News & Commentary

A Growing Concern: Microplastic Pollution on Farm Fields

February 2, 2021 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

Scientists are showing that we are sending tons of tiny plastic particles into our soils each year, potentially affecting crops and our health.

Wildfires Can Spark Widespread Contamination of Public Water Supplies

October 22, 2020 Latest NewsUnited StatesJodi Helmer

In communities devastated by fires, scientists have found extremely high levels of toxic chemicals, like benzene, in tap water.

New York State Assembly Passes Ban on Toxic Teflon Chemicals in Food Packaging

July 23, 2020 Latest NewsNew YorkCourtney Lindwall

Most Americans already have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood. Prevention through protections like these are key.

Murder Hornets Are Scary. But Pesticides Are Scarier.

May 21, 2020 Latest NewsUnited StatesJason Bittel

While everyone is freaking out about invasive hornets, the largest threats to America’s pollinators remain unchanged.

The Most Unexplored Habitat on Earth Is Packed with Pollution

February 28, 2017 Latest NewsUnited StatesJason Bittel

A new study of deep-sea amphipods living six miles beneath the sea’s surface finds surprising levels of toxic chemicals.

The Food That Once Saved Condors May Now Be Poisoning Them

August 19, 2016 Latest NewsCaliforniaJason Bittel

A new study finds that condors that dine on the bodies of marine mammals consume worrying levels of toxic chemicals such as DDT.

Why Is it So Easy for Officials to Cover Up Drinking Water Scandals?

March 8, 2016 Latest NewsUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Vague regulations let government officials hide drinking water contamination from the public.

The Most Eye-Opening Stories of 2015

December 28, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesClara Chaisson

Ten environmental visuals from this year that deserve another look.

Resistance Movement

September 8, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesAlisa Opar

Pesticide pollution actually creates toxin-tolerant frogs—to a point.

Up (and Down) a Creek

August 11, 2015 Latest NewsColoradoClara Chaisson

Here’s what you need to know about the EPA spilling three million gallons of wastewater into a Colorado river.

Don't Drink Porpoise Milk

July 22, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesBrian Palmer

It still contains PCBs.

Spill Tracker

May 20, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesThe Editors

An explosion in North American fossil fuel extraction has led to a dangerous rise in pipeline spills and oil train derailments.

Better Living Through Chemistry?

May 20, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

Chemical regulation needs a makeover, but Congress’ efforts at reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act are still a work in progress.

The Secret Life of Plants

April 28, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesAlisa Opar

Plants can hear, feel, and tell one predator from another—and this researcher is spying on their defense strategies.

From the Outside In

April 24, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

The dose may make the poison, but a new study finds even low levels of certain toxins might affect our health.

Supersize Bee

April 22, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesBrian Palmer

A new study shows that bees prefer pesticide-laced junk food that hastens their death.

Save the Very Hungry Caterpillars

April 16, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Common insecticides are killing monarch butterfly larvae, says a USDA study.

From Space, Whales Look Much Smaller

April 7, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesPerrin Ireland

A weekly roundup of the best in science journalism, doodled.

Pesticide Patrol

April 2, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

A new report says the most widely used weed killer probably causes cancer.

Spreading Like Wildfire

March 5, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

Flame retardants are winding up everywhere—like in some of the Great Lakes’ greatest wildlife.