Earth and Human Activity

Environment

How we choose to pay has hidden costs for the planet

Whether cash or credit, phone apps or digital currencies — all forms of payment have behind-the-scenes costs. And these can vary dramatically.

Animals

Bees and butterflies struggle to find flowers in polluted air

Emissions from cars and trucks make it harder for insects to find flowers. That in turn reduces flower visits and pollination, a new study finds.

Earth

Widely used pesticides may threaten Earth’s ozone layer

Data show a major class of long-used “eco-friendly” copper chemicals unexpectedly react with soil, making gases harmful to Earth’s protective ozone layer.

Climate

Let’s learn about tornadoes

Tornadoes are often spawned by thunderstorms — but can also emerge from hurricanes and wildfires.

Earth

Scientists Say: Pollution

Pollution is any substance or form of energy released into the environment that is harmful to people or other living creatures.

Chemistry

Clothes dryers may be a major source of airborne microplastics

Scientists thought washing machines were a leading contributor of microplastics. Now it appears dryers may be an even bigger problem.

Climate

Let’s learn about the science of the Winter Olympics

From scientific innovations to climate change and weather, there’s plenty of science to be found among the feats of amazing athleticism.

Animals

DNA in air can help ID unseen animals nearby

Analyzing these genetic residues in air offers a new way to study animals. It could give scientists a chance to monitor rare or hard to find animals.

Climate

The ‘Doomsday’ glacier may soon trigger a dramatic sea-level rise

The ice shelf that had kept it in place could fail within five years. That would speed the glacier’s slip into the ocean, boosting a rise in sea levels.

Ecosystems

Recycling a climate-warming gas could make ‘greener’ farmed fish

Instead of warming the climate, methane gas can be collected to help farmers. Along the way, it may also save some fish.

Life

In blazing heat, some plants open leaf pores — and risk death

When heat waves and droughts collide, water is precious. Some thirsty plants try to cool off by opening tiny pores — only to lose water even faster.

Chemistry

Could reusable ‘jelly ice’ cubes replace regular ice?

These hydrogel “jelly ice cubes” are made mostly of gelatin and water. They won’t melt, even when thawed, and may provide new food cooling options.