Earth
- Earth
Rare earths’ hidden electrons make much of modern tech possible
Because of their unique chemistry, rare-earth elements can generate powerful magnetic fields and fine-tune light for a wide range of applications.
- Tech
Recycling rare-earth elements is hard — but worth it
As demand for these valuable metals has been skyrocketing, scientists have begun inventing new — and greener — ways to reuse what they have in hand.
- Environment
Rare-earth mining is dirty but key to a climate-friendlier future
That’s spurring new research to find a steady but safer supply of these precious metals, including in the United States.
- Earth
Scientists Say: Altitude
Altitude is used to describe heights in geography, astronomy and math.
- 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.
- Environment
Sea life may suffer as plastic bits alter metals in water
This interplay between plastics and metals could affect how each affects the environment — and suggests opportunities for controlling their risks.
- Climate
Here’s how to increase clean energy without harming wildlife
Wind farms, solar panels and more take up land and may harm wildlife. Researchers are working to resolve this conflict.
- Agriculture
Native Amazonians make rich soils — and ancient people may have too
Modern Amazonians make nutrient-rich soil from ash, food scraps and burns. The soil strongly resembles ancient “dark earth” found in the region.
- Physics
A powerful laser can control the paths that lightning takes
In a mountaintop experiment, a laser beamed at the sky created a virtual lightning rod that snagged several bolts.
- Earth
Scientists Say: Equinox and Solstice
Equinoxes and solstices mark the maximums, minimums and mediums of hours spent in daylight.
- Climate
Creating less new stuff could greatly help Earth’s climate
Instead of throwing unneeded things away, scientists recommend moving to a cycle of reducing, reusing, repairing and remaking old things into new ones.
- Earth
Scientists Say: Seismology
Seismology is the branch of science focused on seismic waves — vibrations that run through or around Earth.
