Earth

Environment

Climate coolers

Reducing methane, soot in the atmosphere could curb climate change.

Environment

‘Nonstick’ chemicals may undercut value of vaccinations

Chemicals used to make fabrics stain resistant and pans stick resistant are showing up everywhere — including in kids. One big downside: New data show they can keep vaccines from working well.

Earth

Water, water, not everywhere

Satellites show a drop in Earth’s groundwater levels.

Oceans

News Detective: Learning to Surf

Tech

News Detective: Into the depths

Earth

Eastern quakes can trigger big shakes

Scientists study the widespread impacts of tremors east of the Rockies.

Climate

Question Sheet: Cold House, Hot House, Green House

Agriculture

Weed wars

Farmers fight unwanted plants among crops.

Climate

Dirty clouds change rainfall

Scientists find a link between air pollution and extremes in rainfall.

Animals

Tiny earthworms’ big impact

Invasive earthworms change North American landscapes, for better or worse.

Climate

Did Columbus contribute to a Little Ice Age?

Scientist shows a surprising link between the explorer and a dip in temperatures.

Environment

Ozone hits a new low

Scientists discover a major thinning in the protective atmosphere over Arctic.