Earth Science

Scientists See Insect Outbreaks From Space

A new tool uses satellite imagery to help researchers track small disturbances such as bug infestations, which may increase in scope as climate changes

February 1, 2013

New Research Disproves Prehistoric Killer-Comet Theory (Again)

Maybe the problem here is that other prevailing theories of the Clovis’ decline are just super boring by comparison

January 31, 2013

Some Microbes Are So Resilient They Can Ride Hurricanes

By comparison, other lifeforms such as fungal spores and pollen don’t thrive nearly as well as the microbes, the survey found.

January 30, 2013

First Signs of Life Found in Antarctica’s Subglacial Lakes

Preliminary tests from subglacial Lake Willard have shown signs of life

January 29, 2013

American Drilling Team Is About to Break Through 800 Meters of Ice to Reach Subglacial Lake

Sampling should be done late this evening, with scientific sampling of the subglacial waters beginning immediately

January 25, 2013

Here’s Why It Is Really, Really Cold Out

Blame this increasingly-common form of Arctic circulation for today’s frigid weather

January 22, 2013

At Night, Giant Fields of Burning Natural Gas Make North Dakota Visibile From Space

Locals have a new nickname for their state. North Dakota: “Kuwait on the Prairie”

January 18, 2013

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

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

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 9, 2013

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 9, 2013

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 8, 2013

This Is What a Watery Mars May Have Looked Like

Mars once had a vast ocean. What would that have looked like?

January 3, 2013

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 2, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

Most Arctic Animals Should Deal With Climate Change Just Fine

New research suggests that most Arctic mammals will actually be helped, not hurt, by climate change

December 21, 2012