Solomon Islands news stories on Newser

Islanders' Blond Hair Is Genetic Quirk

Dustin Lushing — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:50:08 CDT

A peculiar pairing of dark skin and blond hair in the native population of the Solomon Islands is due to a unique gene and not, as previously thought, the intermingling of Europeans with the inhabitants, finds a new study. About 5 to 10% of the indigenous peoples on the islands...

As Currency, Dolphin Teeth Feel Recession's Bite

Kevin Spak — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:50:04 CDT

Spinner dolphins had better watch out—their pearly whites are again a fast-growing currency in the South Pacific, the Wall Street Journal reports. Economic troubles in the Solomon Islands have caused many to return to the traditional trading chip. “Dolphin teeth are like gold,” says the governor of the nation's...

Tsunami Slams Solomon Islands

Colleen Barry — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 07:01:54 CDT

A tsunami hit the Solomon Islands early Monday morning, killing at least 12 and stranding thousands more. The 8.1 quake brought huge waves nearly a mile inland in some places. "I'm driving down the street -- there are boats in the middle of the road, buildings have completely collapsed...