Earth

Oceans

Earth got first whiff of oxygen 3.2 billion years ago

Photosynthesis by early cyanobacteria pumped oxygen into Earth’s oceans 200 million years earlier than once thought, new geochemical analyses show.

Environment

Molting seals shed mercury along with fur

Seals spew amassed mercury when they shed, creating hotbeds of pollution in otherwise pristine coastal environments.

Planetary Science

The sad magnetic state of the solar system’s rocky worlds

While a strong magnetic shield protects Earth from the sun’s occasional outbursts, the solar system’s other rocky planets are mostly defenseless.

Environment

Latest BPA replacement seeps into people’s blood and urine

Replacements for BPA called BPS and BPSIP may raise health risks for cashiers.

Earth

The magnetic mystery at the center of the Earth

The history of the planet’s all-important magnetic field has scientists ramping up simulations and lab experiments to resolve a baffling paradox.

Climate

Virtual twister reveals possible source of tornado longevity

First computer simulation of a long-lived EF5 tornado may reveal why some twisters stick around.

Earth

Volcanic activity convicted in Permian extinction

Precision dating confirms that Siberian volcanic eruptions could have triggered the Permian extinction.

Climate

Hurricane’s tiny earthquakes could help forecasters

Hurricane Sandy set off small earthquakes under its eye as it moved up the U.S. East Coast in 2012. The tiny tremors could help researchers track the behavior of future storms, researchers propose.

Climate

Katrina’s legacy: Refining hurricane forecasting

Ten years following Hurricane Katrina’s formation, the storm’s devastating legacy in New Orleans and beyond continues to drive storm forecast improvements.

Earth

Millions of dollars’ worth of gold and silver found beneath volcanoes

A jackpot of dissolved gold and silver discovered in reservoirs of hot water beneath New Zealand’s Taupo Volcanic Zone.

Climate

Carbon cuts could save U.S. farmers billions of dollars

Reducing carbon emissions could save U.S. agriculture industry billions of dollars annually by curtailing droughts.

Microbes

Bacteria in flowers may boost honeybees’ healthy gut microbes

Honeybees may deliver doses of probiotics to the hive to help feed baby bees’ microbiome.