Breaking Waves: Ocean News

Phenomenon, often seen around Britain’s coast at this time of year, is caused by a combination of algae and weather At this time of year a sinister-looking substance can often be sighted around Britain’s coast: a frothy foam piled up along the shoreline or appearing in long ribbons offshore. People sometimes assume this foam is the result of pollution or sewage dumping. In fact it is a common natural phenomenon produced by a combination of algae and weather. Sea algae start to grow in April as conditions warm. The most common sort, phaeocystis, is not toxic and forms part of the marine food chain. When the algal bloom dies it leaves a brown scum of organic material with surfactant properties, which, like soap, lowers the surface tension of the water. Continue reading...

Cancer Research UK figures show number diagnosed with most serious form of skin cancer has risen above 20,000 for first time The number of cases from the most serious form of skin cancer have reached a record high across the UK, according to analysis by a leading cancer charity. Melanoma cases in the UK have risen above 20,000 for the first time ever, with 20,980 people being diagnosed with the form of cancer in 2022, according to analysis of the latest figures by Cancer Research UK. Continue reading...

Research led by WHO predicts hotter climate will lead to more contact between humans and venomous snakes The risk of snakebites is increasing across the world as reptiles shift their habitats to cope with rising temperatures and growing human pressures, a study of venomous snakes has found. Spitting cobras in Africa, vipers in Europe and South America, cottonmouth moccasins in North America and kraits in Asia are coming into greater contact with people as a result of climate disruption and landscape change, according to the research, which was led by the World Health Organization. Continue reading...

EPA is loosening Biden-era rule that requires US businesses to reduce greenhouse gases used in cooling equipment The Trump administration is set to loosen a federal rule that requires grocery stores and air-conditioning companies to reduce greenhouse gases used in cooling equipment, in what officials say is a push to lower grocery costs. The head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Lee Zeldin, said the Biden-era rule imposes costly restrictions that limit the type of refrigerants US businesses and families can use. Continue reading...