Alibaba claims Google leaned on Acer to cancel launch of CloudMobile with Aliyun in China

Just yesterday Acer was getting ready to unleash its CloudMobile smartphone on the Chinese public sporting an equally local (and equally not Android) Aliyun operating system. According to Reuters, however, when journalists turned up for the launch event today, an Alibaba (who make Aliyun) spokesperson told them the launch had been cancelled, before later releasing a statement saying Acer had received pressure from Google to pull the launch. The competing OS manufacturer claims that the Acer was told product collaborations and Android authorization would cease if the product was released. So far Google has declined to comment, but if true, represents some significant strong arming, in what is clearly a significant market. We have reached out to Google for comment ourselves. More as we know it.

Filed under: ,

Alibaba claims Google leaned on Acer to cancel launch of CloudMobile with Aliyun in China originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 08:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceReuters  | Email this | Comments


Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/kpugChW6srw/

camille grammer camille grammer us supreme court breaking dawn part 2 trailer mississippi state chris carpenter chris carpenter

Sony VG900 leaks, packs full-frame sensor into a NEX camcorder

Sony VG900 leaks, packs fullframe sensor into a NEX camcorder

Sony must have a fixation on stuffing full-frame sensors into small spaces this year. A fresh photo and details slipping out to Sony Alpha Rumors show what's billed as the VG900, the first NEX-branded camcorder with a sensor larger than the APS-C spec -- the first NEX camera of any kind, for that matter. While there's only a light smattering of details, we're told the device has a 24-megapixel sensor (likely the same as in the RX1 or A99), records video in AVCHD 2.0 and should ship with an A-mount adapter for Alpha lenses. Not much else is on display, although you may want to take a pass if you're just looking to record a family wedding: at a rumored $3,300 price for the purportedly imminent launch, the VG900 isn't an impulse purchase for anyone short of a pro videographer.

Filed under:

Sony VG900 leaks, packs full-frame sensor into a NEX camcorder originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceSony Alpha Rumors  | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/11/sony-vg900-leaks-packs-full-frame-sensor-into-a-nex-camcorder/

world aids day 2011 chester mcglockton chester mcglockton arsenic los angeles weather big ten acc challenge scott disick

Court battle on badger cull fails

The Badger Trust has lost its Court of Appeal challenge to government proposals to kill thousands of wild badgers in England.

It clears the way for the start of culls in parts of Gloucestershire and Somerset.

If official licences are issued as planned by Natural England, the pilots could begin within weeks.

The government says action is needed to help combat cattle TB, which costs the UK more than ?100m per year.

The Badger Trust challenged a judicial decision in July to uphold government proposals for the pilot culls.

It argued killing badgers would make no meaningful contribution to tackling TB in cattle, and claimed the scheme could lead to thousands of badgers being "pointlessly killed" over the next four years.

The appeal was rejected unanimously.

Speaking after the decision, Jeff Hayden of the Badger Trust told BBC News: "We're pleased that the judge has clarified the law but we are disappointed with the verdict.

"It hasn't changed the scientific facts at all. The majority of independent scientific opinion says the cull is unlikely to work and most probably will make matters worse."

The Badger Trust said it did not know what the next step was, but it would not give up.

At a rally in Bristol against the cull, organised by animal welfare groups, the musician Brian May said the fight would continue.

"It's a terrible tragedy if it goes ahead and it's an irreversible tragedy - you can never bring those badgers back."

The government argues that bovine TB is taking a terrible toll on farmers and rural communities, and action is needed now.

Scientific controversy

A Defra spokesperson said: "Nobody wants to cull badgers. But no country in the world where wildlife carries TB has eradicated the disease in cattle without tackling it in wildlife too."

If what Defra calls "controlled shooting" of badgers is to take place this year, the six-week cull must begin in the autumn, before the badger breeding season begins.

Continue reading the main story

Pilot areas

  • West Gloucestershire pilot area description: mainly in the county of Gloucestershire, predominantly within the council districts of the Forest of Dean and Tewkesbury, and parts lie within the districts of Wychavon, Malvern Hills and the south east part of the county of Herefordshire. The area does not include the public forest estate in the Forest of Dean.
  • West Somerset pilot area description: located in the county of Somerset. The application area predominantly lies within the council district of West Somerset and part lies within the district of Taunton Deane.
  • Source: Natural England

Culling is not permitted when there is a risk that badgers feeding their young might be killed, leaving their cubs underground without food.

In England, two companies have been set up by farmers to manage the cull, using trained marksmen to shoot badgers at night on farm land in the two pilot areas, each the size of the Isle of Wight.

Licences allowing the cull are expected to be issued shortly by the government agency, Natural England.

The exact scope of the pilot areas is not being revealed to the public for fear of reprisals against individuals or their property.

Vaccination hope

The proposed killing of wild badgers is a controversial issue. A small proportion of wild badgers can become infected with the bacteria that cause bovine TB, and pass the infection on to cattle.

However, scientific studies have shown that culling would be of little help in reducing the disease and even suggest that it could make things worse in some areas.

Plans to begin culling in Wales were recently abandoned in favour of a vaccination policy. There are no proposals to cull badgers in Scotland.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19563661#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Rupert Sanders bachelorette penn state Ernie Els Teen Choice Awards 2012 Aurora victims usher

The Bush White House Was Deaf To 9/11 Warnings

  • President Barack Obama

    In his weekly address on Saturday, President Barack Obama marked the eleventh anniversary of 9/11. "This week, we mark the eleventh anniversary of the September 11th attacks," he said. "It's a time to remember the nearly 3,000 innocent men, women and children we lost, and the families they left behind. It's a chance to honor the courage of the first responders who risked their lives - on that day, and every day since. And it's an opportunity to give thanks for our men and women in uniform who have served and sacrificed, sometimes far from home, to keep our country safe." He continued, "This anniversary is about them. It's also a time to reflect on just how far we've come as a nation these past eleven years." Click here to read more.

  • Vice Presidential Nominee

  • Maine Gov. Paul LePage

    Maine Gov. Paul LePage (R) issued the following statement: <blockquote>"Today marks the eleventh anniversary of that tragic day on which America was forever changed. The terrorists who hijacked our skies, attempted to attack the White House, and flew planes into both the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were on a mission to weaken our resolve and instill fear in our hearts. America's courage was tested that day, but we answered the call. From the first responders who worked tirelessly to rescue the victims of those terrorists, to the countless people who flooded their local blood banks to give all they could, to our men and women in uniform who continue to protect our borders and our freedoms from other would-be attackers, America stands as a testament to the resiliency and the bravery of its people. I encourage all Mainers to take a moment out of their day today to reflect and mourn those we lost to this act of hatred and violence. I also hope that the people of Maine will take pride in knowing that in the face of tragedy, Americans rose united to face the challenges against our nation. That is what makes America so truly great."</blockquote>

  • RNC

    RNC Chairman Reince Priebus issued the following statement: <blockquote>"Today we pause to remember those we lost eleven years ago on September 11, 2001," said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. "In prayer and in silence across America, we will honor the innocent lives lost in senseless acts of evil. We will remember, too, the acts of selfless valor witnessed that day. From patriots on Flight 93 to the first responders who courageously worked to save their fellow Americans, the bravery in the midst of terror inspired and united a nation." "We owe unyielding gratitude to our military men and women who have died defending our freedom, and we continue to pray for those serving overseas. We honor all who brought justice to those who brought hate to our shores, and we remain committed to a strong national defense against the terrorists and extremists who to this day seek to do us harm." "We all remember that dark day, where we were and what we were doing," said RNC Co-Chair Sharon Day. "But we also remember the lesson we learned: nothing can destroy the American spirit. If we remain steadfast in our defense of liberty, our children will inherit a more peaceful world. "May God bring comfort to the families of the victims of 9/11 this day, and may He always bless the United States of America."</blockquote>

  • Sen. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.)

  • Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J)

  • Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Ill.)

  • Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.)

  • Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R)

  • House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer

    House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland issued the following statement: <blockquote>"On this solemn anniversary, we must never forget those who lost their lives in the most heinous terrorist attack in our country's history. To the families of those who were killed on that tragic day in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania, we will always remember the victims and recount the stories of heroism that will be their legacy. To those who have served in our Armed Forces since 9/11, we remain grateful for their sacrifices. To all who have worked as first responders and kept our communities safe here at home, we offer our thanks for their steadfastness. "Eleven years later, thanks to the sacrifices and determination of our troops, Osama bin Laden is no longer a threat to our country and Al-Qaeda has been severely weakened. The values we uphold - democracy, tolerance, and the free exchange of ideas - are stronger today despite Al-Qaeda's efforts to destroy them. On this anniversary, we pause to remember the horrific events of that day, and renew our commitment to keeping America safe, strong, and united." </blockquote>

  • House Speaker John Boehner

  • Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.)

    Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) issued the following statement: <blockquote>"Today and every day we remember the attacks on American soil that fateful September day. Eleven years later, the American people continue to come together to remember the friends, family and neighbors we lost. They are heroes and will never be forgotten. "We also honor those who answered the call since then to serve in America's armed forces as we defend freedom and liberty both at home and abroad. While political differences often divide us, we must never forget what binds us together - we are all sons and daughters of the United States of America, the greatest country the world has ever known."</blockquote>

  • House Majority Leader Eric Cantor

    House Majority Leader Eric Cantor issued the following statement: <blockquote>"Today, we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent Americans who were killed on September 11, 2001 in New York, Pennsylvania and my home state of Virginia. We honor the victims, their families and the responders who saved lives and sacrificed their own in service to their fellow man. And we thank those who have since put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe. The best way to honor these heroes is to ensure another attack does not occur. "There is a need for strong U.S. leadership to combat terrorism that continues to threaten the global community and deter future attacks. Although Osama Bin Laden is dead, Al Qaeda remains a dangerous and capable organization dedicated to killing Americans and other radical terrorist groups continue to plot attacks against America and our allies. "We must follow the example that was set in the weeks following the attack by setting discord aside to jointly combat a common enemy that still wishes to do us harm. Our national security must be a priority and we must protect against efforts that would undermine our ability to prevent or respond to another devastating attack. The United States should never forget, and we must never quit."</blockquote>

  • Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.)

  • Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld

  • Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)

  • Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.)

    Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) issued the following statement: <blockquote>"Although eleven years have passed since September 11, 2001, our hearts still ache for the families of the victims as we recall the horror and disbelief of that day. The attacks were a barbaric assault on our nation's values, meant to crack the foundations of our civilization, strike fear in our hearts, and shake our resolve as a people. But the terrorists have failed in their twisted objectives, as we remain steadfast in our belief in the goodness of our nation and her enduring ideals. We will never forget the tragedy of that day and the lives that were that lost, just as we will never forget the sacrifices made by our troops to protect our freedoms. Today, we stand proudly as Americans first."</blockquote>

  • Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.)

  • Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)

  • D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray

    "Today, I ask District residents to pause to remember those whom we lost - including several of our own fellow residents, among them a group of D.C. Public Schools students and educators - in the terrorist attacks 11 years ago. Our thoughts and prayers remain with those loved ones they left behind, who feel their loss especially acutely on this anniversary. I also ask District residents to take time today to reflect on the sacrifices that our first responders and military personnel make every day, performing the difficult and dangerous work of keeping us safe. This is especially true of the many District firefighters and police officers who, by virtue of serving in the nation's capital, have a special role in protecting our nation's elected officials, federal buildings, scores of visitors and District residents. This is also particularly true of the District residents who fight under our nation's flag for democracy around the world even though we do not enjoy voting representation here at home. Today, I salute these brave members of the armed forces, firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians."

  • Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid

    Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid issued the following statement: <blockquote>I remember the bright, blue morning of September 11, 2001 like it was yesterday. And while our country has begun to heal from the wounds of those terrible attacks over the last decade, the scars remain. No matter how many years pass, we'll never forget the thousands of innocent people who died in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. They were mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brother and sisters, spouses and friends / who were simply doing their jobs or catching a plane. So it is fitting that we pause each year to pay tribute - and to remember. The memories of that dark day in our shared history are painful, but they give me hope as well. On September 11th, and during the difficult months that followed, Americans showed the world how a unified nation can fight back against darkness and fear. In the face of great evil, so many rushed forward to show great courage, dignity and kindness. So today we also pause to remember the firefighters, who rushed into the World Trade Center, knowing they might never come out. We pause to remember the police officers and rescue workers who hurried to the scene, combed through the debris and shepherded New Yorkers to safety. Some of them gave their lives that day. We pause to remember the bravery of the members of our nation's Armed Forces, intelligence community and Foreign Service, as well as the sacrifices of their families, who have borne the burdens of war for more than a decade. Too many have given their lives to the effort to crush al Qaeda, bring Osama bin Laden to justice and keep America safe. And we pause to remember the unbreakable spirit of these United States of America.</blockquote>

  • Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.)

  • Hour Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy

  • Donna Wagner

    9/11 Commission Chairs Tom Kean and Lee Hamilton issued the following statement: <blockquote>"Today marks eleven years since the 9/11 attacks on our country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims and survivors of that tragic day. We commend the progress our government has made in reforming and strengthening the institutions that protect us. We commend the sustained commitment and dedication of the tens of thousands of military, federal, state, and local officials, law enforcement and first responders who have done so much to keep us safe. "As the years pass the danger exists that we will lose focus, divert attention to other concerns. But the threat of terrorism persists and our enemies continue to devise new ways to harm us. Fighting these emerging threats should not be a partisan issue. We owe it to the American people to keep our attention riveted on ensuring we are taking every step to keep the country secure. "Eleven years after the event, some important 9/11 Commission recommendations have still not been implemented and require immediate attention. We call on the government to build out an interoperable, broadband network for first responders. We encourage Congress to take the steps to reform its oversight of intelligence and national security institutions, and to help those agencies make the changes and confront the challenges that will make them stronger and better. Congress and the administration should remain ever vigilant and exert maximum leadership to ensure terrorists do not acquire nuclear or radiological weapons, a prospect that would be a grave threat to us. And finally, we encourage the administration to put teeth into the Privacy and Civil Liberties Board that the Commission recommended and legislation created. That Board will help ensure that there is a proper balance between the many security measures that have been implemented since 9/11 and our tradition of privacy and civil liberty."</blockquote>

  • Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine)

    Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) issued the following statement: <blockquote>We all remember what we were doing on 9/11--we remember where we were, who we were with and how we felt. But we must also take this opportunity to remember all that has happened in the years since then and all the men and women who have sacrificed and served to keep our country safe. Today our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of September 11, the first responders who risked all and with all of those who have served and sacrificed in the wars that followed those terrorist attacks and those who serve today.</blockquote>

  • Rep. Andr? Carson (D-Ind.)

    Rep. Andr? Carson (D-Ind.) issued the following statement: <blockquote>Eleven years ago today, the American people endured an unforgettable tragedy. Over the course of just a few hours in New York City, Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon in Virginia, America lost nearly 3,000 of her sons and daughters. It was an unspeakable act, an attack designed to weaken the American spirit and darken the hope that defines this great nation. But we were not broken. Heroes rushed into the burning buildings, and Americans of every background came together to hold one another up in the face of this unimaginable act of evil. More than a decade later, we remain a nation devoted to the simple truth that freedom will always prevail over fear, and regardless of the challenges we face, America stands strong. Today, we remember all those who were lost on September 11th, 2001, those who courageously sacrificed their lives in the rescue attempts, and the brave men and women who continue to fight for our freedom abroad.</blockquote>

  • Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H)

    Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H) issued the following statement: <blockquote>"Today we reflect on the tragic events of September 11, 2011. We remember the victims, we remember the smoke, we remember the feeling of loss and despair. But we also remember how Americans came together, with neighbors helping neighbors, parents comforting children, and communities banding together in the face of such a senseless attack. I was the Governor during the tragic 9/11 attacks and will never forget that we lost 10 of New Hampshire's own that day. While we can never bring them back, we honor their memory by holding true to our American values--unity, tolerance, and freedom. These are the lessons we are reminded of today. This is how we pay tribute to those who we lost. Today we also honor our country's brave heroes, our first responders and our troops. These men and women protect our families and our freedom. We thank them now, and forever. As we each reflect on that fateful day, we should be filled with pride for our country. The United States has shown that it will always be a beacon of hope and a haven for those seeking freedom."</blockquote>

  • Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/10/bush-white-house-911-warnings_n_1872663.html

    kentucky derby beltane capitals john edwards conocophillips octomom dan savage

    Nigeria oil thieves kill 3 state oil firm staff

    {ttle}

    {cptn}","template_name":"ss_thmb_play_ttle","i18n":{"end_of_gallery_header":"End of Gallery","end_of_gallery_next":"View Again"},"metadata":{"pagination":"{firstVisible} - {lastVisible} of {numItems}","ult":{"spaceid":"2145892301","sec":""}}},{"id": "hcm-carousel-81148433", "dataManager": C.dmgr, "mediator": C.mdtr, "group_name":"hcm-carousel-81148433", "track_item_selected":1,"tracking":{ "spaceid" : "2145892301", "events" : { "click" : { "any" : { "yui-carousel-prev" : { "node" : "a", "data" : {"sec":"HCMOL on article right rail","slk":"prev","itc":"1" }, "bubbles" : true, "test": function(params){ var carousel = params.obj.getCarousel(); var pages = carousel._pages; // if same page, don't beacon if(("_ult_current_page" in carousel) && carousel._ult_current_page==pages.cur) return false; // keep track of current position within this closure carousel._ult_current_page = pages.cur; return true; } }, "yui-carousel-next" : { "node" : "a", "data" : {"sec":"HCMOL on article right rail","slk":"next","itc":"1" }, "bubbles" : true, "test": function(params){ var carousel = params.obj.getCarousel(); var pages = carousel._pages; // no more pages, don't beacon again // if same page, don't beacon if(("_ult_current_page" in carousel) && carousel._ult_current_page==pages.cur) return false; // keep track of current position within this closure carousel._ult_current_page = pages.cur; return true; } } } } } } })); }); Y.later(10, this, function() {Y.namespace("Media").ywaSettings = '"projectId": "10001256862979", "documentName": "", "documentGroup": "", "ywaColo" : "vscale3", "spaceId" : "2145892301" ,"customFields" : { "12" : "classic", "13" : "story" }'; Y.Media.YWA.init(Y.namespace("Media").ywaSettings); }); Y.later(10, this, function() {(function() { try{ if (Math.floor(Math.random()*10) == 1) { var loc = window.location, decoded = decodeURI(loc.pathname), encoded = encodeURI(decoded), uri = loc.protocol + "//" + loc.host + encoded + ((loc.search.length > 0) ? loc.search + '&' : '?') + "_cacheable=1", xmlhttp; if (window.XMLHttpRequest) xmlhttp=new XMLHttpRequest(); else xmlhttp=new ActiveXObject("Microsoft.XMLHTTP"); xmlhttp.open("GET",uri,true); xmlhttp.send(); } }catch(e){} })(); }); Y.later(10, this, function() {if(document.onclick===YAHOO.Media.PreventDefaultHandler.newClick){document.onclick=YAHOO.Media.PreventDefaultHandler.oldClick;} }); }); });

    Source: http://news.yahoo.com/nigeria-oil-thieves-kill-3-state-oil-firm-090551610.html

    the big chill tony blankley charles barkley beyonce troy polamalu james harrison james harrison

    Installation of Fixed Umbrella Board of Cone Crusher | Life Insurance

    During the operation of the cone crusher, the umbrella plate is most easily to be worn. The ore directly contacts the umbrella plate. The service life of the umbrella plate is related to the hardness of the ore and the grinding member. The umbrella board is generally made of high manganese steel and the service life is from 3 to 6 months. When quality of the manganese steel is too poor, such as the improper heat treatment, the umbrella board will be damaged within dozens of days, even within a few days. The fixed umbrella board is hanged on the steel hook of the adjustment ring by the ?U? shaped bolt. The zinc alloy layer should be casted between the fixed umbrella board and the adjustment ring to ensure that they are closely integrated.
    When you replace the fixed umbrella broad on the adjustment ring, you should clear and clean the dirt on the adjustment ring and the surface of the fixed umbrella surface, which is very advantageous to ensure the quality of the cast zinc alloy. When the adjustment ring falls on the fixed umbrella, you should check the centre position according to the processing position of the upper parts of umbrella board or lower part of umbrella plate. After the confirmation, you can appropriately tighten the platen of the ?U? bolt on the upper part of the adjusting ring. For gap exists in the joint part between the adjustment ring and the fixed ring, you should carefully fill other suitable materials to prevent the outflowing of zinc alloy in the casting process. If conditions allow, you should dry the contact surface of the zinc alloy, which is very beneficial to the pouring quality of the zinc alloy. After cooling the cast zinc alloy, you should clear the zinc alloy on the edge of the upper portion of the plate and retighten the nut of the ?U? shaped screw platen. Ensuring the tensioned state between the fixed umbrella plate and the adjustment ring is very important.

    Primary crushers : http://www.china-crusher.com/product.html
    Cone crusher : http://www.crusher-export.com/cone_crusher.htm

    Source: http://www.cheaplifeinsurancenews.info/installation-of-fixed-umbrella-board-of-cone-crusher/

    jerry sandusky Colorado fires supreme court college board summer solstice Summer Solstice 2012 Waldo Canyon fire

    Space Shuttle Endeavour hitching a ride atop a 747 to its new home on September 17

    Space Shuttle Endeavour hitching a ride atop a 747 to its new home on September 17

    Space Shuttles Discovery and Enterprise have already settled into their new homes, and now Endeavour is scheduled to depart for its future abode at the California Science Center on September 17th. Taking to the skies atop a modified Boeing 747, the shuttle will make pit stops in Texas and at Edwards Air Force Base in the Golden State before touching down at Los Angeles International Airport on the 20th. During the journey out west, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft will buzz certain cities and NASA sites along its flight path at roughly 1,500 feet in altitude. After its voyage, Endeavor will head to the science center on October 13th, but won't be on display until the end of the month. Yearning to catch a glimpse of the historic vehicle before it reaches its final resting place? Head past the jump for its flight schedule and flyover details.

    Continue reading Space Shuttle Endeavour hitching a ride atop a 747 to its new home on September 17

    Filed under: ,

    Space Shuttle Endeavour hitching a ride atop a 747 to its new home on September 17 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 09 Sep 2012 01:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink   |  sourceNASA  | Email this | Comments


    Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/oKadEl7MssU/

    vs fashion show 2011 victoria secret fashion show brian williams patrice o neal patrice o neal wayne gretzky wayne gretzky

    Reese Witherspoon Pregnant with Baby Number Three

    Industrial roar changes nearby plant reproduction

    Plants don?t need ears to show signs of noise pollution

    Web edition : Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

    Noise pollution can stomp its soundprint on plants, a study of motors chugging in a Western forest finds.

    Of course, plants don?t have ears, but birds and other animals hear the throb of humankind?s motors. The uproar drives away some species and sometimes encourages others, swapping their various influences on plants, says Clinton Francis of the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center in Durham, N.C.

    Around noisy gas wells in a northwestern New Mexico woodland, Francis and his colleagues found that the reshuffling of birds and small mammals changed the odds of success for crucial steps in plant reproduction. Hummingbird pollination, important for certain wildflowers, increased. Yet birds likely to spread around pine seeds without eating all of them largely gave way to seed-eating mice, he and his colleagues report online March 21 in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

    The new experiments are the first to show that sounds affect the structure of a whole biological community, says behavioral ecologist John Swaddle at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va. With such cascading consequences, ?whole ecosystems can be restructured by noise pollution,? he says.

    The automated gas wells in a squat forest of pinyon pine and juniper create a natural experimental setup for separating the effects of noise from other quirks of landscapes, Francis says. About half the wells need compressors that run day and night, which blast such a din that anyone working up close needs ear protection to prevent permanent hearing damage. The rest of the wells don?t use compressors but have the same basic set-up.

    Earlier work concluded that for bird nesting, noise matters (SN: 8/27/11, p. 26). About the same number of individual birds nested around both the roaring and quieter wells, but the quieter neighborhood had a greater variety of species. Western scrub jays hardly showed up around the noisy sites, possibly because the noise masked the jays? hunting cues. But house finches and black-chinned hummingbirds were actually more common there, perhaps avoiding some noise-averse predators.

    Curious about the effect of noise on plants, Francis and his colleagues created a red artificial flower inspired by the real scarlet gilias that hummingbirds pollinate. Tracking the appearance of a fluorescent dye, a stand-in for pollen, the researchers found more hummingbird pollination at the noisy sites.

    Previous studies had revealed that the loud places have fewer pine seedlings. This began to make sense when researchers set out little windfalls of seeds, and found more mice and fewer jays at the compressor sites compared with the quieter wells. Their idea that engine noise could cut back on the next generation of trees ?would represent not just an effect of noise on birds, plants or communities, but eventually on the entire habitat, since you could argue that trees provide the framework on which the whole woodland is built,? says Caitlin Kight of the University of Exeter?s Cornwall Campus in Tremough, England.
    Found in: Environment and Life

    Source: http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/339272/title/Industrial_roar_changes_nearby_plant_reproduction

    atherosclerosis whitney houston cause of death ncaa zimmerman trayvon martin case etch a sketch erika van pelt