In the papers...

Excess pesticide could raise Parkinson's risk 

People with Parkinson's disease have markedly higher levels of an organochloride pesticide, called -hexachlorocyclohexane, in their blood compared to the general population, according to research carried out in the US. This finding may lead to a blood test that could identify individuals at risk of developing the condition. The Independent, 14 July 2009 

Great Barrier Reef in decline 

The Great Barrier Reef will be unrecognisable in 20 years due to increasing sea temperatures, according to world-class marine scientists. Talking at a meeting on the future of coral reefs in London, the experts also warned that raising carbon dioxide levels - and the resulting lowering in the pH of the ocean - would have a 'double-whammy' effect on this fragile ecosystem. The Times, 7 July 2009 

Whacked-out wallabies 

Tasmanian wallabies have been found breaking into poppy plantations in the Australian island, getting high and stumbling around forming crop circles. Tasmania is the world's largest producer of legally-grown opium, which is used to make morphine and other opiate-based painkillers. Wallabies are not the only culprits, however, with sheep and deer also partaking. The Guardian, 26 June 2009 

One of the world's largest solar panels goes up in flames 

A fire at a 300 square metre solar panel in Germany has raised concerns over the future of BP's alternative energy arm. The fire, combined with the fact BP have previously had problems with some of their junction boxes overheating, has caused other members of the industry to express concerns about the safety of BP's equipment. This blow comes less than a month after the company's chief executive questioned the economics of solar energy. The Independent, 14 July 2009