Earth and Human Activity

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Climate

Warming temps could turn some blue lakes green or brown

Slightly warmer summers could cause thousands of blue lakes to become a murky green or brown, according to a tally of color in 85,000 lakes worldwide.

Animals

Some spikes in malaria cases may be tied to amphibian die-offs

Amphibian deaths from a fungal disease may have led to more mosquitoes — and an increase in malaria cases in Costa Rica and Panama.

Humans

What does charred ancient poop reveal about early animal-raising?

Evidence from the dung may push the onset of animal raising back 2,000 years earlier than previously thought.

Animals

Watch: This red fox is the first spotted fishing for its food

Big fish in shallow water were easy pickings for this red fox. It’s the first of its species known to fish.

Tech

No trees were harmed to 3-D print this piece of wood

How clever! Scientists used print-speed adjustments to control how flat, 3-D printed shapes morph into complex wooden objects.