Earth and Human Activity

Earth

Canada’s Crawford Lake seems to mark when the Anthropocene began

Mud at the bottom of this lake holds a record showing how humanity has been changing our planet. But the Anthropocene isn’t an official new epoch yet.

Tech

New thermal ‘cloak’ keeps spaces from getting too hot or too cold

 A prototype fabric could help keep cars, buildings and other spaces cooler during heat waves while also reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.

Tech

Horses are inspiring this roboticist to build trustworthy robots

Computer scientist Eakta Jain is looking at human-horse interactions for ideas about how to design robots that work well with people.

Materials Science

This house is partly made of recycled diapers

After being washed, dried, sanitized and shredded, used diapers were mixed with other materials to make a strong concrete.

Climate

For greener toilets and air conditioning, consider saltwater

Using saltwater would allow coastal cities to save their freshwater for drinking and to reduce their carbon footprints. Some could save money, too.

Environment

Fungi help rescue crops being harmed by microplastics

Microplastics in the soil hinder plant growth. But two finalists at Regeneron ISEF found that fungi and farm waste can reduce the harm.

Environment

Older diesel school buses linked to more student absences

Schools that replaced or upgraded old diesel school buses increased student attendance rates, new research shows.

Environment

Making yards more diverse can reap big environmental benefits

Replacing grass with native plants uses less water and fewer chemicals while providing additional benefits to people and wildlife.

Earth

Under the ice, a hidden lake hints at its origin — and coming end

Lake Mercer may serve as a model for better understanding the birth and life of Antarctica’s hundreds of subglacial lakes.

Tech

A new solar-powered gel purifies water in a flash

The unusual, fruit-inspired structure of this material provides quick filtration that could satisfy people's daily water needs.

Health & Medicine

How to be heat-safe when playing sports

Protecting young athletes from overheating is getting more important as climate change turns up the temperature.

Chemistry

Chemists have unlocked the secrets of long-lasting Roman concrete

By searching ancient texts and ruins, scientists found a concrete recipe that could make buildings stronger — and help address climate change.