While exploring ancient seabeds in Morocco, scientists discovered strange wrinkle-like textures in deep-water sediments that shouldn’t have been there. These structures are usually made by sunlight-loving microbial mats in shallow waters. But the rocks formed far below the reach of light, suggesting a different explanation. Evidence points to chemosynthetic microbes—organismsContinue Reading
Artificial intelligence has captured headlines recently for its rapidly growing energy demands , and particularly the surging electricity usage of data centers that enable the training and deployment of the latest generative AI models. But it’s not all bad news — some AI tools have the potential to reduce someContinue Reading
Capturing carbon dioxide from industrial plants is an important strategy in the efforts to reduce the impact of global climate change. It’s used in many industries, including the production of petrochemicals, cement, and fertilizers. MIT chemical engineers have now discovered a simple way to make carbon capture more efficient andContinue Reading
A recent visit by an FBI agent to a climate activist hints at a broadening The Traitor administration effort to target political opponents. By Nicholas Kusnetz NEW YORK CITY—The group in the Brooklyn studio seemed harmless. There was a graduate student, a Yiddish teacher, a hairdresser. Fifteen people had gatheredContinue Reading
A new study found that many of our predictions on sea-level rise have been predicated on inaccurate starting numbers. In many places, especially Southeast Asia and the Pacific, it’s significantly worse than we thought.Continue Reading
A tiny piece of moss helped expose a cemetery scandal in Illinois, where workers allegedly dug up graves and resold burial plots. By identifying the moss and analyzing its chlorophyll to estimate its age, scientists proved the remains had been moved recently—evidence that helped secure convictions., Read MoreContinue Reading
Officials in Corpus Christi expect a “water emergency” within months and fully run out of water next year. That would halt jet fuel supplies to Texas airports, fuel a surge in gasoline prices and trigger an “economic disaster” without precedent, former officials said. By Dylan Baddour CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas—The imminentContinue Reading
Beijing is selling clean energy to the world, Washington is pushing oil and gas. Both are driven by national security.Continue Reading
Global temperatures rises are projected to surpass 1.5°C (2.7°F) within the next decade, underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis.Continue Reading
Adopting a fresh approach to protecting planetary health would deliver stronger economies, fewer deaths and less poverty, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) insisted on Tuesday, as it released its most comprehensive assessment of environmental pressures facing the world.Continue Reading
Bills in four states require state environmental regulations to show “direct causal link” to “manifest bodily harm,” not just increased risk of disease. Scientists say that’s all but impossible. By Dennis Pillion A series of Republican state legislatures are advancing, or have already passed, laws severely limiting the ability ofContinue Reading
New research suggests seabird guano helped transform the Chincha Kingdom into one of the most prosperous societies in ancient Peru. Chemical clues in centuries-old maize show farmers fertilized their crops with guano gathered from nearby islands, dramatically boosting yields in the desert landscape. The resulting agricultural surplus fueled trade, populationContinue Reading
Gov. Kathy Hochul says a new nuclear power plant would help the state meet rising electricity demand. Residents are worried about the environmental and economic fallout. By Lauren Dalban Schuyler County in New York is home to a bucolic state park, an automobile race track and one day—if Judy McKinneyContinue Reading