The most-studied mass extinction in Earth history happened 65 million years ago and is widely thought to have wiped out the dinosaurs. New research indicates that a separate extinction came shortly before that, triggered by volcanic eruptions that warmed the planet and killed life on the ocean floor. This research was undertaken by ESS‘ Thomas Tobin, Peter Ward, Eric Steig and others. 

“It turns out cars aren’t that heavy compared to saturated soil.” UpGarden, the first rooftop community garden in the country is on top of the Mercer Street Parking Garage, and its seen both challenges and successes in its inaugural growing season. Read all about it here! 

It’s been about 15 years since the state of Oregon started working to harness wave power for energy. Things are really speeding up with this technology, although some would rather we take it slow and assess the side-effects before, rather than after, large-scale implementation. University of Washington is mentioned in this overview of the history and state of wave-generated energy. 

How do you find nature in the city? What if you’ve never been outside the city before? This intrepid science educator seeks to do just that, by pointing out the nature hidden all around us to children in urban environments. Check out this intriguing story about Molly Steinwald; Dean Lisa Graumlich is quoted. 

A temperature record derived from measurements of an ice core drilled on James Ross Island, Antarctica, prompts a rethink of what has triggered the recent warming trends on the Antarctic Peninsula.  Read more about what Eric Steig – professor of Earth and Space Sciences – has to say about this.