Crops & Carbon
Replacing native plants with crops diminishes the Earth's ability to store carbon.
Podcast
A genetic explanation for why some people with the HIV virus never develop symptoms, how the shape of the genome influences how genes work, and a religious practice that's shaping the evolution of a Mexican fish. Also: cloud seeding gets a failing grade, and why replacing native plants with crops accelerates climate change.
Google Crater
Scientists have found a previously undiscovered meteorite impact crater using Google Earth.
Podcast
ANIMALS: A new way to sample dolphin DNA, pain-relief from sea snail venom, beetles born with bifocals, and why pigeons bob their heads when they walk.
Greener Air Conditioning
A new air conditioning system may use up 90 percent less energy than current models.
Changing Oceans
The effect of climate change on the world's oceans may have dire consequences for humans.
NEON Ecological Network
Scientists are planning a large-scale ecological observatory network.
Bacterial Goldilocks
Bacteria find thawed arctic soils really yummy. That might be good for the bacteria, but it could be bad for the planet.
Arctic Fish
Because of climate change, an Arctic fish's survival strategy might not work much longer.
Flamingo Romance
Playing flamingo calls from speakers helps put captive birds in the mood to breed.
Podcast
CLIMATE CHANGE UPDATE: The potential effects of climate change on the world's oceans, how global warming could influence carbon dioxide levels in the Arctic, and the search for more efficient air conditioners.
Podcast
ANIMAL UPDATE: Arctic fish respond to climate change, bees that aren't as busy as you'd think, adding some romance to the lives of flamingos, and training dogs to sniff out invasive plants.
Marine Debris
A research vessel tracks the ecological effects of plastic debris in the Atlantic Ocean.
Deforestation & Malaria
Malaria rates go up after areas of the Amazon rainforest are logged.
Podcast
HEALTH & THE ENVIRONMENT: Cutting down the Amazon rainforest leads to increased rates of malaria, tracking plastic debris in the Atlantic Ocean, choosing between "organic" and synthetic pesticides, and more.
Hydrogen Catalyst
A new molecular catalyst may make clean hydrogen power economically viable.
Waste into Plastic
Scientists have developed a way to turn municipal waste into biodegradable plastic.
Podcast
TECHNOLOGY UPDATE: Ecologically-friendly plastic, a cleaner way to produce hydrogen fuel, cell phone air sensors, the perils of spaceflight, the ethical implications of synthetic life, and more.
Enviropigs
Genetically engineered pigs produce 70 percent less phosphorus in their waste.
Podcast
ANIMAL UPDATE: Birdsong in the genes, hummingbirds and heliconias, a more environmentally friendly pig, and cat-inspired computer circuits.
Plants vs. Insects Roundup
A protein in coffee beans is an effective pesticide.
Shower Pollution
Bathing and showering could be washing drugs into our waterways.