Suburban Sprawl Linked to Chronic Ailments

Warning: Suburban sprawl may be hazardous to your health. A report released Monday found that people who live in sprawling metropolitan areas are more likely to report chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, arthritis, headaches and breathing difficulties than residents of more compact cities. >> Read the Full Article

Japan Official Orders Kansai Electric Power Co. to Shut Down Nuclear Reactor

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Shoichi Nakagawa on Monday ordered Kansai Electric Power Co. to suspend operation of the No. 3 reactor at its Mihama Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui Prefecture until the reactor is confirmed to meet government standards, following Japan's most deadly nuclear power plant accident in August. >> Read the Full Article

Bellingham, Wash., Vehicle Institute Works to Develop 'Biogas'-powered Car

Eric Leonhardt knows how many cows there are in Whatcom County (66,000). But it's not the cows that interest him; it's the manure. >> Read the Full Article

Maine Dairy Farms Find Success with Organic Milk

When Gloria and Gregg Varney bought their third-generation dairy farm in Turner 17 years ago, they never dreamed they would pioneer a revolution that has changed dairy farming in Maine. >> Read the Full Article

Wind Power Draws Interest as Practical Way to Diversify Energy Supplies

Eric Markell has been watching the wind blow for 25 years, hoping that someday it would heat homes and light buildings. >> Read the Full Article

Organic Farming Studied As Demand Rises

Organic farming sounds simple _ no chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or genetically engineered plants. But succeeding at it can be complicated. A recent wave of research at universities around the country seeks to take some of the guesswork and financial uncertainty out of the practice. >> Read the Full Article

Planters Take on Monsanto Over Seed Fees &#151 and Sometimes Go to Jail

Four months in prison last year hardened Kem Ralph's will to beat agrichemical giant Monsanto in a fight that has made him a cause celebre among farmers who save seed. >> Read the Full Article

'Green' Buildings Take Root in New York State

They're growing gardens insulated with 4 inches of Styrofoam on roofs — and collecting wastewater to irrigate nearby parks — at the 28-floor Battery Park Solaire Building in New York City. There's even a dense stand of bamboo trees to soak up nasty toxic heavy metals that might get into the runoff water. >> Read the Full Article

Highways, Development Imprison Black Bears

When Murphy regained his freedom 4 1/2 years ago, he became one of a handful of Florida black bears living in coastal Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. >> Read the Full Article

Dean Foods Sees Soy Milk as Good Source of Income

Anyone who thinks soy won't amount to a hill of beans hasn't looked at Dean Foods Co.'s Silk business. >> Read the Full Article