The Wapichan or Wapishana tribe of Guyana is an isolated community of fewer than 6,000 people that live on the edge of the rainforest around South America's Rupununi Savannah, one of the world's largest open ranges of savannah lands. Located in Guyana between the Rupununi River and the Brazilian border, the 5,000 square mile area of pristine grasslands, swamplands, and rain-forested mountains has been the source of food and water for the tribe for centuries. Unfortunately, their means of subsistence is now being threatened by illegal logging and gold mining activities....
Read news articleNeed a computer but can't afford the high cost? Then you are in luck. That's because a team of brilliant engineers from Oakland-based Next Thing recently unveiled one that costs a mere $9! Called CHIP, the tiny machine is equipped with a fully-functional operating system that includes dozens of open-source applications such as pre-installed word processing, photo and audio editing, web access, and email....
Read news articleTexas, the second most populous U.S. state and India's capital Delhi may lie in two different continents and over 8,300 miles apart. But over the past few weeks, both have made headlines for the same reason - extreme weather. The only difference is that while Texas is being inundated with torrential rains, Delhi has been experiencing a heat wave so severe that it is melting the roads....
Read news articleOne of the first signs visitors encounter at most museums is, "Please do not touch the exhibits." However at the new "Hoy toca el Prado" (Come touch the Prado) exhibition at Madrid's Museo Nacional Del Prado, the officials don't just encourage the habit, they insist upon it. That's because this unique art display has been specially created to enable visually impaired patrons to experience the joy of the works of some of the world's most famous artists, just like non-disabled people can....
Read news articleThe Port of Astoria in Oregon is battling an unusual challenge - how to rid the area of the over 2,300 sea lions that have taken up residence on the piers, without harming them. That's because while the squabbling pinnipeds may be adorable to look at, they are a nuisance and extremely destructive, especially in such large numbers....
Read news articleLost Lake in Central Oregon is a mysterious natural wonder. During winter, it resembles any other large body of freshwater. However, as drier weather kicks in the water disappears, transforming the 85-acre 'lake' into a beautiful meadow. Turns out that there is a logical answer to this magical phenomenon - a tube or tunnel created by an ancient lava flow that drains out the water....
Read news articleCreating a "green" or carbon neutral fuel to replace gasoline has been the holy grail for scientists for many years. However, while there has been some progress with inventions like electric batteries and biofuel, most options are either too expensive or not commercially viable to compete effectively with the fossil fuel. Now automobile manufacturer Audi is stepping up to the challenge with diesel made from carbon dioxide and water....
Read news articleHow often have you walked out from your favorite store with a great sense of accomplishment for snagging an incredible pair of jeans or a gorgeous dress for next to "nothing?" However, would you feel as smug if you knew that the person who made it works in an unsafe environment and gets paid next to "nothing?" This was what the folks at advocacy group Fashion Revolution recently decided to put to test in Berlin, Germany....
Read news articleThough there are numerous saltwater lakes around the world, none can compare to the Dead Sea. Located between Israel and Jordan in the Middle East, the water of this landlocked lake boasts salt levels almost ten times that of oceans. The unusual salinity can be attributed to the fact that there is no outlet for the minerals to leave, causing them to accumulate. The same is not true of the water level, which remains constant due an almost even inflow from the Jordan River and loss through evaporation....
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