Earth and Human Activity

Chemistry

Help for a world drowning in microplastics

Microplastic pollution in our oceans and lakes is a problem. Scientists are testing solutions — from more biodegradable recipes to nanotechnology.

Animals

Healthy coral reef sounds attract fish searching for a home

Playing the sounds of a healthy reef can help attract fish to dying corals, helping rebuild their community.

Animals

Australian fires have imperiled up to 100 species

As massive wildfires consume huge swaths of Australia’s bush, untold species — many of them found nowhere else — are now threatened with extinction.

Climate

5 things to know about the climate-saving benefits of tree planting

A recent analysis of the benefits of massive efforts to plant more trees triggered a firestorm of controversy.

Environment

Don’t toss that vape!

Plenty of people talk about potential risks of vaping. But this teen habit also saddles schools with lots of trash — some of it quite toxic.

Chemistry

Scientists look to hack photosynthesis for a ‘greener’ planet

Photosynthesis turns sunlight into energy for plants. Scientists want to know more about it, imitate it — even improve it.

Life

A new spin on lab-grown meat

A technique inspired by how cotton candy is spun could help produce lab-grown meat at a lower cost and on a bigger scale.

Climate

Explainer: Why some clouds glow in the dark

A surprise space rock lit up the night sky over California — and left behind a rare type of cloud. Such glowing beauties may become more common with climate change.

Climate

Explainer: What is attribution science?

A relatively new, developing field of science investigates possible links between climate change and extreme weather events.

Climate

Explainer: Why sea levels aren’t rising at the same rate globally

The ocean is rising all over the world. The rise seems speedier in some places. What gives? Many factors, it turns out, affect where — and why — the tide gets high.

Climate

Explainer: Where fossil fuels come from

Despite one oil company famously using an Apatosaurus as its logo, oil, gas and coal don’t come from dinosaurs. They do, however, come from a long time ago.

Earth

Explainer: CO₂ and other greenhouse gases

Carbon dioxide is just one of several chemicals that contribute to the greenhouse effect. Nitrous oxide, methane and CFCs are other big contributors.