Earth & Environment
1789 Smallpox Epidemic May Have Killed Up to 220,000 Indigenous Australians, Study Finds
A new study has used computer modeling to provide one of the clearest pictures yet of the devastating smallpox epidemic that struck Indigenous Australians...
Fossilized wood preserved 300 million years of Earth’s history
Most people think of fossilized wood as an attractive stone displayed in museums or sold as a decorative souvenir.
However, scientists have now discovered that...
Did the dinosaur-killing asteroid really shape tuna evolution?
For years, many scientists believed that the asteroid impact that wiped out the non-avian dinosaurs 66 million years ago also helped shape the evolution...
How School Air Pollution Could Affect Children’s Health for Years to Come
When parents think about air pollution, they often worry about asthma or coughing.
However, a large European study suggests that dirty air may also quietly...
This clever parakeet helped design its own perch
Most products made for pets are designed entirely by humans. But what if animals could help design the things they use?
A new project suggests...
Ancient Monsoons Created a Spectacular Dinosaur Fossil Site
Around 80 million years ago, a stretch of tropical coastline in what is now northeastern Italy was lashed by monsoon rains and tropical cyclones.
Those...
Ancient marine animals began living in empty shells 470 million years ago
Around 470 million years ago, life in Earth's oceans took an important evolutionary step when marine animals began moving into empty seashells for the...
Why handheld fans are not cool for the planet
Portable handheld fans are now often stacked beside chewing gum and vapes at supermarket checkouts and discount stores, available for less than £10.
Once mainly...
Archaeologists discover spectacular Roman mosaic hidden beneath English farmland
Archaeologists have uncovered an impressive Roman villa beneath farmland in Devon, southwest England, revealing a colorful mosaic floor, a luxurious bathhouse, and a collection...
Where do the world’s biggest diamonds come from
Some of the most extraordinary gems ever found belong to a rare class of diamonds known as CLIPPIRs (Cullinan-like, Large, Inclusion-Poor, Pure, Irregular, Resorbed).
They...
Hidden underground clues could help predict dangerous wildfires before they start
When people think about wildfire danger, they usually focus on hot weather, dry air, and strong winds.
But researchers believe another important warning sign may...
Scientists identify the rare “oddball” space rock that wiped out the dinosaurs
Scientists have uncovered new clues about the giant space rock that slammed into Earth 66 million years ago and triggered one of the biggest...
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Scientists finally crack the 9-million-year-old mystery of potatoes
Scientists have finally solved a mystery that has puzzled researchers for years: where did the modern-day potato come from?
A new international study has revealed...
Scientists discover fossil of giant snail-cracking worm lizard
Scientists have unearthed a fascinating fossil in Tunisia—a giant worm lizard species with jaws strong enough to crack snail shells.
Named Terastiodontosaurus marcelosanchezi, this species...
Scientists propose a new theory for the Earth’s formation
Although the Earth has long been studied in detail, some fundamental questions have still to be answered.
One of them concerns the formation of our...
Air pollution contributes to COVID-19 death in US
In a new study, researchers found a link between chronic exposure to hazardous air pollutants (HAPS) and COVID-19 mortality rates.
The research was conducted by...
Scientists solve the mystery of Titan’s floating ‘magic islands’
Saturn's largest moon, Titan, has been a source of intrigue for scientists, especially since the discovery of what are called "magic islands."
These are mysterious,...
If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, don’t go to these places
In a recent state from AHA, researchers found visiting high-altitude locations may be dangerous for people with high blood pressure or certain heart conditions.
They...
Scientists create genetically engineered wood to store carbon and cut emissions
Researchers at the University of Maryland have made an exciting breakthrough by genetically modifying poplar trees to produce high-performance wood without the need for...
Scientists find a new way to protect the Earth from asteroids
In 2013, Chelyabinsk meteor caused extensive ground damage and injuries when it exploded on impact with Earth's atmosphere.
The meteor is not a big one....