Earth

Microbes

50 years ago, scientists suspected microbes flourished in clouds

In 1970, scientists presented early evidence that microbes in clouds may be alive and kicking.

Earth

STEVE may be even less like typical auroras than scientists thought

The purple-and-green, atmospheric light show nicknamed STEVE just got even stranger.

Climate

Once hurricanes make landfall, they’re lingering longer and staying stronger

Warmer ocean waters due to human-caused climate change can help power hurricanes’ fury even after they roar ashore.

Earth

With Theta, 2020 sets the record for most named Atlantic storms

Climate change is expected to fuel fewer — yet more intense — Atlantic storms. With a whopping 29 storms but few strong ones, 2020 may be an outlier.

Animals

How frigid lizards falling from trees revealed the reptiles’ growing cold tolerance

Some Florida lizards’ ability to handle temperatures down to 5.5° C may provide clues to how they might deal with the extremes of climate change.

Oceans

Even the deepest, coldest parts of the ocean are getting warmer

Deep-sea temperatures seem to be rising, but it’s too soon to say whether that’s a result of climate change caused by humans, researchers say.

Environment

How planting 70 million eelgrass seeds led to an ecosystem’s rapid recovery

The study is a blueprint for restoration efforts that capitalize on seagrass habitats’ capacity to store carbon and that can be replicated elsewhere.

Earth

50 years ago, scientists were looking for ways to predict earthquakes

Though earthquake prediction remains elusive, early warning systems can help keep people safe.

Oceans

Large-scale changes in Earth’s climate may originate in the Pacific

A new study suggests that the melting of Alaska’s glaciers into the North Pacific could have far-ranging effects on ocean circulation and the climate.

Climate

By 2100, Greenland will be losing ice at its fastest rate in 12,000 years

The rate of loss of Greenland’s ice will soar over the next century even with greatly reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Environment

Invasive jumping worms damage U.S. soil and threaten forests

Also known as snake worms, these writhing wrigglers turn forest leaf litter into bare ground, changing soil composition and ecosystems as they go.

Climate

Global warming may lead to practically irreversible Antarctic melting

Simulations suggest that even if the Paris climate goals are met, melting Antarctica ice will still cause sea levels to rise by more than 2 meters.