A clue to mysterious bee colony collapse is found
Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV), a virus found in healthy Australian bees, might be the key to unlocking the mystery of colony collapse disorder in the U.S.  The virus, which does not seem to affect Australian bees at all, leaves American bees with shivering wings and paralysis.  Researchers believe that this is just one of the many factors that lead to colony collapse.  Other factors may include the presence of varroa mites in the hive, pathogens spread by parasites, and the effects of pesticides and pollutants.

Polar bears may be extinct from Alaska by 2050
The United States Geological Survey forecasts a grim future for the imperiled polar bear, estimating that two-thirds of their population worldwide will be wiped out by 2050 due to global warming.  Polar bears, which have been present on Earth for the last 40,000 years, will be adversely affected when the sea ice that they rely upon disappears with the rising temperatures.

Yangtze River dolphin declared extinct
The Yangtze River Dolphin, the first large aquatic animal to be declared extinct in 50 years, lived for millions of years in China’s longest river and was one of only four exclusively freshwater dolphins in the world.  The extinction of this “goddess of the Yangtze” is blamed on overfishing, heavy boat traffic, and damming on the river.