Earth

Chemistry

Some 3-D printing can leave toxic taint

The ”ink” inside some 3-D printers can leave toxic traces. In tests, these chemicals harmed baby fish. But lighting could render the parts safer.

Animals

Profile: A human touch for animals

Temple Grandin uses her own autism to understand how animals think. The animal scientist is famous for fostering the humane treatment of livestock.

Genetics

Taking attendance with eDNA

Environmental DNA, or eDNA, tells biologists what species are in an area — even when they’re out of sight.

Environment

Wildlife forensics turns to eDNA

Environmental DNA, or eDNA, tells biologists what species have been around — even when they’re out of sight or have temporarily moved on.

Animals

Kangaroo farts: Not so ‘green’ after all?

Scientists had thought that kangaroo farts were environmentally friendly because they had little methane. That may not always be true.

Environment

Table salt and shellfish can contain plastic

Bits of plastic have turned up in sea salts purchased in Chinese supermarkets. The finding suggests all sea salts may be similarly tainted. Shellfish too.

Environment

Plastic trash travels up to Arctic waters

Bags, fishing rope and other tiny bits of plastic are now polluting Arctic waters, posing threats to area wildlife.

Animals

Cool Jobs: Crazy about cows

Scientists are studying cows from one end to the other, with the goal not only of making the animals healthier but also of helping the environment.

Fossils

Clues to the Great Dying

Millions of years ago, nearly all life on Earth vanished. Scientists are now starting to figure out what happened.

Environment

Mealworms chow down on plastic

Gut bacteria in mealworms break down polystyrene. Feeding plastic to the worms, or the germs they carry, could be a way to get rid of these wastes.

Climate

Picture This: Biggest hurricane in the West

The hurricane that’s storming into western Mexico has had higher sustained winds than any seen in the Western Hemisphere. It’s also got the lowest atmospheric pressure, making it a monster storm.

Earth

Scientists Say: Jet Stream

You might hear about the jet stream on a weather report, but what is it? We explain.