Environmental Science

The environment is truly a thing of beauty and should be protected whenever possible. What can we do to save the environment, and what new technology is available to help us?

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Gingko Biloba Leaves Help Track Climate Change

The tree that survived three major extinction events on Earth might be key in helping us understand the climate crisis ahead.

By Jesslyn Shields Aug 26, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

'The Fighting Women' of Africa Collect Plastic to Build Schools

In Africa's Ivory Coast, a group of women saw a need and came together to collect plastic for recycling into bricks to build schools.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Aug 23, 2019 Sustainable Technologies / Sustainable Technologies in the Community

Are Bug Zappers Bad News?

Not only do bug zappers mostly kill beneficial insects, they also can serve you up a side of bacteria with your burger.

By Chris Opfer Aug 22, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

There's a Rhino-shaped Cave in Washington State

It's perhaps one of the strangest fossils ever discovered. We'll explain how it came to be 15 million years ago, and how hikers found it in the '30s.

By Mark Mancini Aug 7, 2019 Geology / Paleontology

6 Tough Facts About Titanium

What's as strong as steel but half the weight; able to live in almost any body part and an important part of both airplanes and cake frosting? Would you believe, titanium?

By Dave Roos Aug 6, 2019 Geology / Minerals

Could Planting 1 Trillion Trees Counteract Climate Change?

Many scientists say that the response to climate change will require planting new trees. A whole lot of them.

By Tara Yarlagadda Aug 1, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

The Iconic Joshua Tree Is in Danger of Extinction

Joshua trees can live for up to 300 years, but climate change is threatening their very survival.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Aug 1, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

Is Permafrost Really, Well, Permanent?

Permafrost across the globe is rapidly melting. What could this mean for the future of the planet?

By Mark Mancini Jul 24, 2019 Geology / Geologic Processes

Why Aren't We All on the Same Time Zone?

The world has only had time zones since the late 1800s. Some people think we should eliminate them and have just one universal time.

By Patrick J. Kiger Jul 16, 2019 Earth Science / Geophysics

What’s So Special About Platinum?

This white-hot metal not only makes beautiful jewelry, it's coveted for industrial, medical and military purposes too.

By Alia Hoyt Jul 11, 2019 Geology / Minerals

The Geology Behind 5 American Landmarks

The U.S. is full of exceptional geological formations. But these five set the bar high as far as landmarks go.

By Mark Mancini Jul 8, 2019 Geology / Geologic Processes

Toadstools Are Mother Nature's Geological Mushrooms

You can see these rocky formations in the Badlands of Nebraska, and they're as awe-inspiring as they are eerie.

By Mark Mancini Jun 28, 2019 Geology / Geologic Processes

Cross Seas Are Rare But Dangerous

Cross seas may looks super cool. But you never want to get caught up in the grid-patterned waves they generate.

By John Perritano Jun 27, 2019 Earth Science / Oceanography

A Season for Change: The Equinox and Solstice Quiz

Each year, Earth sees two equinoxes and two solstices. But how much do you actually know about these events? Take the quiz and find out!

By Alia Hoyt Earth Science / Geophysics

Fettuccine Rock Could Signal Life on Mars

If fettuccine rock exists on Mars, it would suggest the existence of microbial life there.

By Patrick J. Kiger Jun 13, 2019 Geology / Geologic Processes

Is It OK to Take Sand Dollars Off the Beach?

Everyone loves foraging for seashells at the beach, but the true jackpot is finding a perfect unbroken sand dollar. However, taking one home may not be such a good idea.

By Alia Hoyt Jun 6, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

Where Does Water Come From?

Water surrounds us, falling from the sky and pouring from faucets, and yet many of us never ask where it comes from. The answer stretches way back — before tides and thunderclouds to the big bang.

By Jonathan Atteberry & Ian O'Neill, Ph.D. Earth Science / Geophysics

Mushroom Burial Suit Creates Life After Death

The Mushroom Burial Suit is designed to give our dead bodies new life by breaking them down and nourishing the soil.

By Jesslyn Shields May 10, 2019 Environmental Science / Green Science

The Rockin' State Fossils Quiz

To honor their prehistoric pasts, most U.S. states have designated official state fossils, ranging from trilobites to dinosaurs. Take our quiz to learn more!

By Mark Mancini Geology / Paleontology

Climate Change Could Destroy Doomsday Vault

In a devastating twist of irony, a warming climate in Norway is already damaging the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Apr 23, 2019 Conservation / Conservation Issues

What Is Cave Popcorn?

Caves are full of incredible geological formations, including stalagmites and stalactites. But you've probably never seen anything like cave popcorn before.

By Mark Mancini Apr 17, 2019 Geology / Geologic Processes

Do Wind Turbines Cause Health Problems?

Green, clean energy sounds good at first: Harness the power of the wind to run our creature comforts. But could the sounds people hear (and don't hear) from wind turbines endanger their health?

By Julia Layton & Sarah Gleim Environmental Science / Green Science

5 Things You Didn't Know About Paleoart

"Will draw dinosaurs for food" is what they like to think they do. But it's actually way more complicated.

By Mark Mancini Apr 2, 2019 Geology / Paleontology

5 Things You Didn’t Know About the Spring Equinox

The spring, or vernal, equinox traditionally marks the first day of spring — but climate scientists use a different date altogether. Find out more about this and other facts about the spring equniox.

By Mark Mancini Mar 20, 2019 Earth Science / Geophysics