Science News

Collaborations with various media allow us to create a bank of science news of relevance to the Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities and give a venue that our scientific members can use to keep their communities informed and engaged with science.

Also, the news archive can be used as a resource for students and educators

In this section you can find: news written by members of the CienciaPR team and written by other news media and which are reproduced with permission from the original source.

If you want to collaborate with CienciaPR in writing an article, please read this writing and editorial guide and then contact us.

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Vega Baja and Florida's garbage dumps ordered closed by EPA

Submitted on 29 June 2007 - 11:08am

This article is reproduced by CienciaPR with permission from the original source.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was forced to order the closure of the Vega Baja and Florida garbage dumps, after unsuccessfully trying to negotiate with managers of the dumps. In both cases the poor management of the garbage dumps represents a “potential threat” to fresh water resources. The Land Authority, owner of the land where the Vega Baja dump is, and the Waste Disposal Management Inc., manager of the Florida garbage dumps expose themselves to $6,500 a day fines if they don’t comply with the arrangements that include stop dumping garbage in the dumps by 2009, take measures to control the contamination they produce and keep the areas closed.

Coqui Llanero leaps into history

Submitted on 29 June 2007 - 11:01am

This article is reproduced by CienciaPR with permission from the original source.

The Coqui Llanero has its own identity. From now on this amphibian is known as Eleutherodactylus juanariveroi, in honor of Juan A. Rivero, a distinguished Puerto Rican that has dedicated his life to study amphibians. However, the Coqui Llanero needs more than a name to survive. In spite of their small numbers and the fact that it lives in the smallest habitat than any other coqui –a small wetland in Toa Baja- it has not been properly protected.

Radiotelescope needs funding

Submitted on 29 June 2007 - 10:59am

This article is reproduced by CienciaPR with permission from the original source.

To guarantee the continuation of operations at the Arecibo Radiotelescope beyond 2011, the administration of this scientific facility needs the Puerto Rican government to compromise to assign between $3 and $4 millions a year. The National Science Foundation already agreed to provide $7 of the $11 million needed to keep the World’s biggest radar operating.

Inherited diseases

Submitted on 29 June 2007 - 10:57am

This article is reproduced by CienciaPR with permission from the original source.

Many hereditary diseases are extremely rare, but there are other more common diseases that people don’t even know are transmitted through family genes.

Oceanic observation lagging behind in the Caribbean

Submitted on 29 June 2007 - 10:55am

This article is reproduced by CienciaPR with permission from the original source.

It is imperative to have an oceanic observation system that allows constant perception of the ocean’s conditions, the marine life, the threats to society, and the economic, recreational and social benefit opportunities. This comprehensive observation system has to document the changes in these aspects and feed prediction programs that help us make informed decisions. Technological advancements allow for such systems equipped with satellites, buoys, unmanned vehicles and radars. These, coupled with computer software and numeric models promise to give us a constant and integrated vision of the ocean. In the region of the Caribbean, constituted by the archipelagos of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Island, researchers of the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez and the University of the Virgin Islands, in collaboration with State agencies, educational institutions, private companies and individuals are looking to establish the Caribbean Regional Association (CaRA) and the Caribbean Integrated Coastal Observing System (CarICOOS).

3rd Biotechnology Summer Camp

Submitted on 29 June 2007 - 10:05am

This article is reproduced by CienciaPR with permission from the original source.

For the third consecutive year, the Industrial Biotechnology program (Biotech) of the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez had their summer camp with 60 high school students from all over Puerto Rico. During two weeks, from June 4-15, the students had practical experiences related to biotechnology. The students visited companies to learn about professional careers in biotechnology and had field trips to expose them to the applications of agricultural, environmental, marine and industrial biotechnology. Also, they participated in DNA extraction, cell culture, microscopy, genetic transformation and bioprocesses laboratories, among other activities.

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The world in a 100 years

Submitted on 28 June 2007 - 12:07pm

This article is reproduced by CienciaPR with permission from the original source.

Nobody doubts the impact of technology in our lives. Because of this, in the recent assembly of the Puerto Rican chapter of the American Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (ASABE), scientists dared to predict how it will be like in 2107 This article is part of our collaboration with El Nuevo Dia.

Research your genes

Submitted on 28 June 2007 - 12:05pm

This article is reproduced by CienciaPR with permission from the original source.

Most diseases have a genetic component, and because of this, a person could predict most of the diseases it will suffer and maybe avoid them if they know their family history. Physicians’ advice to research your genealogic tree to identify all the diseases suffered by parents, siblings, grandparents and other relatives. It is important to identify from the most common to the rarest. However, a genetic predisposition doesn’t mean that you will definitely suffer the disease. These kinds of diseases usually don’t depend on only one gene and its development is usually influenced by environmental factors as diet, life style (smoking, drug use or alcohol and stress) and pollution.

Energy alternative

Submitted on 28 June 2007 - 12:03pm

This article is reproduced by CienciaPR with permission from the original source.

Photovoltaic panels are one of the options for alternative energy generation; changing the people’s way of thinking and motivating them to use alternative energy sources is Gabriel García’s personal challenge. For this reason, this entrepreneur decided to create his own business, where he offers his customers the option of being independent from traditional electric power sources, thanks to a system he has proven in his own house. Five months ago he opened the store “Energy Alternative” in Rio Grande, which operates on photovoltaic panels, wind mills and batteries. In the store, more than selling, he educates dozens of curious visitors that come by every day.

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