March 31, 2015

If Buildings Could Harvest Electricity

Could a smart building be smart enough to transform the motion that takes place inside it, into electricity?

March 30, 2015

If Buildings Could Listen

With over 200 vibrometers, this building is keeping track of the movements of its inhabitants.

March 27, 2015

If Buildings Could Talk

One of the world’s most instrumented buildings is a living laboratory of vibrations.

March 26, 2015

Disaster Preparation – Social Media

Social media is changing the way that we respond to a natural disaster.

March 25, 2015

Early Spring – Marmot’s Choice

Marmots risk starvation because of misleading cues that spring has arrived in the Rocky Mountains.

March 24, 2015

Early Spring – Unexpected Conditions

Warming weather and increased snowfall send mixed signals to migrating species.

March 23, 2015

Early 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 20, 2015

Noruz – 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 19, 2015

Noruz – Persian New Year

The first day of spring marks the start of an ancient holiday.

March 18, 2015

Noruz – Customs

Noruz means “new day” and it’s celebrated with new clothes, gift-giving and bonfires.

March 17, 2015

Disaster Preparation – Too Much of a Good Thing

Sending supplies to a disaster stricken area is best left to relief organizations.

March 16, 2015

Disaster Preparation – Help Gets in the Way

When a natural disaster strikes, one of the problems that relief agencies run into are people who want to help!

March 13, 2015

Science Diary: Mohonk – Signals from Nature

Naturalists tune in to the rhythms of nature using all of our senses.

March 12, 2015

Disaster Preparation – Partners

When planning for a disaster like a hurricane or an earthquake, partnerships can play a important role.

March 11, 2015

Skating Canal – Winter Beauty

The Rideau Canal in Ottawa offers skating enthusiasts miles to glide while enjoying the beauty of winter.

March 10, 2015

Skating Canal – Winter Tradition

A skating canal in Ontario has become a national symbol of winter in Canada.

March 9, 2015

Phagwah – 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 6, 2015

Phagwah – Powder

In an Indo-Caribbean community an ancient festival of spring is celebrated with colored baby powder.

March 5, 2015

Phagwah – Meaning

The most joyful festival of the Indo-Caribbean culture is in early spring. Phagwah is a celebration of the rebirth of nature and the spirit of young love.

March 4, 2015

Tully Ice Harvest – History

These days, if you want ice, you just go to the freezer and get it. But some folks remember when ice was delivered door to door in huge blocks.

March 3, 2015

Tully Ice Harvest – Cutting

At an annual festival in upstate New York, they cut blocks of ice out of a frozen lake and pack them in sawdust. In the summer, they’ll use the ice to make homemade ice cream.

March 2, 2015

Tully Ice Harvest – Prepare

Every year at this time, folks in Tully, New York, harvest ice out of a frozen lake the old-fashioned way, with horsepower and antique tools.