Environment

Animals

50 years ago, scientists were genetically modifying mosquitoes

In 1971, scientists turned to genetics to control disease-spreading mosquitoes without DDT. Today, there are a variety of pesticide-free methods.

Climate

Wildfire smoke may ramp up toxic ozone production in cities

A new study reveals how wildfire smoke produces toxic ozone and how urban air pollution could exacerbate the problem.

Plants

Invasive grasses are taking over the American West’s sea of sagebrush

Cheatgrass and other invasive plants are expanding rapidly in the western United States, putting more places at risk for wildfires.

Climate

Climate change could make Virginia’s Tangier Island uninhabitable by 2051

Tangier Island could be lost to rising seas sooner than previously realized. Whether to save the island or move its residents remains undecided.

Environment

Corals may store a surprising amount of microplastics in their skeletons

In tropical waters, coral reefs may be a “sink” for tiny bits of plastic debris. It’s unclear how corals’ trash pickup might affect reef health.

Environment

50 years ago, corporate greenwashing was well under way

Concerns about companies distorting their environmental record are nothing new. Environmental ads were flagged as deceptive back in 1971.

Chemistry

This eco-friendly glitter gets its color from plants, not plastic

Using cellulose extracted from wood pulp, researchers have created a greener alternative to traditional glitter.

Agriculture

Potty-trained cattle could help reduce pollution

About a dozen calves have been trained to pee in a stall. Toilet training cows on a large scale could cut down on pollution, researchers say.

Environment

50 years ago, chemical pollutants were linked to odd animal behavior

Fifty years after studies hinted that pollution interferes with how aquatic creatures communicate, scientists are still unraveling its myriad effects.

Physics

Windbreaks, surprisingly, could help wind farms boost power output

Wind farm performance could be improved by 10 percent by using low barriers to increase the wind speed directed at the turbines, simulations suggest.

Environment

Why planting tons of trees isn’t enough to solve climate change

Massive projects need much more planning and follow-through to succeed – and other tree protections need to happen too.

Agriculture

A tweaked yeast can make ethanol from cornstalks and a harvest’s other leftovers

By genetically modifying baker’s yeast, scientists figured out how to get almost as much ethanol from cornstalks as kernels.