Earth and Human Activity
- Life
Caught in the act
Scientists observe some evolutionary speed demons as they adapt over the course of just a few years to new environmental conditions.
- Animals
Explainer: People can sicken animals
Wildlife can sometimes become infected with germs shed by people.
- Chemistry
Explainer: Ocean acidification
Here’s why shellfish and other animals in the sea suffer when the ocean is forced to absorb too much carbon dioxide.
- Climate
Watching our seas rise
Satellites, coral reefs, ancient Roman fishponds and sinking cities help us understand how humans are changing sea level.
- Climate
Dirty clouds change rainfall
Scientists find a link between air pollution and extremes in rainfall.
- Animals
Tiny earthworms’ big impact
Invasive earthworms change North American landscapes, for better or worse.
- Climate
Did Columbus contribute to a Little Ice Age?
Scientist shows a surprising link between the explorer and a dip in temperatures.
- Chemistry
DEET confuses mosquitoes
Scientists suspect the repellant messes with a mosquito’s sense of smell.
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- Chemistry
Plant-powered plastics
Scientists are using green materials to create more Earth-friendly plastics.
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- Animals
Changing climate alters fish behavior
Study finds clownfish don’t swim away from scary sounds in future ocean conditions.
