Earth

Climate

Iceless Arctic summers now expected by 2050s

The Arctic Ocean will have its first ice-free summer in the 2050s, nine years earlier than previously forecast, according to improved simulations.

Climate

Desert dig uncovers caches of missing CO₂

Irrigation water may wash significant amounts of carbon into groundwater systems beneath Earth’s deserts, researchers propose.

Neuroscience

Global warming unpaused, how space affects the brain and more reader feedback

A reader shares a story about Stephen Jay Gould, while others discuss how to protect the brain from radiation in space and whether 2014 was the hottest year on record.

Ecosystems

Encased algae create kaleidoscope of color

The skeletons of diatoms, algae that produce oxygen but also form toxic blooms, can create beautiful microscopic designs.

Paleontology

Sudden heat spikes did in Ice Age’s mammoth mammals

Abrupt warming and excessive hunting by ancient humans were responsible for the disappearance of many large mammals, including woolly mammoths, during Earth’s last glacial period.

Environment

Fracking doesn’t always go to great depths

Fracking at shallow depths is unexpectedly common in the United States and raises new concern for drinking water contamination.

Animals

Sea level rise threatens sea turtles

Sea level rise is causing coastal areas to be inundated with water. Even short periods of being wet can kill sea turtle eggs, a new study finds.

Animals

Eyewitness account of a dolphin birth takes a dark turn

Scientists witnessed the first wild birth of a bottlenose dolphin — and an attempt at infanticide.

Climate

Carbon dating may soon lead to mismatches

Carbon released from burning fossil fuels will jeopardize the effectiveness of many carbon dating applications, new research predicts.

Oceans

Blooming phytoplankton seed clouds in the Southern Ocean

Booming phytoplankton populations spark cloud formation in the Southern Ocean.

Climate

Current El Niño coming on strong

Meteorologists expect the ongoing El Niño to strengthen in the coming months and alter weather patterns worldwide, including bringing potential drought relief to California.

Climate

Wildfire seasons have gotten almost 20 percent longer

The average length of wildfire seasons has increased 18.7 percent since 1979, new research shows.