Arizona State University researchers are testing ways to neutralize mining's biggest environmental liabilities.

At present the mining sector is experiencing a surge in interest and investment, as America has seemingly woken up to the dearth of Western supply for various minerals critical to a modern economy.

At the same time, soaring precious metals prices have rapidly increased operating margins on gold and silver mines beyond 100%, turning dozens of tight operations into some of the most profitable businesses in the country.

As part of the ASU Mining Innovation Initiative, scientists and innovators are looking for ways to stabilize mine waste and reduce environmental contamination resulting from them as America prepares to enter a new mining boom.

The largest source of mine waste in the industry is known as tailings, or tails. Consisting of crushed and milled stone mixed with water from the process of separating the stone from the valuable mineralized ore, tailings often contain deleterious elements like arsenic and lead, or even residues from the process of using

An inspiring story of solidarity between pet owners comes from Japan, recently rattled by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake.

In the wake of the disaster that destroyed homes and claimed over 3 dozen lives, an organization that acts as a digital hub for lost pet notices has amplified the signal of these notices, and worked to help reunite owners with their animals.

Maigo Ken no Keijiban or the Lost Dog Bulletin Board, has 150,000 members on social media, and is a registered equivalent to an American 501(c)3.

On Tuesday, a lost Chihuahua named Leo was successfully identified, located, and returned to his owner a mile away from where he was found, all through social media—a testament to how effective methods like this can be.

Japan Times, reporting on the aid movement, added that another dog—a Shiba Innu named Go—has been sighted by members of Bulletin Board's Kyushu island chapter. His owner, Yosuke Matsuda, is waiting eagerly for more news.

"We adopted him less than a year ago. We think he was abused before, so he's very easily frightened," Matsuda told the Times, adding that the

61 years ago today, Frank Herbert's epic science-fiction novel Dune was published. Set in the distant future amidst a feudal interstellar society in which various noble houses control planetary fiefdoms, it tells the story of young Paul Atreides, whose family accepts the stewardship of the planet Arrakis. While the planet is an inhospitable and sparsely populated desert wasteland, it is the only source of melange, or "spice," a drug that extends life and enhances mental abilities. Dune is a landmark in science fiction; a Hugo Award winner that has sold 20 million copies in dozens of languages. And was recently made into two incredible films. READ more… (1965)

There's a difficulty in measuring the exact impact of Dune, as it is considered perhaps the greatest science-fiction book ever written. Arthur C. Clarke the famous scientist and writer who co-wrote the screenplay for 2001: A Space Oddessey, said of Dune upon its release that "I know nothing comparable to it except The Lord of the Rings."

Several planetary features are named after Dune, including plains on Saturn's moon of Titan, and a crater on our Moon.

Creators of beloved science fiction content of every degree, from the

New research shows that blowing bubbles helps sperm whales to sleep soundly, hidden beneath the waves.

It actually stops them from floating to the surface during nap time.

While little is known about how sperm whales sleep, researchers believe that the ocean giants doze underwater for 10 to 15 minutes at a time with their heads facing upwards.

They keep away from the choppy waters of the surface while still remaining close enough to get a breath of fresh air if the need arises.

However, one issue has puzzled scientists. A sperm whale's head is massive—taking up nearly a third of its body—and filled with oil, wax and air.

Those materials float, so how does the species stay underwater without popping to the surface like a cork while they sleep?

Now we know, after researchers from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, and the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, dug into the question with high tech underwater equipment.

They used devices that would allow them

A Eurasian lynx rescued from misery in Ukraine took her first steps on grass —and soon rolled over onto her back—after being rescued by a UK animal sanctuary.

The big cat named Ursa was found seriously ill in January after being illegally kept as a private pet in Kyiv.

She was moved to a wild animal rescue centre in the Ukrainian capital while the war raged and bombs continued to fall in the surrounding area.

The effort was supported in England by the Big Cat Sanctuary near Ashford, Kent, which raised the required $180,000 (£134,000) needed to evacuate Ursa to a new home in Britain.

Staff called it a "high risk" mission that included navigating complex border crossings, and an active war zone.

After flying her back to safety in February she was then moved into a temporary enclosure while a specially-built new one could be constructed.

This week she got to go outdoors and feel the grass under her paws for the first time as the nature-filled enclosure was finally completed.