News & Commentary

Pass the Tissues (and the Inhaler)

May 12, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesBrian Palmer

A new report explores the sneezier and wheezier side of global warming.

Yet Another Faux Pause

May 11, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Sea-level rise is accelerating, just like climate change science says it should.

One Million, Two Million, Three Million Years Ago…

May 8, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Global atmospheric CO2 is now above 400 ppm. It’s the first time since…when exactly?

When to Bet Against the House

May 7, 2015 DispatchNevadaJeff Turrentine

Will the threat of water shortages be enough to convince Vegas to stop gambling on overdevelopment?

Some Trees Are Better Than Others (but They're All Pretty Good)

May 5, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesPerrin Ireland

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

More Evidence! No, Wait...Less Evidence!

May 5, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Climate change deniers in Congress complain about a lack of data while trying to defund NASA’s climate change research.

Bomb Squad #Fail

May 4, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesBrian Palmer

The new rules for oil trains are horrifyingly inadequate.

Blame It on the Rain

May 1, 2015 DispatchChicagoSusan Cosier

Chicago’s enormous drainage system will expand this summer, but it won’t be enough to handle climate change.

Demand for Sustainable Seafood—Gone Overboard?

April 30, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Consumers want more than fisheries can supply, and certification standards are falling.

Forgive Them, Father

April 29, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

As Pope Francis prepares to deliver a powerful message on climate change, deniers are beginning to realize they haven’t got a prayer.

Dirty Departed

April 29, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Dear coal industry, stop reminiscing over outdated power plants. They’re holding you—and us—back.

Supersize Bee

April 22, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesBrian Palmer

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

The Pork in the Road

April 21, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesBarry Estabrook

Two paths are before us—but only one leads to a sustainable future of healthful, humane food production. Which one to take? (Hint: Follow the pig with the spring in its step.)

Weeknight Dinner 2.0

April 21, 2015 PerspectivesUnited StatesKiera Butler

A slew of new dinner kits promise gourmet meals with a fraction of the effort. But will all that ease be good for the planet (and our waistlines)?

A Master of His Craft

April 21, 2015 PerspectivesUnited StatesErik Hoffner

"Top Chef" judge Tom Colicchio has issued his verdict: We need safer, healthier food right now—and everyone deserves a place at the table.

Hey, Your Fridge is Calling

April 21, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesMelissa Denchak

Today’s technology will make tomorrow’s refrigerator the command center of the kitchen, helping you waste less food, energy, and money. Cool.

The Black Death

April 20, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesBrian Palmer

Coal accounted for just 11 percent, putting it a distant third, behind solar (22 percent) and only slightly ahead of wind (8 percent).

Hot Tub Time Machine

April 20, 2015 Latest NewsInternationalElizabeth Kolbert

Off the coast of Italy, CO2-spewing vents are giving scientists a glimpse at the acidic oceans of our future. The results are frightening.

Beauty and the Best

April 17, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesJeff Turrentine

Don't be fooled by superficial good looks: If you truly love food, you’ll accept it as-is, blemishes and all.

Food Fetish

April 17, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesTracie McMillan

On our farms, in our stores, and at our dining tables, aesthetics and efficiency are at war. Everybody loses.