agriculture
Research into genetic modification of trees may enable more deforestation
Scientists are studying how to genetically modify desirable trees in order to make them more commercially beneficial. They say it will allow us to grow more productive trees on less land, protecting natural forests -- but environmentalists say it will just increase deforestation by giving businesses something better to do with the land.
Sri Lankan scientists create renewable batteries powered by plantain trees
About a quarter of all people worldwide live without electricity. For them, evenings and nights are spent by candlelight or kerosene lamp. But a group of scientists in Sri Lanka say they have found a creative way to bring simple electric lighting to rural households.
Researcher says rising corn prices could spark global food riots
The United States is the largest producer of one of the most world's important crops: corn. We use it to feed people, livestock and, when it's turned into ethanol, cars. But as the country faces the worst drought in more than 50 years, some experts say the U.S. can no longer afford to turn that food into fuel.
Get ready for higher prices: Drought makes it tough for Mississippi River shipping
The persistent drought across much of the United States has another casualty, the water in the Mississippi River. One of America's primary ways for shipping commodities to markets around the world, the low water levels means smaller barges, closed stretches of the river and, eventually, higher prices for all of us.
Amidst violence, hunger emerges as major threat to Syria
Syria's crops are spoling in the country's fields. The nation's livestock are being starved, sold or killed. According to a new report from the United Nations, Syrians are in danger of starving if urgent aid isn't provided.
Ag Secretary calls on Congress to act to speed relief to drought-stricken farmers
Tom Vilsack, the U.S. Agriculture Secretary, says his agency has taken a number of steps to try and mitigate the situation for farmers and ranchers. But real relief won't come, he says, unless Congress takes action. So far, with summer break looming, that hasn't happened.
Experts say effects of U.S. drought likely to ripple across the globe
The effect of this summer's drought in the United States may well be felt around the world soon. That's because the U.S. is the world's biggest corn exporter. As harvests fall and prices rise, many of world's poor will feel the squeeze.
Farmers struggle as historic draught diminishes crop yields
More than half of the United States is in one of the worst droughts to hit America in recorded history. Farmers are among those who have suffered the most so far. But fewer crops means higher food prices for all Americans in the months ahead.
Resturant chain Chipotle backs FDA guidelines on animal antibiotic use
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently introduced a voluntary plan to limit the use of antibiotics on farm animals, a move that restaurant chain Chipotle says is long overdue.
Brazil's new forest code faces international opposition
Environmentalists around the world have their eyes on Brazil. A controversial new version of the Forest Code, the law designed to protect Brazil's forests, has passed through parliament and awaits President Dilma Rousseff's signature.
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Alexander Smartg (16 May, 2013 06:00:20)Outlaw employers, the modern plantation owners, hire the emminently exploitable, down-trodden all in the name of lowering the sacred "bottom line"! -
peter - stop smoking south africa (16 May, 2013 09:17:56)"32 percent continued to smoke while pregnant".... scary. I know there are people who just don't care, but to do this to your child in this ...
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filthyliberalDOTcom (15 May, 2013 07:54:55)They're acting like children who have been caught ignoring an assigned job. Ridiculous. If this man hid them from neighbors, what do they think they ...
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Saje Williams (13 May, 2013 06:52:47)Yeah. I can't imagine why anyone would look at groups that advocate tax evasion for evidence of tax evasion. It would be like ...
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Kristin (13 May, 2013 02:26:21)Dear Takeaway, He was definitely not building a pristine golf course. Pristine means untouched and unspoiled and in original condition. A golf course is as ...