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Bumblebees Instead of Pesticides Save Berry Crop from Mold

Squadrons of bumblebees are being deployed in the UK in a novel attempt to prevent grey mold from ruining the crop of summer strawberries. The bees are routed via a one-way system in their hive through a tray of harmless fungus spores which, when delivered to flowers, ensure that the grey mold cannot take hold as the fruit grows.

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Trucker Convoy Brings Donated Hay to Oregon Ranches Devastated by Fires

Massive wildfires have blackened about a million acres in southeast Oregon, killing countless cattle and horses and leaving no grazing land for struggling ranches that remain. But help is on the way to struggling ranchers from the business community and fellow cattlemen. A convoy of 17 donated tractor-trailer trucks loaded with 500 tons of hay left Burns, Oregon yesterday morning in route to fire-affected families and businesses.

Cat Sniffs Out Breast Cancer, Saves Owner's Life

Esther Kacev's cat Buddy, would not stop sniffing and trying to grab under her arm. After rescuing the stray cat several years ago, it was Esther's turn to be saved. The woman from Western Australia had read about the ability of some animals to sniff out cancer -- and she had canceled her last several mammogram appointments -- so she scheduled a trip to get the area checked.

Traditional Medicine Looks to Alternatives

Americans spend tens of billions of dollars on alternative therapies, usually out-of-pocket. But now, Oxford Health Plans, the nation's ninth largest managed care company, offers coverage for visits with acupuncturists and chiropractors.

Tiny Mite Saves African Crops

Crop yields of Cassava, the main staple in the diets of 200 million Africans have rebounded since the introduction of a mite from across the ocean. Cassava has thrived in the poor drought-hardened soils of Africa without any of its natural pests since its introduction in the 15th century from Latin America. That was true until the 1970's when the Cassava Green Mite arrived on the scene wiping out half the cassava yields and endangering the livelihoods of poor farmers who relied on the crop.

New York Beekeepers Quadruple

The number of beekeepers in New York City has quadrupled since the ban on keeping bees was lifted two years ago, figures show. Hives are now on skyscraper rooftops, in community gardens, and school backyards across the five boroughs. Locally produced food growers pushed hard for the ban to be overturned.

Investors Bet on Organic Farming in China

Investors in China betting big on the organic concept have poured money into food producers and distributors. Some are wrestling with a conflict between scale and quality, but this has not dampened their enthusiasm.

After Ten Years, Goose Renews Longtime Bond With Woman

A San Diego woman first formed a bond with a Chinese goose at Miramar Lake 20 years ago. After a 10-year break, she went back to the lake to see if he was still there. As soon as she pulled up in the car she said she recognized 'Blanco'. She got out of the car and said, Blanco? His telescoping neck shot up in the air and it was like they'd never been apart.

Apps for Apes: Zoos Turn to Tablets to Keep Animals Engaged

When great ape keepers at the Smithsonian's National Zoo were deciding how to add more variety and enrichment to their animals' lives, they turned to Orangutan Outreach and a program that had seen great success in 12 other zoos around the world: Apps for Apes. Keepers introduced the Zoo's six orangutans to iPads: Bonnie likes to bang on the drums, Kyle prefers the piano and 25-year-old Iris is content to listen to the soothing sounds of the koi pond while watching animated fish splash.