Here's today's roundup of science, nature and environment news from the Bay Area and beyond.
Underfed pelicans flood coastal areasSince the birds began their migration from the Gulf of California in late June, emaciated pelicans - famished from a lack of food - have been flooding into rescue centers. High mortality rates are typical for brown pelicans - fewer than half survive their first year - but experts don't know whether the apparent increase in deaths is due to a higher birth rate, lower food availability or something else.


Calif., federal officials to reveal water plans - The Sacramento BeeCalifornia Gov. Jerry Brown is set to reignite the state's water wars when he makes the long-awaited announcement next week about plans to build a massive twin tunnel system to carry water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to farmland and cities. Already the $23.7 billion proposal is facing heavy criticism.


European Agency Recommends Approval of a Gene TherapyAfter more than two decades of dashed expectations, the field of gene therapy appears close to reaching a milestone: a regulatory approval. The European Medicines Agency has recommended approval of a gene therapy to treat a rare genetic disease, according to the agency's Web site.
