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Invisible Invasive Species Altering Ecosystems

Elena Litchman, associate professor of ecology, who works at MSU's Kellogg Biological Station. Image credit: Michigan State University

EAST LANSING, Mich. — While Asian carp, gypsy moths and zebra mussels hog invasive-species headlines, many invisible invaders are altering ecosystems and flourishing outside of the limelight.

A study by Elena Litchman, Michigan State University associate professor of ecology, sheds light on why invasive microbial invaders shouldn’t be overlooked or underestimated.

“Invasive microbes have many of the same traits as their larger, ‘macro’ counterparts and have the potential to significantly impact terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems,” said Litchman, whose research appears in the December issue of Ecology Letters. “Global change can exacerbate microbial invasions, so they will likely increase in the future.” (more…)

Amazon Extends Free Super Saver Shipping Cutoff

Technology

*Amazon Customers Now Have Until December 17 for Free Shipping on Millions of Items*

SEATTLE, Dec 10, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Amazon.com, Inc. today announced it has extended the ordering deadline for free shipping with guaranteed delivery in time for Christmas. Customers can place orders now through Dec. 17 with guaranteed delivery by Dec. 24, using FREE Super Saver Shipping*, available on millions of items across Electronics, Toys, Sporting Goods, Music, Movies, Apparel, Home and other stores at Amazon.

Amazon Prime** members can place orders up until 7 p.m. PST on Dec. 22 with guaranteed delivery by Dec. 24 using FREE Two-Day Shipping (cut-off time varies by item). (more…)

‘Art and the Unbreakable Spirit of Haiti’ opens Jan. 9 at Fowler Museum at UCLA

Culture

*Related event Jan. 29 features filmmaker Jonathan Demme, journalists, scholars*

Showcasing a selection of works collected by the Fowler Museum at UCLA over the past five decades, “Fowler in Focus: Art and the Unbreakable Spirit of Haiti” juxtaposes pieces produced for the international art market with those used in Port-au-Prince Vodou temples and nationwide seasonal festivities.

The pieces illustrate how crucial aspects of the Haitian experience — including significant dates and galvanizing events — are made tangible through artistic and ritual practice. (more…)

NSF’s Nathaniel B. Palmer Sails with Sweden’s Oden to Study Antarctic Peninsula Ecosystem

Environment

Amundsen Sea Polynya International Research Expedition (ASPIRE) Combines Research and Education

In a unique and complex example of “science diplomacy,” teams of U.S. and Swedish scientists are sailing this month aboard two research vessels to study the ecology of the Amundsen Sea, one of the least-explored and most productive bodies in Antarctic waters, and to gauge the potential effects of a changing climate on the Southern Ocean. (more…)

Colombia Internet Audience Increases 31 Percent in Past Year to Rank as Fastest-Growing Market in Latin America

Technology

comScore Offers Complimentary Webinar: State of the Internet Colombia

Bogotá, Colombia, December 9, 2010 – comScore, Inc., a leader in measuring the digital world, today released results from its latest study on Internet usage in Colombia. The report found that Colombia is the fastest-growing Internet market in Latin America, growing 31 percent in the past year to reach 11.8 million unique visitors in September 2010. comScore will present the complete results of the study during a live, complimentary webinar: The State of the Internet Colombia, on Thursday, December 16. (more…)

Amazon.com Announces Best Music of 2010

Culture, Technology

*Amazon music editors reveal the best music of the year; Mumford & Sons, Arcade Fire are top editors’ picks; Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum lead Customer Favorites*

SEATTLE, Dec 09, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Amazon.com, Inc. today announced its picks for best music of 2010. The list includes the editors’ picks for the Top 100 Albums of the Year, Top 100 Customer Favorites and a breakdown of Best of the Year lists in a variety of musical genres. To see all of the Best of 2010 music lists go to www.amazon.com/bestmusic2010.

“From the stunning debut of editors’ pick Broken Bells, to the triumphant return of customer favorite Eminem, we heard a lot of great music this year,” said Craig Pape, director of Music at Amazon.com. “Our Best Music of 2010 lists are designed to help customers navigate through the rich selection of releases and discover new artists they might not normally pick on their own.” (more…)

Theoretical Breakthrough: Generating Matter and Antimatter from the Vacuum

Science

ANN ARBOR, Mich.— Under just the right conditions — which involve an ultra-high-intensity laser beam and a two-mile-long particle accelerator — it could be possible to create something out of nothing, according to University of Michigan researchers. (more…)

Kindle or iPad: A Shopper’s Conundrum

Technology

MU expert releases online buyer’s guide to e-readers and media tablets

COLUMBIA, Mo. — As the holiday shopping season accelerates, many consumers are considering e-readers or media tablets as gifts. To help confused shoppers, University of Missouri digital publishing expert Roger Fidler has released his annual online e-reader buyer’s guide. Fidler compares seven e-reader models and the Apple iPad media tablet by size, weight, navigation, features, connectivity and cost, and provides information on where to find each model. (more…)