Science & Space

Solar Roadways

by Action Advisor on May 15, 2012

What if roads and parking lots were solar, fuelling enough energy from the sun to power nearby communities as well as electric vehicles?

Co-inventors/founders of Solar Roadways Scott and Julie Brusaw, have the answer.

This video from Focus Forward Films explores how the world is being reshaped by solar roads, bionic eyes, honour codes, and one legendary drum machine.

Join the conversation and tweet #SOLARROADWAY to have your tweet featured on the Focus Forward website.

Learn about the infinite solutions of Solar Roadways or follow them on Twitter.

Check out more films in the Focus Forward series on Vimeo.

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MM- IDLE WILD

by Action Advisor on May 2, 2012

In the months of winter earth’s mammals seek shelter from the cold – hibernating in their dens until the harsh conditions of the season pass.

Providing their bellies are full and havens secure, remaining idle over winter has restorative benefits beyond sheer survival.

Taking a lead from the idle wild, this month we provide winter resources for a restorative break in hibernation.

With the larder full and a cozy fire ablaze, settle down with a hot cocoa and begin a journey exploring nature on the net.

Today, expeditions of a virtual nature have evolved to offer a rich experience enhanced by visual technology. The perfect way to enjoy your winter hibernation – wandering without bounds to the farthest reaches of earth, absorbing insights to the mysteries of the wild.

Winter Resources for a Restorative Hibernation

PBS NATURE: Here you will find a library of wild documentaries including ‘Radioactive Wolves’ and ‘Bears of the Last Frontier’. Browse by topic, animal or season – with interactive extras and additional resources for educators.

Sound Science: This radio news and documentary project reports on energy, climate, ecology and more – offering audio with text transcript. ‘In His Home on the Ice’ audio episode of Sound Science explores the impacts of climate change on polar bears, using the story of a mother bear who swam for nine days in order to reach the sea ice where the animals live and feed as a case study.

National Geographic Everest 2012: Take on Everest with the expedition team from Nat Geo, following climbers Conrad Anker and Cory Richards in real time. Read field notes, view photos, and video that make you a part of the journey!

Animal Planet: Captivating footage with fun facts – this site entertains as it educates, with episodes from popular series featured on Animal Planet. Shows like, ‘Must Love Cats’ with John Fulton who travels to each corner of the United States in search of amazing cats. And, ‘Frozen Planet’ narrated by award-winning actor Alec Baldwin this series is the ultimate portrait of our earth’s polar regions, where the scale and beauty of the scenery and sheer power of the natural elements are unlike anywhere else on the planet.

These links will get you started, and hopefully inspire you to continue exploring wild resources on the web!

Seek Adventure, Save Wildlife.
Chief Editor ~ Inga Yandell

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Heroe’s of the Wild

by Action Advisor on May 1, 2012

Species around the world face new challenges that stress their ability to adapt or compete for their survival. Rapid changes in climate are impacting whole ecosystems, population growth is diminishing global resources – consuming energy, polluting the environment and encroaching on natural habitats.

But, amidst this minefield of obstacles endangering the world’s wildlife, emerge individuals pioneering conservation efforts that not only prevent further species loss but help reverse the decline.

In our May/June 2012 issue ‘OUT NOW’, we pay homage to the Heroe’s of the Wild. Their inspiring stories showcase ingenuity, innovation and our ability to profit nature through positive, sustainable actions.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

From the fastest wild cat on earth to one of the most cryptic, we explore conservation projects in Namibia helping save the cheetah, then track jaguars with Boone Smith and Panthera in the Amazon as part of a research project to create a wildlife corridor (in our feature report ‘PLAN JAGUAR’).

The science is fascinating but the spirit of these individuals holds the greatest value. Through their eyes, one realizes the beauty we stand to lose and how commitment and creativity can change all that!

Discover the culture and countryside of Bhutan, learn about the ‘Digital Earth’ tools scientists are developing to enhance global education of geography and take to the wild mountain slopes with Josh Dueck, the first person to perform a backflip in the snow on Sit Ski.

I hope you enjoy Bare Essentials ‘tribute special’ and will consider sharing it with friend’s and family.

Access is FREE, making inspiration and information available to all.

Seek Adventure, Save Wildlife.
Chief Editor ~ Inga Yandell

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Radioactive Wolves

by Action Advisor on April 29, 2012

What happens to nature after a nuclear accident? And how does wildlife deal with the world it inherits after human inhabitants have fled? In anticipation of the 25th anniversary of the historic nuclear accident at Chernobyl, filmmakers and scientists set out to document the lives and genetics of packs of wolves and other wildlife thriving in the “dead zone” which still surrounds the remains of the reactor.

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Bacteria and Biomimicry

by Action Advisor on April 25, 2012

How does nature repel bacteria? Biomimicry studies reveal the skin pattern of sharks in the Galapagos acts as a natural repellent to bacteria. Vital insights for reducing the use of antibiotics, harsh cleansers and fighting superbugs. Currently the world’s population of sharks is under threat – targeted for their fins which are used to make soup. This video highlights why studying the species instead, is of far greater value. “Sharks are much more valuable to us evolving a great idea than they are sitting in our soup” ~ Janine Benyus

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