Daily Roundup: April 11, 2011

Silver(ish) Lining: BP's oil spill may have one positive consequence: Studies to understand its impact are improving scientists' understanding of the Gulf’s ecology. New York Times

Gauging Green: A designer created a tape measure that can tell homeownwers how much carbon dioxide their backyard trees suck up. Good

Oooooh, Aaah: Chemists rediscovered a compound that could make fireworks safer for the environment. Nature

Sharks vs. Society: As California considers a ban on shark-fin soup, sociologists are asking where we draw the line between culture and conservation. Grist

Blame Canada: A Canadian company won a permit to mine tar-sands oil in Utah. Mother Jones

--Tim McDonnell