Environment

Animals

Whales are full of toxic chemicals

For decades, scientists have been finding troublesome levels of PCBs, mercury and other toxic chemicals in whales and dolphins.

Environment

PCB levels still high in Europe’s killer whales, smaller dolphins

PCBs banned for decades still show up at extremely high concentrations in Europe’s killer whales and other dolphins.

Animals

Fog ferries mercury from the ocean to land animals

Scientists have traced mercury in the waters of the Pacific Ocean to animals, including mountain lions, in California.

Climate

Fireworks brighten the sky but dampen the view

Fireworks and other pyrotechnics severely reduce visibility during celebrations such as New Year’s Eve and Guy Fawkes Day, researchers report.

Climate

Ice rafts traveling farther and faster across the Arctic Ocean

Climate change may be causing Arctic sea ice to travel farther and faster than it did 15 years ago, taking pollutants and other material along for the ride.

Environment

Year in review: BPA alternatives aren’t benign

Evidence is accumulating that at least one popular alternative to bisphenol A can enter the body and trigger developmental and physiological changes.

Climate

195 nations approve historic climate accord

The Paris climate talks end with delegates from 195 nations releasing a hard-fought agreement to curb climate change and limit warming to 2 degrees Celsius.

Climate

Global carbon emissions fell in 2015, despite economic growth

Society’s carbon footprint fell slightly in 2015, largely due to decrease coal consumption in China, researchers report.

Earth

Humankind’s water use greater than thought

Humans’ global water footprint increases when accounting for water losses from water management practices.

Life

Truffles aren’t laced with radioactive cesium

Fallout from the Chernobyl disaster hasn’t made truffles dangerously radioactive, scientists find.

Oceans

Rising temperatures complicate efforts to manage cod fishery

Higher water temperatures in the Gulf of Maine could play a role in Atlantic cod crashes.

Environment

Air pollutants enter body through skin

Although scientists have largely viewed skin as an unimportant portal to blood for toxic air pollutants, new human data show that skin can surpass lungs as a route of entry.