Earth
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EnvironmentAir pollution is shortening lives worldwide
Worldwide, tiny particles of air pollution are making the average person’s life a year shorter.
By Katy Daigle -
ClimateHawaii’s record 2018 rains may foretell wetter times ahead
Another rainfall record was set in Hawaii. But how does this stack up to other rain records across the United States?
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EarthRare blue diamonds form deep, deep, deep inside Earth
The recipe for rare blue diamonds may include boron, seawater and massive rock collisions.
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PhysicsAnalyze This: Can you outrun these geological disasters?
There's one geological disaster you probably can outrun, and a few others that are iffy.
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EarthNine big stories you may have missed this summer
We hope you enjoyed time off from school this summer. But you may have missed some scientific developments, from mega-eruptions to Martian lakes.
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ClimateScientists Say: Climate
Climate is the atmospheric conditions that are typical to a general area over a long period of time.
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TechTarzan the robot was actually inspired by a sloth
‘Tarzan’ the robot saves energy by swinging. Someday, it could help with farm work by moving along wires strung across fields of crops.
By Ilima Loomis -
LifeA ‘ghost’ gene leaves sea mammals vulnerable to some toxic chemicals
Manatees, dolphins and other warm-blooded marine animals can't break down some common pesticides. The newfound reason: Long ago, their genes lost the ability to do so.
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EarthScientists Say: Stalactite and stalagmite
Stalactites are mineral deposits forms on the ceilings of caves. Stalagmites are also mineral deposits, but they form on the floor of the cave.
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ClimateWhen the moon throws shade, the weather can change
Scientists have been puzzled about how a solar eclipse can impact weather. Here’s some of what they learned during the August 2017 event.
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EnvironmentWildfires worsen extreme air pollution in U.S. northwest
America’s air is getting cleaner — except in places prone to frequent wildfires.
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EarthAn ancient cold snap causes heated debate
Despite criticism from fellow scientists, some researchers won’t let go of the idea that a comet caused a prehistoric cold snap.