The climate change factor: The debate simmers on about how to lure reluctant pupils into the labs to stem a national shortage of scientists. But how do you make science s-xy for adult learners? A new partnership between the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (Niace) and the National Science Learning Centre is examining how to promote and develop science courses for adults … While they are not expecting their experiment to result in floods of mature physics and chemistry graduates, they are tapping into a burgeoning public interest in everyday science issues, such as climate change. Guardian

Climate change causing ancient Arctic ponds to dry up: Ancient ponds in the Arctic are drying up during the polar summer as warmer temperatures evaporate shallow bodies of water, Canadian researchers have said. They say the evaporation of these ponds — some of which have existed for thousands of years — illustrates the rapid effects of global warming, threatening bird habitats and breeding grounds and reducing drinking water for animals. News.com.au

‘Scepticism’ over climate claims: The Ipsos Mori poll of 2,032 adults — interviewed between 14 and 20 June — found 56% believed scientists were still questioning climate change. There was a feeling the problem was exaggerated to make money, it found. The Royal Society said most climate scientists believed humans were having an “unprecedented” effect on climate. BBC Hurricanes may be unlikely saviours of coral reefs: Hurricanes Katrina and Rita may have been unlikely saviours for the coral reefs under their paths, say researchers. They have found evidence that the cooling effect hurricanes have on sea temperatures may help corals recover from the bleaching caused by warming oceans. New Scientist