2020 Was the One of the Hottest Years on Record
Officials from NASA and NOAA say the warming of both the planet’s air and water are driving weather disasters.
Could Carbon Dioxide Be Turned Into Jet Fuel?
A team at Oxford University has reverse engineered fuel from the greenhouse gas—but so far just in the lab.
Should We Conserve Parasites? Apparently, Yes
A group of ecologists and biologists say the world’s ticks, leeches, and tapeworms need love and conservation, too. Now they’ve got a 12-point plan.
Why Do Razor Blades Get Dull So Quickly?
An MIT team tackled the mystery of why something as soft as hair can erode a steel blade, hoping to figure out how to make shaving tools last longer.
The Anglerfish Deleted Its Immune System to Fuse With Its Mate
Underwater “sexual parasitism” between male and female allows two bodies to become one. Now we know the reason why.
Some Countries Reopened Schools. What Did They Learn About Kids and Covid?
Studies from around the world suggest that success depends on class size, distancing, the age of the students, and how prevalent the virus is locally.
Tech That Could Help Pro Sports Adapt to the Pandemic
As pro leagues return to stadiums, here are a few novel technologies people are exploring as ways to keep fans and players safe.
‘Carbon Farming’ Could Make US Agriculture Truly Green
Today a Senate committee will hear about a bill that would help farmers adopt practices to release less carbon from the soil, reducing planetary warming.
The Covid-19 Economic Slump Is Closing Down Coal Plants
This year, coal usage has dropped in the US, and renewables now generate more electricity. To some experts, the financial crisis is a clean energy opportunity.
A Drop in Commercial Flights Is Bad for Hurricane Forecasts
Passenger jets and cruise ships normally gather key weather data. But full docks and empty skies make it hard to predict the details of incoming storms.