Earth

Earth

Lightning may be an important source of air-cleaning chemicals

Airplane observations show that thunderstorms can directly generate vast quantities of atmosphere-cleansing chemicals called oxidants.

Climate

Climate change may have changed the direction of the North Pole’s drift

A mid-1990s shift in the movement of the pole was driven by glacial melt, in part caused by climate change, among other factors, a new study reports.

Chemistry

A new technique could make some plastic trash compostable at home

Embedding enzymes inside biodegradable plastics makes them truly compostable, which could mitigate the plastic waste problem.

Science & Society

A new book explores how military funding shaped the science of oceanography

In ‘Science on a Mission,’ science historian Naomi Oreskes argues that funding from the U.S. Navy both facilitated and stymied marine research.

Ecosystems

Wildfires launch microbes into the air. How big of a health risk is that?

How does wildfire smoke move bacteria and fungi — and what harm might they do to people when they get there?

Animals

Discarded COVID-19 PPE such as masks can be deadly to wildlife

From entanglements to ingestion, two biologists are documenting the impact of single-use masks and gloves on animals around the world.

Oceans

Corals’ hidden genetic diversity corresponds to distinct lifestyles

Observation and DNA analysis expose identical reef corals as distinct species with unique ecologies, suggesting much greater coral biodiversity.

Climate

A trek under Thwaites Glacier’s ice shelf reveals specific risks of warm water

An underwater autonomous craft collected the first data on the chemistry of seawater eroding the icy underbelly of Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier.

Earth

A spike in Arctic lightning strikes may be linked to climate change

Global warming may be revving up summer thunderstorms in the Arctic, leading to skyrocketing numbers of lightning strikes.

Animals

Dazzling underwater photos capture new views and scientific detail of fish larvae

Lab specimens of fish larvae are often mangled and bleached. Divers and researchers have partnered to study their rich colors and intricate bodies.

Ecosystems

How kelp forests off California are responding to an urchin takeover

A pair of studies reports 95 percent loss of kelp forests along the northern coast while sea otters are helping maintain surviving kelp farther south.

Ecosystems

Simple hand-built structures can help streams survive wildfires and drought

Building simple structures with sticks and stones — and inviting in dam-building beavers — can keep water where it’s needed to fight drought and wildfires.