Environment

Tech

Bits of trees can make and store energy for us to use

This cellulose and lignin, two major building blocks of trees, could lead to greener electronics.

Tech

Bionic plants and electric algae may usher in a greener future

Some can aid the climate by removing pollutants. Others would just avoid dirtying the environment in the first place.

Climate

Some tree leaves are finding it too hot for photosynthesis

Earth’s ongoing fever threatens to push entire forests toward this heat limit — and possible death.

Environment

This ecologist is looking at the Amazon’s past to save its future

Carolina Levis researches how local communities influence the Amazon. She’s interested in how Indigenous knowledge can help protect the rainforest.

Oceans

Explainer: Why are so many hurricanes strengthening really fast?

This dangerous trend appears relatively new — and growing. Studies also have begun linking it to our warming world.

Environment

Ultrasound waves can help remove polluting microplastics in water

The innovative process concentrates microplastics within a flowing liquid. A two-step process then removes the potentially toxic bits.

Earth

The sun shines brightest in South America’s Atacama Desert

Solar rays in this high-altitude desert at times rival the light intensity on Venus.

Earth

Canada’s Crawford Lake seems to mark when the Anthropocene began

Mud at the bottom of this lake holds a record showing how humanity has been changing our planet. But the Anthropocene isn’t an official new epoch yet.

Tech

New thermal ‘cloak’ keeps spaces from getting too hot or too cold

 A prototype fabric could help keep cars, buildings and other spaces cooler during heat waves while also reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.

Materials Science

This house is partly made of recycled diapers

After being washed, dried, sanitized and shredded, used diapers were mixed with other materials to make a strong concrete.

Climate

For greener toilets and air conditioning, consider saltwater

Using saltwater would allow coastal cities to save their freshwater for drinking and to reduce their carbon footprints. Some could save money, too.

Environment

Fungi help rescue crops being harmed by microplastics

Microplastics in the soil hinder plant growth. But two finalists at Regeneron ISEF found that fungi and farm waste can reduce the harm.