Earth

Climate

Buildings may be chasing L.A.’s fog away

Roads and buildings that have mushroomed up around Los Angeles in the past half-century. Now, a study finds they may have created conditions that limit fog. And that could further dry out this very arid part of America’s West Coast.

Climate

Scientists confirm ‘greenhouse’ effect of human’s CO2

Government scientists link directly, for the first time, a boost in warming at Earth’s surface to increasing levels of carbon dioxide. Much of that gas has been released by human activities, such as coal burning and gas-burning vehicles.

Animals

Cats and foxes are eating up Australia’s mammals

Since the arrival of Europeans in Australia, a startling number of mammal species have disappeared. A new study puts much of the blame on cats and foxes introduced by the early settlers.

Animals

Orangutans take the low road

Cameras spotted orangutans walking down logging roads to get around. That may be a good sign that they can adapt to changes in their woodsy environment.

Animals

Hellbenders need help!

Hellbenders already face threats such as habitat loss, pollution and disease. But climate change could make matters worse. And the problems facing hellbenders could spell trouble for more than just these giant amphibians.

Climate

Distant pollution may intensify U.S. twisters

A new study of one of the deadliest U.S. outbreaks of tornadoes sees a possible role for smoke. In this analysis, the smoke had come from fires burning in Central America.

Plants

Desert plants: The ultimate survivors

Creosote, mesquite and other desert plants rely on different adaptations to thrive, even when no rain falls for an entire year.

Climate

Fast sea level rise is a very recent change

Sea levels have been rising for more than a century. But that rise is now speeding up. That suggests that what is driving the rise — climate change — also has increased dramatically in recent years.

Earth

Tides may regularly swamp many U.S. cities

As sea levels rise, many cities will begin to experience frequent and extensive flooding at high tides. In some areas — even Washington, D.C. — such flooding could become a weekly headache.

Environment

Air pollution can mess with our DNA

New research suggests a type of air pollution — diesel fumes — can affect your health. It inappropriately switches some genes on, while turning off others.

Agriculture

Livestock: A need to save rare breeds

New studies and ongoing work highlight why society should save rare livestock breeds — and the part that technology can play.

Agriculture

Explainer: What is a gene bank?

Most banks store money. But some very special ones store deposits that may prove even more valuable: tissues that could prevent the extinction of breeds and species.