Earth
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Earth
Rapid evolution may be reshaping forest birds’ wings
Logging during the last century might have driven birds in mature boreal forests toward pointier wings while reforestation in New England led to rounder wings.
- Earth
Hazy changes on high
A big boost in coal burning, especially in China, is adding aerosols to the stratosphere.
- Earth
Shaky Forecasts
Despite past failures, geophysicists think earthquake prediction might still be possible.
- Earth
Big Gulp, Asian style
Satellite data reveals that increased irrigation pressure is rapidly depleting groundwater in northern India.
- Agriculture
Pesticide potency can depend on bug’s clock
The daily rhythms in gene activity can affect the toxicity of some poisons.
- Earth
Spotting danger from on high
Airborne sensors can identify mineral outcrops and soil that may contain natural asbestos.
- Earth
A source of haze
Scientists identify how a hydrocarbon commonly emitted by plants is converted to light-scattering aerosols.
- Science & Society
News of science: Choose wisely
As the 'news' industry evolves, consumers who value quality science journalism may need to become ever more discriminating.
- Earth
On plant invaders and bat fungus
Researchers discuss invasive species and bat-infecting fungi at the Botany & Mycology 2009 meeting
- Health & Medicine
When BPA-free isn’t
A type of plastic that shouldn't contain a hormone-mimicking ingredient may have it anyway, Canadian government scientist find.
- Ecosystems
Churning the numbers
Some of the ocean’s small swimmers may be having a big impact on ocean mixing.
- Earth
Comet likely culprit in Tunguska blast
Analysis of shuttle plume movement suggests Tunguska event could have caused clouds over London.
