Latest science news in Earth & Climate
Laura strengthens into 'major' hurricane off U.S. Gulf Coast
Hurricane Laura strengthened to a Category 3 storm early Wednesday and is expected to pick up even more wind speed before it arrives on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
A new method to better understand the drivers of water theft
An international team of researchers led by the University of Adelaide has developed a new method to better understand the drivers of water theft, a significant worldwide phenomenon, and deterrents...
Tiny 'ghost creatures' from Antarctica give insight into past, current climate change
The world's scientists have been trying to figure out how exactly ice sheets in Antarctica have changed and moved for decades. Knowing this is critical to understanding rises in sea...
Australia must stop building homes in such fire-prone areas
Yesterday, the New South Wales government accepted all 76 recommendations from an independent inquiry into last summer's devastating bushfire season. Several recommendations called for increased hazard reduction, such as through...
Canadian Hurricane Centre predicts rough season ahead for Atlantic Canada
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting between 19 and 25 storms in the Atlantic Ocean this year.
Hong Kong arrests 2 opposition lawmakers
Police in Hong Kong arrested two opposition lawmakers on Wednesday in a sweep of those accused of participating in riots last July.
Laura expected to be Category 4 hurricane when it arrives in U.S.
Hurricane Laura became a Category 2 storm early Wednesday and is expected to strengthen more before it arrives on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
We can programme plants to grow biomolecules. Is farming the future of vaccines?
On the southern outskirts of the city of Owensboro in Kentucky, US, there is a square, nondescript building. Inside, rows and rows of small plants are growing under artificial lights....
Experts reveal major holes in international ozone treaty
A new paper, co-authored by a University of Sussex scientist, has revealed major holes in an international treaty designed to help repair the ozone layer, putting human health at risk...
Hundreds of thousands flee US coast ahead of Hurricane Laura
In the largest U.S. evacuation of the pandemic, more than half a million people were ordered to flee the Gulf Coast on Tuesday as Laura strengthened into a hurricane that...
Coastal development, changing climate threaten sea turtle nesting habitat
A research team led by Florida State University found that sea turtles in the U.S. will have less suitable nesting habitat in the future because of climate change and coastal...
Majority of groundwater stores resilient to climate change
Fewer of the world's large aquifers are depleting than previously estimated, according to a new study by the University of Sussex and UCL.
Famous birthdays for Aug. 26: Melissa McCarthy, Chris Pine
Actor Melissa McCarthy turns 50 and actor Chris Pine turns 40, among the famous birthdays for Aug. 26.
Hong Kong arrests 2 opposition lawmakers
Police in Hong Kong arrested two opposition lawmakers on Wednesday in a sweep of those accused of participating in riots last July.
Hurricane Laura expected to be 'major' storm when it hits U.S.
Forecasters expect Laura to be a major hurricane -- a Category 3 hurricane or stronger -- when it makes landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday.
Helicopter pilot killed in crash fighting fires in Oregon
A pilot fighting a fire on Mt. Hood National Forest outside Portland was killed Monday when their helicopter crashed, authorities said Tuesday.
California wildfires burn 1.25 million acres, weather conditions improve
Wildfires in California have burned more than 1.25 million acres, state fire officials said Tuesday, as they expect favorable weather conditions to aid containment efforts.
Oklahoma City nabs $617.5M to manage water utility for Tinker AFB
The Defense Logistics Agency awarded Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust a $617.5 million contract Tuesday for ownership, operation and maintenance of the water and wastewater utility systems at Oklahoma's Tinker...
Storm Surge: The Science behind This Year's Hyperactive Hurricane Season
Meteorologist J. Marshall Shepherd explains Hurricane Laura in the Gulf of Mexico and the ingredients for tropical cyclones -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com
Researchers introduce new theory to calculate emissions liability
A new study questions conventional methods of calculating carbon emissions liability based on point source pollution by introducing new 'bottleneck' theory.
Marines to build 100,000-square-foot wargaming center in Virginia
The Marine Corps announced plans Tuesday to build a new wargaming facility in Quantico, Va., next year.
Watch: Trapped bear rescued from Colorado culvert
A bear that became trapped in a culvert on a Colorado property was rescued Tuesday morning by wildlife officials.
Marines to build 100,00-square-foot wargaming center in Virginia
The Marine Corps announced plans Tuesday to build a new wargaming facility in Quantico, Va., next year.
Some of America's favorite produce crops may need to get a move on by 2045
New research shows that by the years 2045-2049 future temperatures will have more of an effect on when cool-season crops, such as broccoli and lettuce, can be grown than on...
Hurricane Laura: 500,000 ordered to evacuate along Texas, Louisiana coasts
Authorities ordered more than 500,000 people in coastal Texas and Louisiana to evacuate before Hurricane Laura makes landfall.
NASA gathers nighttime images of Laura becoming a Hurricane
Tropical Storm Laura strengthened to a hurricane in the morning hours of Aug. 25, and NASA provided infrared imagery that showed the structure, temperature and rainmaking capabilities of the storm....
Hurricane Laura tracks toward US Gulf Coast after slamming Haiti
Storm Laura was upgraded to a destructive hurricane on Tuesday and is forecast to make landfall along the Texas or Louisiana coasts on Wednesday night, after earlier causing 20 deaths...
Researcher uses computer modeling to predict reef health
A UBC Okanagan researcher has developed a way to predict the future health of the planet's coral reefs.