science news 20.6.2019

Today's selection of science news. Links are normally to press releases on EurekAlert (at the bottom end I may also add a couple of newspaper stories). I include quotes from the summary (using quotation marks) in cases where the title alone doesn't reveal what the story is about. My own thoughts appear without quotation marks, if I have any.


earth

The secret of platinum deposits revealed by field observations in South Africa


climate change

Melting of Himalayan glaciers has doubled in recent years


ecology

Marine microbiology -- Successful extremists
"In nutrient-poor deep-sea sediments, microbes belonging to the Archaea have outcompeted bacterial microorganisms for millions of years. Their ability to efficiently scavenge dead cells makes them the basal producers in the food chain."

Finding 'Nemo's' family tree of anemones



One of the 10 known species of clownfish-hosting sea anemones is Heteractis magnifica, or the "magnificent anemone."
Credit: © B. Titus


bees

US beekeepers lost over 40% of colonies last year, highest winter losses ever recorded


recycling

Upcycling process brings new life to old jeans
"an efficient, low-cost method that can convert waste denim into viscose-type fibers that are either white or the original color of the garment."


humans

Fresh look at mysterious Nasca lines in Peru


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From the news media:

The "car-free day London" announced today is a bit of a flop as it only closes 20 km of roads. I've done a quick calculation and found that's less than the size of a B5 envelope (half an A4 page) for each Londoner. Anyhow, here's George Monbiot flying the flag for more radical measures to make cities car-free.