Earth & Sky - oceans

Seeking genes to make rice healthier

2008-07-20T08:00:00Z

Much of Earth’s population today depends on rice for food. In the fight against world hunger, David Salt of Purdue University in Indiana is looking for the genes that regulate micronutrients and trying to create a nutrient-packed rice plant.

Scientists discover ocean current ‘stripes’

2008-05-31T08:00:00Z

Scientists have never had an accurate map of ocean currents, until now. Hear about oceanographer Peter Niiler’s recent discoveries about ocean currents, and how the ocean affects climate.

Global warming may change ocean biology

2008-05-18T08:00:00Z

Global warming could push ocean life in new directions, warns Jorge Sarmiento of Princeton University. Hear about Sarmiento’s research on how small temperature changes could have a big impact on ocean biology.

Mystery ocean dead zones in Pacific Northwest

2008-05-04T08:00:00Z

Six dead zones in the past six years, but none before that. That’s what scientists have discovered in the Pacific ocean off the northwest U.S. coast. Marine biologist Jane Lubchenco talk about what might be causing these “virtual wastelands.”

Clear skies spell trouble for Arctic sea ice

2008-05-03T08:00:00Z

Clear summer skies might be great for picnics, but sea ice does better with some cloud cover. Scientist Jennifer Kay talks about the dramatic loss of sea ice this past summer.