A new normal for Arctic sea ice. "Arctic sea ice continues to track below average but remains well above the levels seen last year. The relatively slow ice loss is a reflection of the prevailing temperature and wind patterns. As of July 1, NSIDC Arctic Sea Ice News and Analysis and the Sea Ice Index have transitioned to a new 30-year baseline period, 1981 to 2010." National Snow and Ice Data Center 

Redefining the Russian Arctic. "The Russian Law on Arctic Territories is expected to considerably shrink the extension of Russian Arctic land territories and lay down 'new rules of the game' both for the ones living and working there. According to a draft version of the legislative document, the Komi Republic will be among the areas, which are to be redefined, Rossiiskaya Gazeta reports. Also parts of Murmansk and Arkhangelsk Oblasts might be affected. According to Murmansk Senator Igor Chernishenko, only the areas which have direct access 

to the Arctic coast will be defined as 'Arctic' in the law. That would mean that major areas of the Murmansk inland, like Polyarnye Zori, Kovdor, Kirovsk, Apatity, Monchegorsk and Olenegorsk will no longer be 'Arctic', Murman.ru reports." Barents Observer 

Siberian herb could extend life, scientists say. "A stubby little plant from the icy permafrost of Siberia just might help you feel better and live longer, University of California-Irvine researchers say. They found fruit flies fed extracts of Rhodiola rosea, or 'golden root,' live 24 percent longer than their otherwise healthy peers. The research itself is a sign of the times: Today's physicians are becoming more open to the idea of using herbal remedies to treat their patients, and they need the science to back it up." Bangor Daily News 

Thriving tundra bushes add fuel to Northern thaw. "Carbon-gobbling plants are normally allies in the fight to slow climate change, but in the frozen north, the effects of thriving vegetation may actually push temperatures higher. In a series of climate simulations performed at NERSC, a group of researchers found that the spread of bushes, taller ones especially, could exacerbate warming in northern latitudes by anywhere from 0.6°C to 1.8°C per year." Phys.org 

Icebreaker arrives in Iqaluit, Nunavut to open Frobisher Bay. "The Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Henry Larsen arrived at the inner part of Frobisher Bay in Canada's eastern Arctic territory of Nunavut late Wednesday morning to make way for two vessels - a tanker and a cargo ship. The two ships - the first supply vessels to arrive at Iqaluit, Nunavut's capital city, this year - are waiting about 64 kilometres from the city. Once they arrive safely, they'll offload their goods." Eye on the Arctic 

Centrica, E.ON and RWE lead Arctic rush for oil. "Half of the big six energy companies operating in the UK are leading a new dash into the Arctic in search of new oil and gas after gaining exploration licences in Norwegian waters. The push comes despite three of Norway's environment agencies warning that total or partial drilling bans are needed in most of the blocks. The most controversial is the block in the Barents Sea awarded to E.ON, which the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (NIMR) said should not be opened at all, because of the risk to marine life including the largest cods stocks left in the world. RWE, known to UK energy customers as npower, and Centrica, which owns British Gas, were also awarded exploration licences. All the companies are the operating partners for the blocks, in consortia with other companies including, in Centrica's case, Russia's Lukoil." Guardian 

After a 250-day, 1640 km drift in the Arctic Ocean, crew from North Pole-40 station is back on shore. "The 16 scientists were in danger of sinking on an ice floe that had shrunk ten times. Nikolai Fomichev, chief of the drifting ice North Pole 40-40 station, said: 'The cracks went right thought the ice field, dividing it into four separate floes - and never froze back.' The mercy mission was carried out by the Yamal icebreaker which sailed 2,236 miles to reach the stricken station where the Russian flag was lowered in a ceremony on 12 June. The decision to close the station and pluck the crew to safety was taken in mid-May and the Yamal's arrival was 'not a moment too soon', said a source." Siberian Times 

Trans-Siberian Railway getting new lease on life. "Russia is considering plans to develop the Trans-Siberian Railway as an international transport corridor linking Europe and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region." Russia Beyond the Headlines 

India looks forward to using Artic sea route. "India, which earlier this year gained observer status at the Arctic Council, is looking forward to using the much shortened Northern Sea Route along the resource-rich Arctic in another six-seven years due to the fast-melting ice in the region. By 2020, the Northern Sea Route - along the northern coast of Russia linking Europe, East Asia and Southeast Asia - could be easily usable with the Arctic ice melting at a fast pace. India is looking forward to using the route that would cut travel time by as much as 40 per cent. India is engaging with the Arctic Council members and ho­pes it could begin using that route as early as 2020, a source said." Post Noon