Earth

Climate

Hurricane Harvey proved to be a tornado master

Harvey and other hurricanes have spawned tornadoes — sometimes by the dozens. And these tropical cyclones don’t need the typical recipe to spin those twisters loose.

Climate

Under Antarctic ice, microbes gobble up greenhouse gas

In a lake far beneath the Antarctic ice sheet, scientists have found bacteria that eat methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.

Climate

Hurricane Harvey’s rains set U.S. record

Here are some of the issues that made this storm such an epic rainfall-producer, and why storms like it could become more common.

Climate

Analyze This: Seasonal hurricane costs have been rising sharply

Scientists study past hurricanes to help them predict future risks. Better predictions can help communities prepare for monster storms.

Animals

Whales feast when hatcheries release salmon

Humpback whales are visiting sites where hatcheries release juvenile salmon in Alaska. It’s a dining bonanza for the huge whales.

Climate

Climate change is shifting when Europe’s rivers flood

Climate change has been shifting when European rivers flood by weeks or even months. This is likely to have been impacts on cities, farms and ecosystems.

Climate

Explainer: Hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons

Hurricanes are some of the most destructive forces on the planet. Here’s how they form and why they are so dangerous.

Earth

Vinegar dissolves new electronics when they’re no longer needed

Now you see it, now you don't. A new lightweight, low-cost technology disintegrates in kitchen vinegar.

Oceans

Cuba: How politics has become a hurdle for its researchers

Scientists in Cuba face difficulties getting equipment and publishing results due to a U.S.-imposed trade embargo on their country.

Earth

Scientists probe how an eclipse affects Earth’s atmosphere

Parts of the electrically charged layer of Earth’s atmosphere lose that charge in an eclipse. Scientists are studying how it might affect everything from GPS accuracy to earthquake prediction.

Chemistry

Can concrete conquer air pollution?

Powdered concrete could remove the sulfur dioxide and other pollutants that are spewed into the air when electric-power plants burn fossil fuels, a lab study suggests.

Animals

Giant Antarctic sea spiders breathe really strangely

Sea spiders have many bizarre body systems. Scientists have now discovered that they breathe and circulate oxygen in a way never seen before.