Latest news with #MikeRowley
NDTV
07-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Some Fig Trees Can Convert Large Amounts of Carbon Dioxide Into Stone: Research
Some fig trees can convert atmospheric CO2 into calcium carbonate, a process known as the oxalate carbonate pathway, effectively turning CO2 into stone. The process of carbon sequestration allows fig trees to store carbon in a more stable form, keeping it in the soil for longer periods compared to organic carbon. The research, presented at the Goldschmidt conference in Prague, revealed that fig trees are one of the first fruit trees shown to have this ability - a potential triple win for food production, organic carbon storage through photosynthesis and inorganic carbon storage as they convert CO2 into calcium carbonate. Mike Rowley at the University of Zurich in Switzerland and his colleagues found that three species of fig tree native to Samburu County in Kenya can also make calcium carbonate from CO2. "A large part of the trees becomes calcium carbonate above ground," said Rowley as quoted by New Scientist. "We [also] see entire root structures that have pretty much turned to calcium carbonate in the soil where it shouldn't be, in high concentrations." Incorporating fig trees into reforestation and agroforestry projects could enhance carbon capture efforts and provide additional benefits like improved soil quality. Scientists aim to quantify the amount of CO2 these trees can capture, assess their water requirements, and determine their viability for large-scale projects. "What was really a surprise, and I'm still kind of reeling from it, is that the [calcium carbonate] had really gone far deeper into the wood structures than I expected," Rowley added. "I expected it to be a superficial process in the cracks and weaknesses within the wood structure."
Axios
06-05-2025
- General
- Axios
Unmarked graves of Union soldiers identified in Des Moines
The unmarked graves of 15 Civil War veterans of the Union army will receive headstones at Glendale Cemetery this month, more than a century after their deaths. Why it matters: A volunteer initiative to help install the memorials seeks to address a long-standing oversight for soldiers who served in the nation's bloodiest conflict. Catch up quick: Research by retired Des Moines firefighter Bob Niffenegger recently identified the unmarked burials via documents like military and court records. Cemetery staff and military groups collaborated to obtain the stones at no cost from the U.S. Veterans Administration. State of play: The soldiers ranged from ages 17 to 35 during their military service and were originally from nine states, including Iowa. They were between 27 and 86 at the time of their deaths. It's unknown why their graves went unmarked, cemetery historian Mike Rowley tells Axios. The intrigue: The research uncovered unique stories behind some of their lives through newspaper articles published around a century ago. Merrick Pease was a relatively obscure Iowa inventor who may have patented a telephone four years before Alexander Graham Bell, despite dying with only $100. Josiah Nelson, the last of the 15 to die, in 1931, once replied in court, "I beg your pardon, judge, I am only 82," after a judge mistakenly added a year to his age. William Cave was a Civil War musician and a longtime shoemaker who carved custom wooden foot molds for his clients from a shop at the former Randolph Hotel in DSM. At the time of his death, even his birthdate was unknown.
BBC News
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Oxfordshire street parties and torch processions to mark VE Day
Street parties, live 1940s-style music events and beacon lighting alongside the River Thames in Oxfordshire will mark 80 years since VE City Council is waiving the road closure charge to encourage residents and community groups to host street displays and the traditional throwing game Aunt Sally will also feature in the week when the nation celebrates the end of World War Two in bells will ring out and beacons will be lit across the UK on VE Day, 8 May. On VE Day, 8 May, Abingdon will begin commemorations with the town crier's proclamation from the County Hall roof at 09:00 BST. Banbury Town Council promises a "true street party experience" in the town hall with live music, stories and military vehicles on will be run at churches in Bicester, Thame and Witney in the early evening, while beacon-lighting ceremonies take place in Henley-on-Thames and Blenheim Palace in Oxford, the union flag will fly over the Town Hall and bells will peal at Carfax Rose Hill, the Social Club will celebrate with an evening of music and Aunt Sally games, a traditional English pub game where players throw batons at a wooden skittle or "doll" placed on top of a post. On Saturday 10 May, Woodstock will host a "a street party with living history", Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum displays, military vehicles and live 1940s-style music.A rally of MG cars will take place in Abingdon Market Place on Sunday 11 May and an exhibition of the role the car factory played in the war streets of Wantage will come alive for a vintage party, where people are invited to come dressed in their "finest 1940s attire" for a fancy dress competition. Mike Rowley, Lord Mayor of Oxford, said the anniversary was "an important opportunity for us to come together to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the wartime generation"."VE Day is a defining moment in our history and this may be one of the last opportunities we have to thank the surviving veterans, so we should celebrate them in style."By waiving the road closure charge for small street parties, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to take part." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Surplus food initiative launches city fridge
A community surplus food initiative has launched a city fridge, with the aim to reduce food waste by redistribution. HeartyEarth community celebrated the start of Oxford City Fridge at the Botley Road side of the Westgate Hotel on 7 March. Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran and the Lord Mayor of Oxford Mike Rowley cut the ceremonial ribbon and about 50kg of food was given away. From 17 March between 10:00 GMT and 22:00 GMT, residents will be able to take away free food, collected daily from the Oxford Food Hub and Sofea charity. HeartyEarth founder Sâmân Jamshidifardsaid it was "important to note we focus on surplus of surplus". "What is left after all the other charities, foodbanks and others have taken everything they need or can save, by taking food from our space, you are helping to [reduce food waste]. "The generous owners of the Westgate Hotel, Andy, Steve and Phil Jones, are very happy to provide the space for the community efforts." Two HeartyEarth art installation can also be found in the space. Along with his volunteers, he also provides free curry meals across the city. He added that he saw Oxford City Fridge "as an organic extension of Oxford City Larder, Jericho Pantry, Hinksey Park Larder and the SurplusCurry project". Mr Jamshidifardsaid thanked Oxford independent businesses that back the initiative such as The Flower Shop, Kennington Flooring, Fishtail Lounge & Bar, Dosa Park restaurant and Happy Cakes. Other guests to the launch included councillors Susanna Pressel and Lois Muddiman. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. The social supermarket tackling stigma and food costs Charity saves surplus food to feed local community Surplus curry initiative fundraises for a van Surplus Curry Oxford Food Hub SOFEA Westgate Hotel
BBC News
10-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Oxford surplus food initiative launches city fridge
A community surplus food initiative has launched a city fridge, with the aim to reduce food waste by community celebrated the start of Oxford City Fridge at the Botley Road side of the Westgate Hotel on 7 West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran and the Lord Mayor of Oxford Mike Rowley cut the ceremonial ribbon and about 50kg of food was given 17 March between 10:00 GMT and 22:00 GMT, residents will be able to take away free food, collected daily from the Oxford Food Hub and Sofea charity. HeartyEarth founder Sâmân Jamshidifardsaid it was "important to note we focus on surplus of surplus"."What is left after all the other charities, foodbanks and others have taken everything they need or can save, by taking food from our space, you are helping to [reduce food waste]."The generous owners of the Westgate Hotel, Andy, Steve and Phil Jones, are very happy to provide the space for the community efforts."Two HeartyEarth art installation can also be found in the with his volunteers, he also provides free curry meals across the added that he saw Oxford City Fridge "as an organic extension of Oxford City Larder, Jericho Pantry, Hinksey Park Larder and the SurplusCurry project". Mr Jamshidifardsaid thanked Oxford independent businesses that back the initiative such as The Flower Shop, Kennington Flooring, Fishtail Lounge & Bar, Dosa Park restaurant and Happy guests to the launch included councillors Susanna Pressel and Lois Muddiman. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
