Daily Roundup: March 28, 2011

Sunny Controversy: The Mojave Desert seems like a perfect place in which to meet the growing demand for solar energy. But how will the ecosystem fare in response? Mother Jones

Hellish PR Campaign: The cancer that decimated Tasmanian devil populations has Australian conservationists working on an image makeover for the feisty mammals. Los Angeles Times

Little Buggers: Scientists discovered a wealth of microscopic biodiversity on plastic floating in the ocean. Nature

Dumbed Down: Officials at Northern California’s utility, Pacific Gas & Electric, announced that the wireless signal on electricity smart meters can now be switched off, for a price. The signal is being blamed for headaches, dizziness, and other maladies. New York Times

Yielding Benefits: Organic farming is equally as productive as using conventional methods and tends to develop soil better, according to new research. Grist

--Tim McDonnell