Topic: Madagascar

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Quadrantid meteors and 11 other big skywatching events of 2012

What lies ahead sky-wise for 2012? Joe Rao, SPACE.com Skywatching Columnist, selected what he considers to be the top 12 "skylights" for this coming year,

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How a remote-controlled cockroach might come to your rescue

A new cyborg roach is the prototype to a search-and-rescue insect that could be dispatched to hunt for survivors in disaster zones.
Fish seeks mate: London Zoo seeking open-minded female cichlid

Officials at the London Zoo are desperately seeking a female mate for two male Mangarahara cichlids, two of the last known remaining members of their species.
Was Africa the motherland of dinosaur predecessors?

The ancestors of dinosaurs might have established themselves in present-day Tanzania and Zambia, suggest newly discovered fossils.
Difference Maker Paul Giniès turned a failing African university into a world-class problem-solver

Today 2iE is recognized as a 'center of excellence' producing top-notch home-grown African engineers ready to address the continent's problems.
For some farmers, a return to animal power

A nonprofit based in Michigan teaches animal-powered farming at home and abroad. Draft power, or animal traction, is a method smaller farmers still use because draft animals cost less than tractors and require no fuel.
Giant egg for sale: Massive egg was laid by now-extinct giant bird

The giant egg available for sale was laid by a now-extinct giant bird that resembled an 11-foot tall ostrich. The egg is about 100 times the size of an average chicken's.
Thailand to end ivory trade?

Thailand's prime minister pledges to put an end to her nation's ivory trade. But she sets no timeline for ending the ivory trade, which is helping boost illegal poaching in Africa.
North Korea sends its first tweet over 3G service

North Korea's 3G cellular network is up and running, as proven by a warm "hello" sent out through Twitter. 3G service is new to North Korea, but its own citizens cannot use it.
Did scientists find a lost continent beneath the Indian Ocean?

Analyzing beach sand from Mauritius, scientists discovered minerals between 660 million and 1,970 million years old, suggesting an ancient, lost continent beneath the Indian Ocean.
Of 25 primates on brink of extinction, a quarter in Madagascar

The report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature was released at the United Nations' Convention on Biological Diversity being held in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad.
Loco for cocoa: Artisanal chocolate looks to Mesoamerican roots in Nicaragua

Artisanal chocolate is taking off, with many small chocolatiers taking production back to the basics.
Gibson Guitar Corporation admits to importing endangered wood

Gibson Guitar Corporation acknowledged Monday that its importations of exotic wood, including ebony, violated environmental laws. Federal prosecutors will drop criminal charges against Gibson Guitar Corporation, and the Nashville-based insturment maker will pay a hefty fine.
Lemurs likely most endangered vertebrates, biologists report

More than nine out of 10 lemur species are threatened, conservationists concluded this week in Madagascar, home to more threatened species than any other country.
Africa Monitor United States' new sub-Saharan African plan: trade not aid

The Obama administration is signalling that the US is changing the way it does the aid business, promoting bilateral trade rather than one-way grants and loans.
Democracy 101: tiny Lesotho holds peaceful election

After a number of setbacks, with disputed elections leading to civil war, the African kingdom of Lesotho holds an election that boots the incumbent. A coalition government is in the works.
Backchannels Coup predictions: Africa doesn't look as volatile as you might think

Recent coups in Mali and Guinea-Bissau don't amount to a big continental shift, according to a new statistical analysis.
Change Agent Fast-track breeding could bring a second Green Revolution

Green revolution: Fast-track breeding is beginning to develop crops that can produce more and healthier food – without controversial genetic engineering.
Crippled Costa cruise ship to reach land Thursday (+video)

Those aboard the Costa Allegra, a sister ship of the cruise liner that capsized off Italy last month, faced more stifling days and nights before the vessel docks in the tropical paradise.
Costa cruise ship stranded in pirate waters near the Seychelles

Costa Allegra, a cruise ship with 1,000 people on board, had a fire in the engine room. The cruise ship, stranded in Somali pirate waters, is now being towed to the Seychelles.
World's tiniest chameleon: How did it get so small?

Scientists recently discovered four new species of chameleons in Madagascar. One of them – Brookesia micra – is the smallest chameleon in the world. This species may have evolved through a phenomenon known as island dwarfism.
Hawk-eyed scientists spot world's smallest chameleon

A chameleon that could rest on the head of a match has been discovered by scientists on a island off Madagascar. The scientists also announced the discovery of three more species of tiny chameleons.
African Union summit: disunity on display

With the leadership of the African Union in question, old powers like France and new powers like China are vying for influence. Will peacekeeping missions and conflict resolution efforts suffer?
Quadrantid meteors and 11 other big skywatching events of 2012

What lies ahead sky-wise for 2012? Joe Rao, SPACE.com Skywatching Columnist, selected what he considers to be the top 12 "skylights" for this coming year,
Is Indian investment in Ethiopian farms a 'land grab?' (VIDEO)

Investment by Indian-owned Karuturi Global has raised questions about whether Ethiopia is literally giving away the farm, or conversely, launching a 'green revolution' to help Ethiopia feed itself.
12/23/2011 08:56 am
Change Agent Movirtu – building a virtual mobile phone for the developing world

Nigel Waller wants to bring 'virtual mobile phone' service to the Bottom of the Pyramid – the poorest of the world's poor.
10/25/2011 11:25 am