London, April 16 : A recent survey has found that just a few hundred of the African larks survive in Ethiopia, which indicates that the endangered bird might soon become extinct.

According to a report by BBC News, if and when it happens, it may be the first recorded bird extinction on the African continent, and it would not be the last.

London, April 16 : Archaeologists are all set to search three sites in Egypt that they say may contain the tomb of doomed lovers Anthony and Cleopatra.

According to a report by BBC News, excavation at the sites, which are near a temple west of the coastal city of Alexandria, is due to begin next week.

Teams working in the area said the recent discovery of tombs containing 10 mummies suggested that Anthony and Cleopatra might be buried close by.

The teams also found a bust of Cleopatra and coins carrying her image.

Washington, April 15 : A new study has found that biofuels can hasten climate change, and it will take more than 75 years for the carbon emissions saved through the use of biofuels to compensate for the carbon lost when biofuel plantations are established on forestlands.

If the original habitat was peatland, carbon balance would take more than 600 years.

The oil palm, increasingly used as a source for biofuel, has replaced soybean as the world's most traded oilseed crop. Global production of palm oil has increased exponentially over the past 40 years.

Washington, April 15 : NASA is inviting the public to vote online for the most important contribution the space agency has made to exploring Earth and improving the way we live on our home planet.

NASA is conducting the survey as part of its celebration of Earth Day, April 22. Voting began on April 14, and would close on April 21.

Poll results will be announced on NASA''s Web site on Earth Day.

A 2008 National Research Council study identified major accomplishments resulting from Earth observations made from space.

Washington, Apr 15 : By isolating the parasite behind honeybee colony depopulation syndrome, also known as colony collapse disorder in the USA, scientists have found a possible cure for the infection.

Spanish researchers isolated the parasite Nosema ceranae (Microsporidia) from professional apiaries suffering from honeybee colony depopulation syndrome, and found that it could be the only cause of the disease.

Sydney - Big game hunters would be allowed to bag 25 mature saltwater crocodiles a year in the far north of Australia under plans outlined Wednesday. "It's an industry, and we can have a look at it," Northern Territory Environment Minister Alison Anderson told reporters in Darwin.

But Anderson has rejected calls for a cull that would cut the crocodile population from around 80,000 to half that number.