Month: March 2011
Pulse of the Planet Daily Audio
Early Spring: Unexpected Conditions
Warming weather and increased snowfall send mixed signals to migrating species.
March 30, 2011Early Spring: Harbingers
A broad range of species of plants are blooming up to 46 days earlier now than they did three decades ago. The reason, biologists say, is global climate change.
March 29, 2011Science Diary: How Toxins Move – Down the River
Science Diarist Michael Hochella explains how waterborne toxins move with unexpected swiftness.
March 28, 2011Science Diary: How Toxins Move – Found It!
Science Diarist Michael Hochella captures an image of an elusive nanoparticle.
March 25, 2011Science Diary: How Toxins Move-Samples
Preparing samples for a high-tech microscope employs a surprisingly low-tech method.
March 24, 2011Science Diary: How Toxins Move – Shelved
The reality of scientific research is that it often must take a back seat to the demands of life!
March 23, 2011Science Diary: How Toxins Move – The Search
Join Science Diarist Michael Hochella on the hunt for elusive nanoparticles.
March 22, 2011Noruz: Triumph of Tradition
Although the government of Iran tried to suppress it, the venerable holiday of Noruz continues to be one of that nation’s most popular celebrations.
March 21, 2011Phagwah: Parade
In Queens, a festival takes place at the time of the full moon every March. Participants celebrate with “call and response” style singing, and the playing of indigenous drums and cymbals.
March 18, 2011Phagwah: Powder
In an Indo-Caribbean community an ancient festival of spring is celebrated with colored baby powder.
March 17, 2011Noruz
The first day of spring marks the start of an ancient holiday.
March 16, 2011Noruz: Customs
Noruz means “new day” and it’s celebrated with new clothes, gift-giving and bonfires.
March 15, 2011Science Diary: How Toxins Move – Comparison
The pristine waters of Montana’s Rock Creek provide a control sample for researchers studying the state’s more polluted waterways.
March 14, 2011Cajun Mardi Gras: The Song
In Basile, LA, when a band of masked Mardi Gras revelers comes to your door, here’s the song they’ll likely be singing.
March 11, 2011Cajun Mardi Gras: Tickling
There are many ways to celebrate Mardi Gras. In the rural Cajun communities of south Louisiana, it’s organized mayhem.
March 10, 2011Cajun Mardi Gras: Elton Run
Most of us know about Mardi Gras from the famous festivities in New Orleans. But in rural Louisiana , Cajuns celebrate the holiday in a style all their own.
March 9, 2011Cajun Mardi Gras: In Disguise
As Cajuns in Louisiana celebrate Mardi Gras this week, revelers disguise themselves and beg for food and money from their neighbors, to support a communal gumbo.
March 8, 2011Cajun Mardi Gras: Feast
Mardi Gras is a holiday with its roots in ancient European traditions. There are good reasons why it happens at this time of year.
March 7, 2011Cajun Mardi Gras: Biggest Day
When dozens of people in bright costumes, masks and pointy hats are riding around in flatbed trucks raising a ruckus, you can bet you’re in Cajun Louisiana for Mardi Gras.
March 4, 2011Science Diary: How Toxins Move – Restoration
Restoration work has improved vegetation in areas polluted by mine runoff.
March 3, 2011Science Diary: How Toxins Move – Headwaters
Geochemist Michael Hochella is ankle-deep and collecting samples in the Clark Fork River’s headwaters.
March 2, 2011Science Diary: How Toxins Move – Hours in the Library
Before scientists head into the field, they hit the stacks.
March 1, 2011Science Diary: How Toxins Move – Clark Fork River
Science Diarist Michael Hochella is on the trail of an elusive nanoparticle.