News & Commentary

Marked for Death?

May 1, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesBrian Palmer

A new study examines the historic risk factors for extinction.

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Dear coal industry, stop reminiscing over outdated power plants.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.

The Blue-Light Special

April 28, 2015 ExplainerUnited StatesJason Bittel

Could aircraft lights in tune with bird vision help prevent costly and dangerous collisions?

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.

Trees Bloom Big (Just Before They Bust)

April 27, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesPerrin Ireland

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

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.

Swamped by Global Warming

April 22, 2015 Latest NewsFloridaBrian Palmer

On Earth Day, President Obama calls on us to save the Everglades from myriad problems—but climate should be the first one on the list.

Chewing the Cud on Wild Yaks

April 21, 2015 Latest NewsUnited StatesPerrin Ireland

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

A Delicate Dance

April 21, 2015 Latest NewsWestAlisa Opar

Conservation efforts kept the bistate sage grouse off the Endangered Species List. Will they work for the rest of the grouses?

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.

Fake Meat, Real Money

April 21, 2015 Latest NewsTom Philpott

High-tech capitalists are betting on sustainable, animal-friendly sources of protein. In the dog-eat-dog culture of Silicon Valley, it’s good to be a cow.

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.

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)?

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.

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).