Earth
- Microbes
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.
- Science & Society
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.
- Earth
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.
- Science & Society
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.
- Environment
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.
- Planets
Early Earth may have been a hot doughnut
Synestia is the name some scientists are giving to the smooshed shape Earth might have developed after undergoing a violent cosmic smashup early in its infancy.
