Daily Roundup: February 20, 2009

Ocean Views: Google officially denies rumors that the mythical underwater city of Atlantis was discovered using Google Earth software. CNet News

Blocked: In a statement submitted to the EPA, scientists claim biotechnology companies are thwarting research on the environmental impacts of genetically modified crops. New York Times

Look Who's Talking: Environment ministers from more than 140 countries are negotiating an international treaty to reduce mercury pollution. BBC

Parched: Due to extreme drought, farmers in California's Central Valley region won't be allocated irrigation water from the federally managed Central Valley Project this year.  Reuters

Super-sized Strokes: A new study finds a correlation between the rate of strokes and the number of fast food restaurants in a neighborhood. 60-Second Science

--Della Watson