You know those movies when bacteria mutate and save the planet from alien invaders? (See War of the Worlds et all.)  A recent report shows that bacteria might be able to save the planet’s energy issues as well. Solve Climate reports that by synthetically altering the DNA in bacteria, bio-engineers may be able to convert microscopic organisms into fuel producers. This means that we could be filling up with carbon-neutral gasoline, fresh off the bacterial production line.
Article Source: http://solveclimate.com/blog/20091109/arpa-e-bets-disruptive-technology-synthesizing-fuel-bacteria

Treehugger reports that pesticide-soaked wallpaper may help the world’s malaria woes. This new strategy is all about targeted pesticide applications, which means intercepting the mosquitoes where they matter the most – in the home. Essentially, an “impregnated sheeting is hung against interior walls, where mosquitoes prefer to light.” And considering that officials used to spray entire towns with DDT, this is indeed progress.
Article Source: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/11/pesticide-soaked-walpaper-cuts-malaria-exposure-safer-spraying.php

Someone get James Cameron on the phone – terminator fish have arrived! But these little fishies aren’t intent on taking down civilization as we know it. MNN reports that engineers at Michigan State University are developing robotic fish to keep an eye on water pollution in our oceans, lakes and rivers. The fish will be connected via a wireless network to a central docking station. Now if only they can program them to leap into polluting boats. (Which would be rather alarming to boaters, don’t you think?)
Article Source: http://www.mnn.com/technology/research-innovations/stories/robot-fish-to-swim-in-schools-and-test-water-quality

In the world of “you have GOT to be kidding me,” Ecorazzi shares that Tyra Banks recently revealed a disturbing new dietary trend. Apparently, people are now ingesting tapeworms to keep up a good old American trend – eating as much as you want. Tyra “reports” that scientists estimate those infected with a single tapeworm can lose up to one or two pounds each week. So not to worry – you can still chow down on greasy fast food, as long as you have a little friend that lives in your stomach!
Article Source: http://www.ecorazzi.com/2009/11/10/the-tapeworm-diet-tyra-banks-introduces-women-to-the-next-gross-thing/

And finally, think modern men were the first humans to harm the environment? A new report reveals that ancient man was just as capable of making a mess of things. A team of British archaeologists recently revealed how the Nazca — an indigenous people who lived a thousand years before the Spanish arrived in Peru — created an environmental catastrophe by clearing the huarango trees to plant their crops. This basically resulted in a dustbowl situation. And since we never seem to learn – residents are repeating history by chopping down the huarango once again.
Article Source: http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/stories/ancient-trees-at-risk-in-peru

Headline Fish Photo Credit: Caranx latus/Flickr
Peru Photo Credit: Photo: Carlos Adampol/Flickr