Statement by Karl A. Erb, Director of NSF's Office of Polar Programs, on the Death of Martin A. Pomerantz

On behalf of the National Science Foundation and as the head of the U.S. Antarctic Program, I wish to express our sadness at the news of the recent passing of Martin A. Pomerantz, who died on October 25, at his northern California home at the age of 91.Although few people truly achieve such status in their lifetimes, Dr. Pomerantz was literally a legend in Antarctic science for his vision and dedication to the field of astronomy, specifically in making the South Pole a pivotal ... More at http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=112551&govDel=USNSF_51 This is an NSF News item.

Researcher Links Agricultural Chemicals to Infections in a Declining Amphibian Species

Amphibians around the world are on the decline from disease. In an article in this week's issue of the journal Nature, Jason Rohr of the University of South Florida (USF) and colleagues revealed that chemical pollution can increase often deadly trematode (parasitic flatworm) infections in the northern leopard frog, a declining amphibian species. "The combination of atrazine, a widely used herbicide, and phosphate, a primary ingredient in fertilizers, accounted for 74 ... More at http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=112539&govDel=USNSF_51 This is an NSF News item.