Arcos Cielos Research Center

Archive for the ‘Global Ecology’ Category

Scientists “Listen” to Plants to Monitor Water Pollution

Tuesday, August 19th, 2008

Israeli scientists would seem to have discovered a new way to test for Water Pollution by “listening” to sound waves which microscopic algae emit during the process of Photosynthesis. By shining a laser beam on the algae in the water, researchers can analyze the sound waves emitted to determine the amounts and composition of contamination in the water. Since approximately 44 percent of the world’s population live in areas which are subject to aquatic pollution stress, it is critical to monitor these water sources, using the algae as a “bio-indicator” of sort of biological computer. To read the full story, CLICK HERE.

African “Tree of Life” as a New Ecological Resource

Sunday, August 10th, 2008

Villagers in Senegal have always known about the health benefits of the majestic Baobab Tree, an ancient ecological treasure which is scattered across the African savannas. Some of these ancient trees are said to date back to the time of Christ. A new company, PhytoTrade Africa has now been established to protect the trees as a natural resource, and also provide a new source of sustainable fair-trade revenue for local villagers, who plan to export the fruits and their products to European and World markets. Already between 150 and 200 tons of the Baobab fruit are being collected from each harvest. Scientists estimate that the fruit has three times the amount of Vitamin C as oranges and more calcium than a glass of milk. According to the International Centre for Underutilized Crops at the University of Southhampton, the Baobab is the “Fruit of the Future,” since it is rich in Vitamins C, B1, B2, and Calcium, and chock-full of antioxidants. To read the full story. CLICK HERE.