Earth and Human Activity

More Stories in Earth and Human Activity

  1. Environment

    Sea life may suffer as plastic bits alter metals in water

    This interplay between plastics and metals could affect how each affects the environment — and suggests opportunities for controlling their risks.

    By Katie Grace Carpenter
  2. Climate

    Here’s how to increase clean energy without harming wildlife

    Wind farms, solar panels and more take up land and may harm wildlife. Researchers are working to resolve this conflict.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  3. Agriculture

    Native Amazonians make rich soils — and ancient people may have too

    Modern Amazonians make nutrient-rich soil from ash, food scraps and burns. The soil strongly resembles ancient “dark earth” found in the region.

    By Freda Kreier
  4. Physics

    A powerful laser can control the paths that lightning takes

    In a mountaintop experiment, a laser beamed at the sky created a virtual lightning rod that snagged several bolts.

    By Maria Temming
  5. Tech

    Think of this new tech as sunglasses for our windows

    Keeping buildings cool can use a lot of energy. Thanks to quantum computing, engineers designed a coating to cut the warming light that enters windows.

    By Kendra Redmond
  6. Climate

    Creating less new stuff could greatly help Earth’s climate

    Instead of throwing unneeded things away, scientists recommend moving to a cycle of reducing, reusing, repairing and remaking old things into new ones.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  7. Materials Science

    Let’s learn about piezoelectric materials

    Piezoelectric materials turn mechanical energy into electrical energy — and vice versa.

    By Maria Temming
  8. Physics

    In a breakthrough experiment, fusion gave off more energy than it used

    The sun creates energy through nuclear fusion. Now scientists have too. This achievement raises hopes for developing a new type of clean energy.

    By James R. Riordon
  9. Archaeology

    Carvings on Australia’s boab trees reveal a people’s lost history

    Archaeologists and an Aboriginal family are working together to find and document a First Nations group’s lost ties to the land.

    By Freda Kreier