Earth

Oceans

Carbon dioxide levels rise fast and high

The buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is rising faster than at any time since dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The burning of fossil fuels is largely to blame.

Physics

Scientists ‘see’ thunder for first time

Scientists have captured the first image of thunder. The map shows the relative strengths of the sound waves emanating from the loud clap.

Earth

Major new quake rattles Nepal

A new earthquake struck Nepal on May 12. Its tremors were centered on a new region.

Climate

Warming’s role in extreme weather

Extremes in temperature and precipitation will be more common as global temperatures rise. Human-led climate change is largely to blame, a new study finds.

Climate

Cosmic rays offer clues about lightning

Space particles called cosmic rays pelt Earth. Scientists are using the rain of these particles to probe how lightning forms.

Environment

Scientists Say: Fracking

Liquid fuel sources such as natural gas and petroleum form deep underground between layers of rock. To retrieve them, engineers often use a technique called hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

Brain

Twisters: Can warning people too early backfire?

If people think they have enough time to flee a tornado, they may try to drive away, information shows. This could leave them stuck in traffic — with no protection — when the storm does show up.

Earth

Nepal earthquake offers hints of worse to come

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake that crumbled much of Nepal’s capital city could be overshadowed by larger future earthquakes along the Himalayas, scientists say.

Environment

News Brief: Smokin’ plants

A new study points out how some herb teas and spices could have accidentally picked up nicotine from the smokers working around them.

Environment

Deep-sea fish show signs of exposure to pollution

A new study suggests deep-water fish may have health problems linked to human pollution. Eating these fish may expose diners to the same pollution.

Agriculture

Ditching farm pollution — literally

An Indiana project shows how fighting fertilizer runoff can save farmers money, protect wild habitats and prevent harmful algae blooms.

Environment

Scientists Say: Microplastic

Bits of plastic smaller than five millimeters are called microplastics. They can end up in the ocean, where corals might mistake them for food.