In a lecture held at Iscia, Fernando Rebelo, an investigator, warned of the dangers of this and other natural disasters in the Alentejo, Algarve and the Azores.

The risk of tsunami, typhoons and storms at sea unfold a risk of coastal flooding in Portugal and are ignored by the official map of risks published in 2006, annexed to the National Policy and Planning, said the former dean of the University of Coimbra, Fernando Rebelo, during the VII National Meeting on Risks and First Forum on Risks and Security of the Territory, held at the Institute of Information Sciences and Administration. A warning that he considers of vital importance, since "the risk is higher in the south, particularly on the west coast of Alentejo and Algarve, in the rest of the country is medium or small, but there is no zero risk," he said. The professor stressed that the origin of tsunamis is in earthquakes, but it is not the only one, he also referred "other causes" like volcanic eruptions and landslides. He even observed, "early in the study of tectonic plates appeared before a rift in the Iberian Peninsula (fracture zone, accompanied by in opposite directions away from the surface), where he had knowledge of many underwater eruptions, noting:" the Azores were born that way. "

The academic reinforced this argument adding that "there have been volcanoes running that were not already active for 500 years, to conclude that there is no guarantee that a volcano will not start operations in this area, especially since, off the island of Terceira the submarine volcano Serreta was erupting between 1998 and 2001, limiting the passage of ships and aircraft. " Further, it cites a research study led by geologist Victor Forjaz, which points to the possibility of the existence of the Eurasian plate, in the area of ​​the Azores, with serious risks to San Miguel. He also said that recent studies admit the possibility of a subduction zone (area of ​​convergence of tectonic plates, where one of them sneaks beneath the other) very close to Cadiz, a situation which he called "scary, especially if it was responsible for the tremor on land in Granada, which occurred in 2010”.

http://www.lusa.pt/

A teacher dared to dream and create an internet site on scientific publishing for anyone.

Imagine having one of those questions about the universe that surrounds us that only a credentialed scientist in the field can answer, but when trying to research this same information you faced potential solutions in a scientific jargon that you don't understand and discourages you almost immediately. Now, what if I told you that your question can be obtained in a fast, accessible way and answered clearly and concisely by a panel of Portuguese scientists, what would you say? Well, this web site is not science fiction, is a reality. Welcome to the "science for all". The idea of Professor Joao Pedro Calafate was to create, "a vehicle for transmitting knowledge and help raise levels of scientific literacy, particularly for pupils in primary and secondary schools." Currently the site has 168 employees who answer the several questions about science and technology and is consulted not only by the young, but also by the adults. The site has several categories that allow in a simple way to access the information you need. The panel's scientific committee has the function to respond and update the information on various topics that are target by the curiosity of the net users. There are also files which contain data that may be useful to visitors. Everything, one click away. Let us return to the beginning, what would you like really, but really want to know about? I'm waiting!

http://cienciapatodos.webnode.pt/

A group of researchers from the University of Aveiro discovered a method of helping intolerants to sulfur dioxide.

Have you ever felt an excruciating headache and sick after tasting a good wine? And no, I'm talking about a monumental hangover, after the ingestion of a notable amount of this nectar of the gods. I mean a cup only. Ok, well if you answered yes mentally, I can assure you it is very likely you have intolerance to a substance that is part of the winemaking process, sulfur dioxide.

A team of researchers from the department of chemistry at the University of Aveiro, led by Claudia Nunes and Manuel Coimbra found a way to make white wine without adding this chemical. The project "winesulfree", recently awarded the prize of "Agrofood tech" in the international exhibition of agri-business in Santarem, is the addition of a chitosan film, which does not alter the production or the taste of the wine. This polysaccharide extracted from the shells of crabs, shrimp or fungi, retains several common oenologists steps to all the wineries, replacing only the sulfur dioxide added at various stages of winemaking to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms that degrade the wine, and promote the oxidation destroying its appearance and flavor. For now, the potential of this scientific discovery has been confirmed successfully in white wines, but the team of scientists wants to test the film in reds, sparkling and juices. The idea has enormous commercial potential, especially for wine producers, thus enhancing the quality of national production in the international markets, with a greener product and does not the causes such headaches and nausea that haunts the enjoyment of a single drink.

It is a national campaign promoted by the center of marine science at the University of Algarve and the Lisbon Oceanarium.

The marine meadows are vital as they provide habitat for flora and fauna of marine ecosystems. Function as a refuge from predators for various species in the larval and juvenile states and to support the postures, such as cuttlefish and conch. They are a true biological filter because they absorb nutrients from the water and increase the sedimentation of suspended matter and sediments, and contribute considerably to water quality in estuaries of the rivers and beaches. Furthermore, sand beds stabilize and prevent the movement of sediments, controlling coastal erosion to dissipate energy from waves and currents.

The marine meadows are considered one of the most productive systems of the biosphere and play an active role in minimizing the phenomenon of global warming, since they fix carbon, reducing an amount of atmospheric CO2. Hence the need to create a campaign that seeks to promote the conservation over several parts of the coast is Portuguese, because of the threat to these habitats in decline as the result of pollution of the seas and trawling. By adopting a marine prairie you are contributing to these unique ecosystems that are under surveillance and protected. On the other hand, it also allows them to develop materials and educational activities to the public in general and for children, so that the new generations are more sensitive to their overall importance. Simply browse the map of this marine habitat nearest your residence, by the link provided at the end of this text.

http://www.pradariasmarinhas.com/

An unprecedented fossil was studied by a team of international investigators.

The otus Mauli, a fossil of a species of owl of Madeira was declared by a team of international scientists as the first extinct bird of the archipelago. They were nocturnal birds of prey that probably lived on land and eat invertebrates, presumably lizards and birds.
It all started twenty years ago, when a German scholar Harald Pieper discovered on a visit to the island the fossilized remains of this bird, which had not been studied in depth until recently. A team of researchers led by paleontologist and scholar of IMEDEA (Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies), Josep Antoni Alcover, found that it was a species of owl, unknown until now. The raptor was distinguished from the other by their wider legs and shorter wings that distinguished from other continental Europeans owls. Yet to determine it's the genetic specificity, a result of geographic isolation of the species, since the fossil is in advanced state of disrepair and it is fragmented. It is believed however, that this single specimen of Madera disappeared due to the pressure generated by the human colonization of the island, the numerous fires which served to thin the dense vegetation of the archipelago and the animals introduced by man who threatened this little bird that flew very little, hence it was easy prey for the new species from the continent.

http://www.imedea.uib.es/noticias.php?nid=MTE3NQ

It is a nocturnal species, discreet, but if it bothered stings to defend itself. Guess what?

The Iberian scorpion was elected by the Portuguese net users as the second most emblematic species of our country, in a top ten of living endemic life. Well, this "miss contest" must be, in my opinion is just wrong to say the least! How is it possible that a scorpion, which is rarely seen, since it is a nocturnal living being, during the day hides under stones, in the innermost of the Alentejo and the North of the territory is ever a life form emblematic of Portugal?
Well, maybe I'm wrong. This acquainted of the spiders though rare, is not fatal. That is, "the scorpion stings occur mainly in the feet and hands. While it is true that the poison cannot decimate a healthy adult, the area of ​​the bite hurts, is red, swollen, sometimes slightly and temporarily paralyzed, but simply applying ice to relieve the symptoms. In the case of other than these symptoms, should also contact your doctor. However, the scorpion can seriously weaken or even kill the elderly, children or people with allergies. "Scorpions belong to the class of arachnids, as previously stated. The smaller ones tend to be the deadliest. Generally, the larger and thicker as the spike of the scorpion is, the more danger he represents. In contrast, the larger the clamps of the front are minor and less toxic will be the venom of the tail. Scorpions rarely bite humans unless they feel cornered. They are nocturnal animals, modest, and generally its sting is only intended to immobilize prey, because otherwise it prefers to flee rather than face the danger. "Due to the scarcity of their numbers it is a protected species in Portugal, which does not diminish the fear that the general population feels as soon as it sees it and that is why meetings between the two species end badly, in most cases, for the scorpions. You know if by chance you "stumble" on one of them just deviates quietly, because for sure it is more afraid of you than vice versa.

http://www.maisnatureza.com/animais/aracnideos/escorpiao-iberico/

An Iberian team will determine the appearance of one of the smaller islands of the archipelago.

Corvo Island is of volcanic origin, which is a given irrefutable statement. What is not is not yet known is when this cataclysmic event occurred. It is this question that a group of Portuguese and Spanish scientists, supported by the Luso-American Foundation for development, aims to answer. The section of the Portuguese team led by Zilda França, ,University of Geophysics of the Azores and the Spanish working group headed by expert on rocks Marceliano Lago of the University of Zaragoza are already in the field. In statements to the agency Lusa, the Portuguese researcher noted that the purpose of this mission is to "to tell the story we know, but with dates." The scientist also states that the scientific mission intends to obtain samples that would make a timeline, to get a better idea of ​​volcanic episodes occurred "in Corvo and Flores islands situated on the western group of the Azores. Both have specificities by contrast to the other island of the archipelago, as they belong to the american central plate. In the case of the Crow, Zilda France emphasizes that "The island has a large central volcano, one might even say it's a volcano. Despite being very small, is very interesting, "stressing that there occurred eruptions underwater vulcanological episodes some are " quiet "and others are" very violent eruptions. " The volcanologist Victor Hugo Forjaz, in a statement sent to Lusa regarding the purpose of this mission, estimates that "the first island of Corvo has arisen for about 710,000 years." A volcanological activity that has evolved and culminated in a major eruption that caused the formation of the caldera collapse, the Cauldron known as Corvo. According to the researcher, "after a rest period, about 100,000 years, was renewed volcanic activity on the island, forming geometric cones which are located in the southern part, including faja lava which underlies the current settlement", which is currently home to about 400 persons.

The wild-roll was named by SPEA in order to draw their attention to the decline of the species in our territory.

Maybe you already saw this bird, the Streptopelia turtur (scientific name), or at least heard it singing differently. It's a wild-roll which although is a common species in Portuguese territory, with a higher incidence in Tras-os-Montes in the north, has been disappearing in an alarming way, which led to the Portuguese association study of Birds (SPEA) to designate it as a bird of the year. This smallest member of the family of pigeons has regressed in terms of number, since, according to the census of common birds between the years 2004 to 2010 its population decreased by 31%. A decline which however is not as pronounced as in the rest of Europe that reaches a 70% reduction.

SPEA, a nongovernmental organization with this alert, wishes to boost a temporary moratorium to prevent the hunting of this specimen in our territory so that they can study the causes of their gradual disappearance. A small legal change that could contribute to the increase of its population during the period of reproduction, between August and October, which is precisely when this bird is much appreciated by the Portuguese, during the hunt season. The association estimates that are slaughtered 2 million to 3 million of these birds each year, before migrating to North Africa where they spend the winter. The reasons for the decline of their numbers are not yet known to scientists, it is estimated that this phenomenon is due to degradation of their environment, particularly to the prolonged drought that has occurred in Africa, as well as the increase of the desert, the result of climate change. The intensification of agriculture is another of the reasons, presented by the various organizations involved in this process, for the reduction of these small birds.

http://www.spea.pt/pt/participar/campanhas/ave-do-ano-2012-rola-brava/

It created a database that allows access to all sorts of information about the world of Portuguese botany.

An interface search on the photographical, the geographical and morphological Portuguese flora is available to all who want information on specific plant species. The innovative project developed by the Portuguese society of botany, two years ago thanks to the volunteer work of its employees, primarily intended to provide all kinds of data to the general public in an accessible and intuitive manner. In total are available to Internet users around 1378 species that will be constantly updated, since the ultimate goal is to have a permanent database of all national botanical heritages, including the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores.
To be able to access the information you need, even not knowing the scientific name of the plant specimen you want to read about, just describe what you know about it or the habitat where it can be found. The idea is to allow people to access a data set that were previously scattered, without having to decipher a multitude of technical terms that discourage users. Although there is a deliberate simplification to maximize the search process, all existing knowledge on the site is accurate and scientifically based.

http://www.flora-on.pt/

A Portuguese scientific study that lasted four years, conducted by the University of Algarve, found the oldest living creature in the biosphere.

Is not a weed, nor is a seaweed, look like a green tuft, but it is the oldest creature on the planet. It is the posidonic oceanic, a plant species that proliferates in the ocean floor and according to a Luso-Spanish team, led by the University of Algarve it can reach 100 thousand years of age or older. The recent discovery has been raised in a study led by scientist and teacher, Esther Serrao, which aimed to measure the coverage area of a single living being, to study their genetic diversity and to estimate its age by the annual growth of the organism.
The species is common in the submarine meadows, replicating themselves on the ocean floor again and again, through cloning. This fact was proved by this scientific project by analyzing several seeds of these marine plants, which concluded that they belong to the same individual. Although, Posidonia oceanica is still visible in the deeps of the Mediterranean Sea, has been disappearing "at a rate which is estimated at ten percent in the last 100 years, mainly due to the turbidity of the water caused by marine pollution, reminding that this sea grass feeds on sunlight, as does photosynthesis. It is a plant essential to the development of biodiversity in southern Europe, is essential for growth and development of various fish species, such as a link in the oceanic food chain "as the mentor of the study said.

http://www.ccmar.ualg.pt/home/