Earth and Human Activity

  1. Climate

    Greenland’s inland ice is melting far faster than anyone thought

    Inland melting of the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream is accelerating — and may contribute far more to sea level rise than earlier estimates suggested.

    By Nikk Ogasa
  2. Animals

    Study finds big drop in animal populations since 1970

    But the same thing is not happening throughout the kingdom. For instance, more than half of vertebrate populations are stable or increasing.

    By Lindsey Konkel Neabore
  3. Animals

    Cougars pushed out by wildfires took more risks around roads

    After an intense burn in 2018 in California, big cats in the region crossed roads more often. That put them at higher risk of becoming roadkill.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  4. Animals

    Cars hit more deer in the week after daylight saving time ends

    In the days right after most Americans turn back the clock, vehicle crashes with deer increase by 16 percent, a new study shows.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  5. Environment

    This chemist uses online videos to teach about the perils of microplastics

    Imari Walker says her journey as a scientist and science communicator lets her talk about and advocate for her passion.

    By Aaron Tremper
  6. Environment

    Bacterial ‘living wires’ could help protect the seas and climate

    Long, thin bacteria that conduct electricity may be able to help clean up oil spills and reduce emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.

    By Nikk Ogasa
  7. Humans

    Eight billion people now live on Earth — a new record

    The global population hit this milestone on November 15, according to an estimate from the United Nations.

    By Allison Gasparini
  8. Agriculture

    Let’s learn about eating bugs

    Eating more insects, rather than pork, beef or other kinds of meat, may be better for the planet.

    By Maria Temming
  9. Earth

    Analyze This: Wildfires are pumping more pollution into U.S. skies

    Researchers wanted to study the health effects of wildfire smoke. But they realized they didn’t know where it was and how much exposure people had.

    By Carolyn Wilke
  10. Environment

    ‘Forever’ chemicals show up in students’ school uniforms

    Researchers found PFAS “forever chemicals” in kids’ school uniforms and other clothing. Studies have linked these compounds to health risks.

    By Kathiann Kowalski
  11. Health & Medicine

    Should we use a genetic weapon against mosquitoes carrying malaria?

    One gene drive to eliminate malaria seems to work in the lab. Now it’s time to ask local people if they want it released in the wild.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  12. Materials Science

    Let’s learn about microplastics

    Microplastics have turned up everywhere from the highest mountains to the bottom of the ocean — and even inside animals and people.

    By Maria Temming