Environment

Earth

A weaker magnetic field may have paved the way for marine life to go big

Decreased protection from cosmic radiation may have increased oxygen levels in the atmosphere and oceans, allowing animals to grow larger.

Environment

A new approach to fighting wildfires combines local knowledge and AI

Land managers in the western United States are using potential operational delineations, or PODS, to prepare for — and take advantage of — wildfires.

Animals

Ximena Velez-Liendo is saving Andean bears with honey

By training beekeepers, biologist Ximena Velez-Liendo is helping rural agricultural communities of southern Bolivia coexist with Andean bears.

Climate

A rapid shift in ocean currents could imperil the world’s largest ice shelf

Roughly the size of Spain, the Ross Ice Shelf stabilizes major glaciers along Antarctica’s coast — and is at risk of retreating, a new study finds.

Health & Medicine

A new U.S. tool maps where heat will be dangerous for your health

The daily updated HeatRisk map uses color coding to show where the health threat from heat is highest and offers tips on how to stay safe.

Environment

Heat waves cause more illness and death in U.S. cities with fewer trees

There are usually fewer trees in neighborhoods with higher populations of people of color. Planting trees could save hundreds of lives every year.

Climate

‘On the Move’ examines how climate change will alter where people live

Journalist Abrahm Lustgarten explores which parts of the United States are most vulnerable to the effects of global warming and how people's lives might change.

Animals

Eavesdropping on fish could help us keep better tabs on underwater worlds

Scientists are on a quest to log all the sounds of fish communication. The result could lead to better monitoring of ecosystems and fish behavior.

Environment

How air pollution may make it harder for pollinators to find flowers

Certain air pollutants that build up at night can break down the same fragrance molecules that attract pollinators like hawk moths to primroses.

Plants

Ancient trees’ gnarled, twisted shapes provide irreplaceable habitats

Traits that help trees live for hundreds of years also foster forest life, one reason why old growth forest conservation is crucial.

Earth

Many but not all of the world’s aquifers are losing water

Many aquifers are quickly disappearing due to climate change and overuse, but some are rising because of improved resource management.

Environment

Landscape Explorer shows how much the American West has changed

The online tool stitches together historical images into a map that’s helping land managers make decisions about preservation and restoration.