 |
|
Dust storms may carry bacteria to Japan from China
October 20, 2005Bacteria found in soil around Tokyo are not indigenous to the area. A study published in the open access journal Saline Systems reveals a large proportion of salt-loving bacteria in non-saline soil around Tokyo. The researchers suggest that dust storms may have carried the bacteria from their natural habitats in China.
Akinobu Echigo and colleagues, from Toyo University and the Noda Institute for Scientific Research in Japan, analysed bacteria found in non-saline soil collected in gardens, fields and roadways in the Tokyo area. From their soil samples, they isolated halophilic bacteria-bacteria that are able to survive in a high-salt environment-by growing the bacteria in a culture medium with a salt concentration of at least 20%.
Their results show that approximately 1 in 200,000 of the bacteria found in the soil samples were halophilic, and the bacteria came from at least seven different families.
Halophilic bacteria thrive in environments where the average concentration of salt is 3-15%. The salt concentration in the soil the authors analysed was 20 to 100 times lower than that, and it seems unlikely that the halophilic bacteria found in this soil originated there. Most of the halophilic bacteria were present in the soil as endospores: reproductive cells with a hard coat that protects them against adverse environmental conditions. Surprisingly, the same proportion of endospores was found in saline soil closer to the coast. The authors deduce from these findings that the endospores may have been carried to the Tokyo area by winds or dust storms, and possibly originated in salt lakes in Inner Mongolia in China.
This study adds to the evidence that dust storms in Asia can have implications in geographically remote countries. Previous studies have shown that dust storms in Northern China and Mongolia can cause myriad problems elsewhere, including respiratory problems, loss of livestock and crops and disruption of communication.
BioMed Central
Halophilic bacteria thrive in environments where the average concentration of salt is 3-15%. The salt concentration in the soil the authors analysed was 20 to 100 times lower than that, and it seems unlikely that the halophilic bacteria found in this soil originated there. Most of the halophilic bacteria were present in the soil as endospores: reproductive cells with a hard coat that protects them against adverse environmental conditions. Surprisingly, the same proportion of endospores was found in saline soil closer to the coast. The authors deduce from these findings that the endospores may have been carried to the Tokyo area by winds or dust storms, and possibly originated in salt lakes in Inner Mongolia in China.
This study adds to the evidence that dust storms in Asia can have implications in geographically remote countries. Previous studies have shown that dust storms in Northern China and Mongolia can cause myriad problems elsewhere, including respiratory problems, loss of livestock and crops and disruption of communication.
BioMed Central
Dust Storms Current Events and Dust Storms News RSSTexas A&M prof to predict weather on Mars
Is there such a thing as "weather" on Mars? There are some doubts, considering the planet's atmosphere is only 1 percent as dense as that of the Earth.
Quantum computer chips now 1 step closer to reality
In the quest for smaller, faster computer chips, researchers are increasingly turning to quantum mechanics -- the exotic physics of the small. The problem: the manufacturing techniques required to make quantum devices have been equally exotic. That is, until now.
Desert dust alters ecology of Colorado alpine meadows
Accelerated snowmelt--precipitated by desert dust blowing into the mountains--changes how alpine plants respond to seasonal climate cues that regulate their life cycles.
Toward cheaper imaging systems for identifying concealed weapons on the human body
Electrical engineers from UC San Diego have created high-performance W-Band silicon-germanium (SiGe) radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) for passive millimeter-wave imaging.
NASA satellite detects red glow to map global ocean plant health
Researchers have conducted the first global analysis of the health and productivity of ocean plants, as revealed by a unique signal detected by a NASA satellite.
UCSD researchers make first direct observations of biological particles in high-altitude ice clouds
A team of UC San Diego-led atmospheric chemistry researchers moved closer to what is considered the "holy grail" of climate change science when it made the first-ever direct detection of biological particles within ice clouds.
Wind, Salt, and Water Are Leading Indicators of Land Degradation in Abu Dhabi
Desert environments are characterized by poor vegetative cover, strong winds, dry, non-cohesive sandy soils, and hyper-arid conditions.
Aerosols - their part in our rainfall
Aerosols may have a greater impact on patterns of Australian rainfall and future climate change than previously thought, according to leading atmospheric scientist, CSIRO's Dr Leon Rotstayn.
NASA-enhanced dust storm predictions to aid health community
NASA satellite data can improve forecasts of dust storms in the American Southwest in ways that can benefit public health managers. Scientists announced the finding as a five-year NASA-funded project nears its conclusion.
NASA'S Dirty Secret: Moon Dust
The Apollo Moon missions of 1969-1972 all share a dirty secret. "The major issue the Apollo astronauts pointed out was dust, dust, dust," says Professor Larry Taylor, Director of the Planetary Geosciences Institute at the University of Tennessee. Fine as flour and rough as sandpaper, Moon dust caused 'lunar hay fever,' problems with space suits, and dust storms in the crew cabin upon returning to space.
More Dust Storms Current Events and Dust Storms News Articles
 |
The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl by Timothy Egan (Author) The dust storms that terrorized the High Plains in the darkest years of the Depression were like nothing ever seen before or since. Timothy Egan’s critically acclaimed account rescues this iconic chapter of American history from the shadows in a tour de force of historical reportage. Following a dozen families and their communities through the rise and fall of the region, Egan tells of their desperate attempts to carry on through blinding black dust blizzards, crop failure, and the death of loved ones. Brilliantly capturing the terrifying drama of catastrophe, Egan does equal justice to the human characters who become his heroes, “the stoic, long-suffering men and women whose lives he opens up with urgency and respect” (New York Times). In an era that promises ever-greater... |
 |
Levi's Men's 550 Relaxed Fit Jean, Dust Storm, 40x30 by Levi's |
 |
The Great Dust Storm (Dust Storm Disaster) Woody Guthrie (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Samsung Canister Quiet Jet & Quiet Storm Series 9000 Bags Dust Care Brand (5 bags) by Samsung Samsung Canister Quiet Jet & Quiet Storm Series 9000 Bags Dust Care Brand (5 bags) |
 |
Classic Dust Bowl Film DVD Series: Disc Three: Save Our Soil (1939) & Work Pays America (1937) Which Focus On The Cause/Causes of The 1930s Dust Storms Such As Erosion & Poor Farming Practices This, the third disc of the Dust Bowl series, features two films about how to solve the problem of the Dust Bowl. Save Our Soil, focuses on preventing the loss of topsoil, while Work Pays America features programs in place to aid desperate farmers and their families as they lack the basic necessities of food, water, health care, and housing. Table Of Contents: (1) Save Our Soil (1939) - This short newsreel shows the worsening Dust Bowl conditions in Texas as "the black lizard is turning our great plains region into a desert." The reel explains the causes of the dust bowl, focusing on the loss of topsoil, and provides suggestions to prevent further damage to this vital farming region - 3 Minutes (2) Work Pays America (1937) - This film documents a variety of public works programs by the... |
|
Dust My Blues by Warren Storm & The Blues Rockers | |
 |
BlackBerry 9500 Storm Dust Free Black Silicone Skin by Prima by Prima Cases Prima Protection comes to the BlackBerry 9500 Storm with this silicone case made specifically and exclusively for the STORM. Shelter your BlackBerry from scratches, dust, and the elements. This case is custom fit made of premium durable, virgin silicone with a soft feel and anti-slip grip. The unique fit of this case allows easy accessibility to controls, ports, and screen. Elegant Black Color |
 |
ShaBoom Products Drag Mineral Eye Dust, Violet Storm by ShaBoom Products Bold, brazen, beautiful colors. Use alone as a shadow or mix it up with Keep It On and use as a smudge-proof liner. |
 |
Dust Storm over the Manzanar Relocation Camp 12x18 Giclee on canvas by Buyenlarge "Series: Classic Photography Artist: Ansel Adams Period: Photography Source country: USA Source Year: 1943 Ansel Easton Adams (1902 1984) was an American photographer, best known for his black-and-white photographs of the American West. During part of his career, he was hired by the US Government to record life in the West. 12 inch by 18 inch Giclee print on Canvas. All files are stored digitally and are ready for reproduction. The quality is closely monitored to ensure professional results." This item is custom made per order. |
 |
Dust Tornado - Lord of the Storm Structure Deck - Common by Upper Deck YuGiOh Starter / Structure Decks and Singles - Structure Deck Single Cards! Destroy 1 Spell or Trap Card on your opponent's side of the field. You can then Set 1 Spell or Trap Card from your hand. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |