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.

Hey Congress, Don’t Roll Out the Welcome Mat for Invasive Species

June 9, 2016 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

A sneaky provision in this year’s defense act loosens regulations on ballast water—and all its stowaways. If it passes, the Great Lakes could suffer serious consequences.

All’s Not Well

December 17, 2015 Latest NewsNorth DakotaSusan Cosier

North Dakota’s oil and gas boom is scaring away grassland birds.

The Peanut Butter Solution

November 20, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

A (tasty) plague-fighting vaccine for prairie dogs may give endangered black-footed ferrets a new lease on life.

You Don't Know Jack(fruit)

November 9, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

Prolific and nutritious, this funny-looking fruit could help feed the world.

Sunken Treasure

October 30, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

Shipwrecks are the main event at a newly proposed marine sanctuary, but scientists hope to find much more.

Biting Back

October 22, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

Backyard breeders are creating a new kind of hero honeybee—one that chomps off the legs of mites and saves the hive.

Fecal Attraction

October 13, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

Poop has a lot to tell us about the mating game—and this zoo scientist is getting the scoop on how to save endangered species in the wild.

Unleaded, Please

October 9, 2015 Latest NewsFlintSusan Cosier

Toxic tap water is just not acceptable in 2015 (in Flint, Michigan, or anywhere else).

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.

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.

Pesticide Patrol

April 2, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

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

Diseases on the Move

March 18, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

Climate change helps freeloading parasites spread illness. To fight future outbreaks, we need to think of the offenders in a whole new light.

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.

Drugs 2.0

February 27, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

"Essential oils" sounds like a spa treatment, but could they help in the battle against drug-resistant bacteria?

Back from the Dead Zone

February 23, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

Doing just a little to curb fertilizer pollution in the Mississippi could go a long way to breathing life back into the Gulf.

Give Peas a Chance?

February 10, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

As lunchroom fights rage in Congress, some school officials are offering both carrots and sticks.

The Sour Side of Strawberries

January 22, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

California is regulating a harmful pesticide used on strawberries and other crops, but does it go far enough?

Let the Wily Go Wild?

January 14, 2015 Latest NewsNew York CitySusan Cosier

Cities across the country have learned to live with coyotes. Why not New York?

Air Pollution and Autism

January 8, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesSusan Cosier

New research suggests the dirty air that pregnant women breathe might increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder in their children.