Earth Science
Researchers Discover New Method of Barnacle Sex
Upending 150 years of theory, scientists observed that some barnacles can capture sperm from the water for reproduction
January 17, 2013 |
By Emily Frost
New Study Suggests Crabs Can Feel Pain After All
Most of us assume that crustaceans can't feel pain—but new research suggests otherwise
January 16, 2013 |
By Marina Koren
Black Carbon May Contribute Almost as Much as Carbon Dioxide to Global Warming
Black carbon's role in driving warming is much higher than previously thought
January 16, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Round Three: Drills vs. Insanely Thick Antarctic Ice. Fight!
The hunt for microbial life in Antarctic subglacial lakes continues. Now it's the American's turn
January 15, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
One Man’s Seven-Year March Along Ancient Migration Routes
This past Sunday, journalist Paul Salopek began his walk from Ethiopia to Patagonia
January 11, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Drill, Baby, Drill: Sponges Bore Into Shells Twice as Fast in Acidic Seawater
In acidic water, drilling sponges damage scallops twice as quickly, worsening the effects of ocean acidification.
January 10, 2013 |
By Hannah Waters
Australia is Burning, And It’s Only Going to Get Worse as the World Warms
Across Australia wildfires are raging. And yes, there is a climate connection
January 09, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Is Climate Change Strengthening El Niño?
New research on Pacific corals that trace climate patterns back 7,000 years shows how recent El Niños compare with those of the past
January 09, 2013 |
By Claire Martin
Your Phone Could Make You Into a Thunderstorm Predicting Machine
Some Android phones have barometers, and scientists want to use your observations to predict the weather
January 08, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
This Is What a Watery Mars May Have Looked Like
Mars once had a vast ocean. What would that have looked like?
January 03, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Arctic Offshore Drilling Still Going Poorly As Shell’s Rig Runs Aground
The recent mishap is part of a string of troubles that Shell has encountered in its efforts to drill in the frigid Gulf
January 02, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
The Smithsonian Heads to Hawaii
Coral reefs and radio telescopes make a trip to the tropics more than worthwhile
January 2013 |
By G. Wayne Clough, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
Remember These Titans of Science Who Died in 2012
From the inventor of the barcode to the discoverer of how cancer spreads, we take a look at the brilliant minds who shaped our culture and modern way of life
December 29, 2012 |
By Mohi Kumar
Seven Must-See Art-Meets-Science Exhibitions in 2013
Preview some of the top-notch shows—on anatomy, bioluminescence, water tanks and more—slated for the next year
December 28, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
5 Science Stories to Watch in 2013
The new year could feature discoveries of life within subglacial Antarctic lakes, the brightest comet in generations and more
December 28, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
This Is What the End of All Time Looks Like
Feel like having your tiny human mind blown? Check out predictions for the next 10^10^10^76.66 years
December 28, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Antarctica’s Subglacial Lake Ellsworth Will Keep Its Secrets For Now
After a decade of planning, and two weeks in the field, the Lake Ellsworth drilling program was cancelled for the year
December 27, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Canada And the United States Are Bickering Over Ownership of a Tiny Island
A tiny island with little more than a lighthouse and some puffins is the center of a border disagreement
December 26, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Think Apple Maps Are Bad? These Cartographics Blunders Were Way Worse
If you think Apple messed up big time, think again. The history of map making is full of far worse blunders
December 26, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
