Here's today's roundup of science, nature and environment news from the Bay Area and beyond.
New amphibian species on the increaseNew species of frogs and toads, newts and salamanders, and wormlike critters called caecilians are being discovered all the time as biologists take to the field in the world's last unexplored places.

Pinnacles monument closer to park statusPinnacles National Monument, home to the endangered California condor and a favorite spot for hikers and rock climbers near Soledad (Monterey County) and Hollister (San Benito County), moved closer to becoming the country's newest national park, with House approval Tuesday. The brainchild of Rep.

California Will Lose Hydropower Capacity As Climate Warms | Hydroelectric | ReWire | KCETAn assessment of the effects of California's changing climate projects that existing hydroelectric generating facilities will be unable to keep up with demand for power. The report, "Our Changing Climate 2012, Vulnerability & Adaptation to the Increasing Risks from Climate Change in California" released today by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the Climate Change Center, is the third statewide assessment of California's future in a warmer world.


Sally Ride biography scheduled for 2013NEW YORK (AP) â An authorized biography of astronaut Sally Ride, written by longtime ABC correspondent Lynn Sherr, is scheduled for publication next year. According to Simon & Schuster, Sherr will have "exclusive access" to Ride's family, and also will speak with friends, colleagues and NASA officials.
