Earth & Environment

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...

Doctors Warn That Smoke and Heat Together Can Be Deadly for the Heart

Doctors are warning that two environmental hazards are becoming a dangerous combination for heart health. Wildfire smoke drifting across large areas and record-breaking summer heat...

Moon’s far side keeps a hidden record of how Earth slows the solar wind

For billions of years, the moon has been constantly bombarded by the solar wind—a stream of charged particles flowing outward from the sun. Scientists have...

Spain completely dominates Argentina in one‑sided World Cup final

Spain’s victory in this morning’s FIFA World Cup final confirmed what many have long believed: soccer is a team sport, and in the end,...

Driving the speed limit could save Americans billions every year, new study finds

Simply driving at the posted speed limit could save Americans billions of dollars in fuel costs while cutting greenhouse gas emissions, according to a...

Cultural Activities May Help Your Body Stay Younger, Study Suggests

Getting older is something everyone experiences, but people do not all age at the same speed. Two people who are both 70 years old...

Ancient Maya wall reveals the name of a 1,200-year-old astronomer for the first time

For the first time, researchers have identified the name of an ancient Maya mathematician and astronomer thanks to a remarkable set of writings discovered...

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Deleting your period tracker won’t keep your health data private

As soon as news leaked in May of the possible reversal of Roe v. Wade, a drumbeat began on social media: Delete your period...

How to avoid food poisoning this holiday season

Preparing a holiday feast can begin as soon as you get home from the grocery store. But if you want to serve family and friends...

What’s the financial sanctions against Russia?

Russia is facing a financial meltdown. In response to its invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. and global allies have hit Russia with financial sanctions, isolating...

National Air and Space Museum will display Star Wars X-Wing starfighter

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum will display an X-wing Starfighter in the newly renovated building on the National Mall starting late next year. The...

Cyanobacteria could turn carbon dioxide into renewable plastics

Scientists at The University of Manchester have made an exciting breakthrough in using cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, to turn carbon dioxide (CO2)...

Why Venus looks much younger than it is

Venus is about 4.5 billion years old, but looks much younger. A high-energy, rejuvenating boost it received in its earliest years may explain its youthful...

Scientists find the secrets to help golden retrievers live longer

Golden retrievers are loved by many as friendly and loyal pets. However, they often face a high risk of cancer, with nearly 65% of them...

How a slow change in ocean chemistry may have cooled Earth after the dinosaurs

Scientists may have finally solved a long-standing mystery about how Earth shifted from a hot, tropical “greenhouse” world to the cooler, ice-covered planet we...