Environment

  1. Environment

    Gas stoves can spew lots of pollution, even when they’re turned off

    A new study finds they can leak benzene and other harmful chemicals into homes, sometimes at very high levels.

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  2. Environment

    For a better brick, just add poop

    Sewage sludge. Cow dung. They’re not just waste — scientists are finding uses for processed poop in construction materials.

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  3. Chemistry

    Explainer: All about carbon dioxide

    Animals and other life on Earth exhale carbon dioxide, which plants use for photosynthesis. But too much of this gas can perturb Earth’s climate.

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  4. Climate

    Green energy is cheaper than fossil fuels, a new study finds

    Switching over to clean, renewable power — and away from fossil fuels — could save trillions of dollars by 2050, a new study finds.

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  5. Climate

    Explainer: What is decarbonization?

    Lowering carbon levels in our atmosphere to stabilize the climate may start with switching from fossil fuels to greener energy sources.

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  6. Environment

    Microplastic pollution aids viruses and prolongs their infectivity

    The tiny plastic bits give these germs safe havens. That protection seems to increase as the plastic ages and breaks into ever smaller pieces.

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  7. Earth

    Scientists Say: Drought

    A drought is a shortage of rain or snow in a particular area.

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  8. Environment

    This chemist uses online videos to teach about the perils of microplastics

    Imari Walker says her journey as a scientist and science communicator lets her talk about and advocate for her passion.

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  9. 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.

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  10. 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.

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  11. 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.

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  12. 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.

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