which includes a new integrated rail system and new railway lines, a new tunnel to remove lorries from the roads and trains, 300 miles of new bike lanes, as well as housing for over one million people.

The plan may seem surreal, but to the South, the Danes are building one who will be the world's largest road and rail tunnel, an underground passageway of 18 kilometres under the Fehrmarn Strait that separates Denmark from Germany. The construction of the tunnel will reduce the connection between Copenhagen and Hamburg in 90 minutes.

While the remaining projects are not completed, the Oresund Bridge is to remodel the region dramatically. Since the opening of the bridge crossings between Copenhagen and Malmö have increased dramatically. Every day approximately 300,000 people crossing the bridge, since many Danes choose to live in Sweden, where the cost of living and of dwellings are smaller, and continue to work in Denmark, since the Danish Krone is stronger than the Swedish krona.

The ports in the region are regulated by a single regulatory authority and the universities of the region (including many of the best and oldest in Scandinavia) are working to create a single Consortium that allows students to choose courses throughout the region.

Foto:  vaktra / Creative Commons

Read More

Madagascar: Arts and crafts by give me that straw

"Straw and BAMBOO STRIPS, or softwood of SMALL TREES are the materials used to manufacture objects of everyday life in Madagascar: different straw hats, according to the tribe, carrycots to go shopping, bags and trays for cleaning and transporting rice, mats for the floor ... but also brooms, boxes (fabulous, the Malagasy Tupperware!), and even toys and decorative objects â€" all handmadesometimes in happy coexistence with the flashy colors of Chinese plastics that already reach some sites.

Straw's work is especially visible in street markets, where we can sometimes assist the manufacture of objects and buy them directly to the artist. But the dialogue between who's delighted to see art and manufactured piece, and who makes almost ashamed, is practically impossible.

In Madagascar, the artist believes he's still show their poverty. Only in the areas most exposed to tourism is starting to exist the concept of crafts as art; Here, in the villages where I'm passing between Fort Dauphin and Tulear, makes by hand who can't buy more modern and flashy. A more colorful and durable material than wood or straw. This is another tip of the iceberg gigantic that divides the world into two â€" the "rich" and "poor". And the "poor" definitely do not believe that what they do has value. All that is traditional manufacturing them seems to have the seal of poverty and survival.

And yet these are unique pieces and ancestors. The work is good, solid and creative, without excess detail. The lids fit, rugs are soft, the hats have various sizes, such as those made by machines. The bags are small colorful details, sometimes made with twines. Wooden spoons have stripes that stretch, the figures of cows and humans have humor. And the brooms, frankly, encantariam the most demanding of witches!

RIP a few smiles when you buy several wooden spoons and a box, to a family that makes right there, in the Tsihombé market. It was for the money that is lacking, or for assessing who desperately tried to communicate. At home I can now serve my coconut vary with a genuine scoop â€" and no less genuine feeling of witnessing the final years of an art rejected ... "

Travel journalist, Ana Isabel Martinez has published in Portuguese magazines as the big story, around the world and Routes, Destinations and Spanish &, like Discover and the Altair. Right now she dedicates herself with equal interest to travel and vegetarian food, regularly publishing the findings and oddities in site Landscape eaters. Is the Green Savers reader and writes regularly here.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More

Urban rehabilitation vista as needed and priority

Urban rehabilitation and sustainability are inextricably linked to the future of the construction industry, said Kings Fields, President of the Association of industrial construction and public works (AICCOPN).

Responsible, who spoke during the Conference the GPA "Cities for people," said that 470 thousand dwellings are overcrowded in Portugal, there is a housing for every 16 people, who are at risk of poverty, and about 260 thousand houses need urgent intervention.

According to a AICCOPN study, conducted by the Faculty of Economics of the University of Porto (FEUP) and quoted by Kings, Fields will need 38 billion to rehabilitate more than 900 thousand housing buildings that need to be repaired.

"In all, 27% of national buildings need works, with 11.4% are very degraded or require medium or large repairs. Therefore, the sum of 600 million euros, to be made available by the Government in Portugal for 2020 urban renewal, it's nothing ", considers Kings Fields.

"For a long time we lost the opportunity to rehabilitate our cities. We degrade the housing assets, "concluded the responsible, predicting that the" investment in rehabilitation will be private, but you have to be the next State of the construction industry ". "We're a long way from a Europe in which the urban renewal represents 37%", pointed out.

On the other hand, Ricardo Guimarães, the Confidential real estate, showed that the market for buying and selling is recovering the feeling of confidence, pointing to stabilisation of prices and that at lease a less dynamic in the offer, helping to stem the fall in rents.

According to Ricardo Guimarães, "Rehab is a reality in Lisbon, with 90% of the buildings and 81% of licensed fires". During the first panel discussion, the opinion was unanimous that "there is still much to do in Portugal" and the urban rehabilitation is necessary and a priority.

For Pedro Rutkowski, CEO of Worx, the "real estate asset is an excellent investment." But we must bear in mind that "rehabilitation has to be thought also outside the urban centers".

Citing a study that the Worx published market halls, Pedro Rutkowski mentioned that the student housing is a niche market with great potential, not just because of the interest it arouses in terms of development, but also due to the existence of several buildings in the country that can be adapted to the thread.

Isabel Santos, already Managing Director of Ecochoice, stated that "use resources in a rational way is today a priority across all sectors of activity and it is important to create solutions and strategies to attain sustainability in buildings and territory.

Rui also Fragoso, from the direction of Buildings of ADENE-Agency for energy, stressed that energy efficiency "can not pass alongside the urban rehabilitation". "The assets requires improvement. Is far short of the levels of efficiency that are possible to achieve and therefore needs a strong investment, being that part of the work is facilitated, since we have a good heritage registered, with knowledge of the areas in which bet, "said Rui Fragoso.

The existence of disparate realities from North to South of Portugal was one of the conclusions of the Panel "urban regeneration". "The reality of Lisbon as regards urban redevelopment is not the reality of the country. We need to learn, share experience and implement good examples from Lisbon to other areas, "concluded Salvador Ferreira da Silva, of the municipality of Ovar.

The third Conference of the GPA was sponsored by Renault and the support of Adene-Agency for energy, Breeze and green dot Corporation.

Read More

Marine explorers find rare alien-looking creature

Although there is no shortage of bizarre ideas in the field of science fiction, in particular about the appearance of alien creatures, in the real world we still continue to amaze with the animals that are found on planet Earth.

Recently, a team of Nautilus Live expedition â€" through a remotely operated vehicle-have you encountered one of the rarest creatures and bizarre in the world: a purple sifonóforo roaming the depths of the ocean. Even though marine explorers with experience, the team of Nautilus was amazed to find such a creature, since it is rarely sighted.

Although at first glance the animal looks like a jellyfish, is actually a colony of zooids, which can be several Lynch syndrome or medusoides and that are morphologically and functionally specialized, referred to the Dodo.

In addition to the strange shapes that this animal can assume the unusual purple color of this specimen makes it even more bizarre.

The species of sifonóforo best known is the caravela-portuguesa, which is also one of the most dangerous and often is confused on the beaches with jellyfish.

Read More

Scientists create stem cells for CO2 capture and conversion of solar energy fed

A team of scientists at Princeton University in the United States, in partnership with a starup in New Jersey, the Liquid Light Inc, created an electromechanical cell capable of transforming a combination of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water in formic acid, using solar energy to a local supplier of electricity.

These cells used to convert CO2 are made of channels that contain liquid, which in turn is surrounded by metal plates the size of rectangular Lunchbox, and are constructed from parts of easy attainment.

The researchers used a process called matching impedance to balance the power generated by the solar panel with the amount of energy that the cell could deal, in order to create an optimal efficiency for the system.

Such a process has an energy efficiency of 2% through the superimposition of three cells together â€" totaling twice the efficiency of natural photosynthesis and the best energy efficiency of a device created by man. The process is similar to artificial photosynthesis system developed by Panasonic, but with a 10 times greater efficiency, referred to Inhabitat.

The product of the process, the formic acid is found naturally in the Ant poison and is currently used as a preservative, antibacterial agent for animal feed and for the production of a salt used to thaw the runways of airports. In addition, the formic acid also has the potential to store energy inside the fuel cells that produce.

Foto: Juan Antonio Capó / Creative Commons

Read More

Giant salamanders travel around Kyoto with police escort

When a Japanese giant salamander decided to take a walk by the river earlier this month, was far from imagine that would end a privilege usually reserved for important people â€" a police escort.

Taking into account the preference of this species of salamander for cold areas and nocturnal habits, these animals are rarely seen and much less during the day to take a walk by the river. As such, the ride of this salamander alarmed some residents of Kyoto, which ended up calling the police.

The Japanese giant salamander is a species endemic to Japan and is the second largest salamander in the world, with about 1.5 meters, after Chinese giant salamander. This animal inhabits freshwater courses usually chain. Is a species and aquatic venues. Unlike other salamanders, which lose their gills at the beginning of life, the Japanese giant salamander just raises his head out of the water for air, without venturing out of the water and go ashore.

Due to its characteristics and size, the sighting of the animal by residents was cause for alarm. When he received the first calls, Quito police thought it was a joke. "Not only are rarely seen on land, as if you leave out of water is usually at night. As such, view a on the side of the road to enjoy a sun bath is very rare, "said the police spokesman in Kyoto, Fuyuki Fujino, cites the Dodo.

After arrival at the scene, the police escort was watching the animal, to ensure that no one disturbed him nor the animal feria nobody.

When threatened, these salamanders emit a milky substance through the skin, with a rather strong scent, reminiscent of Japanese pepper. If you live in freedom, this species can reach 80 years. The Japanese giant salamander is a survivor of the late Jurassic Period, about 140 million years ago.

Read More

Inhabitants of Boston will be able to charge gadgets smart banks with solar energy

There are smart phones, smart watches, smart homes and intelligent banks soon â€" at least for those who live in Boston, in the United States. A new initiative in this American city wants to implement Soofas-solar energy fed banks which not only allow load technological devices such as monitor air quality and the sound levels â€" in several parks in a pilot program which is funded by Cisco.

Banks, also called "smart urban furniture", were developed by Changing Enrironments, a spinoff company from the MIT Media Lab, and are able to carry electronic devices via two USB ports, thanks to solar panels installed and an energy accumulator.

At the same time they carry cell phones and allow updates from social networks, these smart banks also collect environmental data on air quality and noise levels in the vicinity, sending the data to a map that is online, referred to the Tree Hugger.

Besides the possibility of carrying electronic devices and aggregate environmental data, these banks can still serve to realize solar people that aren't exposed often to these themes, to the viability of renewable energy and other environmental initiatives.

Read More

Culturgest receives Conference "Cities for people"

The Green Project Awards (GPA) performs tomorrow a conference devoted to the theme of "Cities for people". The initiative will take place in Culturgest in Lisbon, and will be chaired by the Secretary of State for spatial planning and nature conservation, Miguel Castro Neto.

The Conference will consist of two panels of debate. The first panel dedicated to the theme of urban regeneration will count with Ricardo Guimarães, will participate in the Confidential real estate, Rui Fragoso, of Adene-Agency for energy, Kings, of the Association of Industrial Fields of Civil construction and public works, Salvador Malheiro Ferreira da Silva, of the municipality of Ovar, Isabel Santos, the Ecochoice, and Pedro Rutkowski, the real estate consultant Worx.

In the second panel discussion on the theme of Sustainable Mobility will intervene Luis Reis, Portuguese electric vehicle Association, Mário Alves, consultant in mobility, Paulo Rodrigues, João Dias, Abimota's of EMEL, Xavier Martinet, the Renault Portugal, Luís Paulo, CTT, and Rui Vasques, creator of the Eco-Village Community. Between the two panels there will also be a space for reflection on the theme "Sustainable Mobility: the challenges of an integrated approach", to be addressed by Franco Caruso, the breeze. See the program here.

During this Conference, participants will have the opportunity to participate in "Electric Renault Experience". Between the 8:30 and the 04:00 pm, Renault Portugal will be at Culturgest with ZOE and the TWIZY, symbols of a new era, to get to know more about these electric vehicles. Join the Conference and schedule your test drive here.

The Conference "Cities for people" has the sponsorship of Renault and ADENE support, Breeze and SPV.

Read More

Boom Festival: more than 80% of the building materials are reused

Between 4 and 11 August, the Herdade da Granja, in Idanha-a-Nova will receive another edition of the Boom Festival, which is held every two years, by the time of the full moon. Awarded and recognized for its ecological component, this year's event will be similar to previous editions with regard to sustainability.

More than 80% of the materials that the Organization will use in the construction of the festival, which extends over an area of 150 hectares of land, are reused or natural origin. In total, there are more than 15 thousand tons of wood, 50 thousand tons of plastic and 600 tons of recycled metal that will be used in the construction of the facilities and structures. Most materials is reused from previous editions of Boom or courtesy of other festivals like Rock in Rio.

The reuse of these materials allowed prevent 2012 Edition of the festival were sent 315 tons of garbage to landfills, the corresponding to 800 tons of carbon dioxide, refers to the Organization in a statement.

Throughout the various editions, the organisation has been to use sustainable energy resources, water treatment systems, the reuse of building materials, regenerating habitats and ecosystems, promote recycling and composting, as well as public transport and car-sharing and implement composting toilets.

"With the aim of sharing a concrete example of the fun and sustainability can coexist in a festival, and bearing in mind that the construction industry is responsible for 25% of CO2 emissions, the Boom Festival opts for alternative methods such as bio-construção, minimizing the use of materials that require a great deal of energy in its manufacture or transport", reads the statement. In this way, the event draws on natural products, such as straw bales, Earth, wood, bamboo, reeds and stones to build the enclosure.

In 2012, the Boom Festival recycle about nine tons of trash and the organization expects to surpass this value at this year.

The Boom has been distinguished by its ecological component and has already received awards as "Outstanding Greener Festival" and the "Green 'n' Clean Festival of the Year" in 2010, and even the "Green Inspiration", in 2012.

Foto: yvette Soler / Creative Commons

Read More

Solved mystery of matter out of black holes supermaciços

One of the oldest mysteries about the dynamics of black holes supermaciços, and their impacts on galactic evolution, was revealed by an international team of astrophysicists.

Through the ESO Very Large Technical (VLT), located in the Atacama desert, in northern Chile, researchers from the United Kingdom, Netherlands and United States have studied the nucleus of a nearby galaxy of the milky way with great detail. The Galaxy, called IC5063, has a black hole supermaciço which seems to have central jets of fast exit of molecular hydrogen. The IC5063 is a very active Seyfert Galaxy with bright core.

Many active galactic nuclei were observed with these jets of hydrogen and, once the molecular hydrogen is key to the formation of stars, astronomers have concluded that his ejection has impacts on star formation and, as such, in galactic evolution.

Supermaciços black holes are the largest type of black hole, with solar masses in the hundreds of thousands of millions. It is believed that all, or almost all, of the galaxies have a supermaciço black hole at its Center. Thus, the activity of these super black holes can control the amount of gas supplied to the regions of star formation.

But how is that black holes propel this hydrogen thousands of miles per hour? Until now, scientists have not realized how was the process. On the basis of the comments made by the VLT, astrophysicists found that the output of hydrogen is propelled by jets of relativistic electrons, which are ejected from the dynamic environment of the black hole. Whenever highly energetic electrons pass through the clouds of molecular hydrogen, the gas is transported out of the Galaxy, serving of food to the nurseries of stars.

"Much of the gas that comes out is in the form of molecular hydrogen, which is fragile in the sense that it can be destroyed with relatively low energies," says Clive Tadhunter, University of Sheffield, who led the research, cites the Discovery News.  "It is extraordinary that the molecular gas can survive the acceleration of electron jets that move at speeds close to the light", indicates the astrophysicist.

The research was published in Nature and provides a little clue of what may happen to the milky way when it collides with the nearby Andromeda, in five billion years. The merger of the two galaxies will inject material into the Centre of black holes supermaciços, giving rise to powerful jets of molecular hydrogen. When this occurs, the matter for the formation of new stars will occur by changing the evolutionary result of the milky way.

Read More

Ex-spy station is a new hotel in the middle of the Arctic

Some people like to spend their holidays in tropical climates and warm. Others prefer colder locations or even snow and locations more coy. For the latter there is a new retreat halfway of the Arctic â€" the Isfjord Radio.

This hotel is located in the Svalbard archipelago, which belongs to Norway, located between the Mainland and the North Pole. During the cold war, the building of the Isfjord Radio was a spy station and an important center of telecommunications between the archipelago the continent.

The only way to reach the place is by snowmobile or dogsled, during the winter, or by boat through ice fjord-a trip of a few hours where you can see Arctic birds, walruses and even whales. Visit the hotel during April and August you can experience the midnight sun, since the Sun during the day 12:0 am is also sometimes possible to see polar bears, although it is rare. It is estimated that 3,000 live polar bears in Svalbard, referred to the Daily Mail.

The hotel can accommodate 49 people and has 23 rooms available and even your own wine. The Isfjord Radio is open between the beginning of February and the end of September, with prices ranging from € 234 and €288 per person with dinner and breakfast included.

.fancybox-wrap { position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; z-index: 8020; } .fancybox-skin { position: relative; /*margin-top:20px !important;*/ background: #222222; color: #74b32e; text-shadow: none; -webkit-border-radius: 2px; -moz-border-radius: 2px; border-radius: 2px; } .fancybox-opened { z-index: 8030; } .fancybox-opened .fancybox-skin { -webkit-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); -moz-box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); } .fancybox-outer, .fancybox-inner { position: relative; } .fancybox-inner { overflow: hidden; } .fancybox-type-iframe .fancybox-inner { -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; } .fancybox-close{ background: url('wp-content/themes/codistage/styles/fancybox/exit.png') no-repeat; width:25px; height:25px; float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-right:5px; } /*.ngg-gallery-image img{width:565px; height:393px;}*/

Read More