Malaria Parasites Come of Sexual Age in Bone Marrow
The discovery could help doctors block transmission of the disease.
John Upton
The Rise of the Nuisance Flood
Minor floods are afflicting parts of Maryland nearly 10 times more often than was the case in the 1960s.
America's Streams Are Awash With Pesticides Banned in Europe
You may have never heard of clothianidin, but it's probably in your local river.
NASA Could Build Spacecrafts Using 3-D Printers
This year NASA will experiment with 3-D printing small objects in space. That could mark the beginning of a gravity-free manufacturing revolution.
The West's Groundwater Is Being Sucked Dry
Scientists were stunned to discover just how much groundwater has been lost from beneath the Colorado River over the past 10 years.
How Wildlife Declines Are Leading to Slavery and Terrorism
As wildlife numbers dwindle, wildlife crimes are rising—and that's fueling a raft of heinous crimes committed against humans.
Modern Technology Still Doesn't Protect Us From Landslides
No landslide monitoring or warning systems are being used to protect vulnerable communities.
The Link Between Carbs, Gut Microbes, and Colon Cancer
Reduced carb intake among mice protected them from colon cancer.
The New Weapon Against Disease-Spreading Insects Is Big Data
Computer models that pinpoint the likely locations of mosquitoes and tsetse flies are helping officials target vector control efforts.
Why Didn't California’s Phone Ban Reduce Accidents?
Are handheld cell phones as dangerous as they have been made out to be?
Doctors Are Not Prescribing the Right Kind of Drugs for the Flu
If you come down with the flu, your doctor is more likely than not to write out a prescription for the wrong type of drug.
How Did Pets and Farm Animals Get So Cute and Friendly?
Reductions in certain stem cells that account for requisite levels of fear and stress also code for cute morphologies.
Could We Soon Be Vaccinated for Dengue?
A jab by a doctor might soon protect us from Dengue fever.
How to Keep Virginia From Sinking
Virginia is worsening its own climate change risks through inaction. Here's how it can get back on track.
Tackling West Nile With Bacteria May Worsen the Disease
New research involving West Nile Virus suggests scientists should exercise extreme caution when using an experimental form of disease control.
To Cool Cities, Build Them Tall and Shiny
A jungle of reflective skyscrapers will usually be better off than a low-lying district of similarly shaped townhouses.
The War on Organized Environmental Crime
A recent report outlines new strategies that could be used to save the environment from criminal syndicates.
We Can Afford to Meet the World's Climate Goals
The world needs to be spending $800 billion a year more on clean energy if it's to meet international climate goals. Given the $500 billion a year we already spend on fossil fuel subsidies, it should be within reach.
Why Ebola Is Winning
In the fight against the latest Ebola outbreak, underfunded medical workers in West Africa are logistically outmanned.
Malaria Parasites Can Control Your Scent
A new study shows the smells can both attract and repel mosquitoes at different stages of the disease. The results might help us fight back.
Why Don't We Manage the Ocean Like We Manage Land?
Scientists are arguing for a radical new approach to marine planning in tropical coastal environments.
What Will 2025 Look Like?
If modern research trends continue, this is what some experts say the future holds.
Americans Want Elected Leaders Who Act on Climate Change
Members of Congress who oppose climate action are out of touch with most American voters. But they are in touch with the noisy members of the misinformed Tea Party clan.
How the Sugar Industry Gums Up Science
Big Sugar is lying to win a battle for your bulge.
The Ugly Cycle of Air Pollution and Climate Change
More warming in the atmosphere means more stagnant days—and that means worse air pollution.
Snow-Covered Mountains Will Become Waterfalls
Chilling scientific modeling shows how snow on mountaintops in the American West will be replaced with rain.
The Troubling Connection Between Pesticides and Autism
A new study provides more proof that pregnant mothers should stay far away from pesticide sprays.
Lessons From a Brain-Infecting Fungi Could Change Medicine
A discovery raises the possibility of using a fungal enzyme to deliver drugs directly into the brain.
This Stinging Ant Is Invading the Gulf Coast
These ants land a painful sting and appear to displace native species. But it looks like we'd better get used to them.
Evolutionary Explosions Help Bacteria Beat Immune Systems
Scientists have discovered bacteria evolving at a rate never before witnessed.
Glaciers' Unforeseen Foe: Algae
The algae invading glaciers protect themselves from sunlight by turning red, a process that can dramatically increase melting.
Chimpanzees Gave Herpes to Humans
It appears that humans caught the sexually-transmitted form of herpes from chimpanzees. But that doesn't necessarily mean our ancestors were having unprotected sex with chimp forebears.
How to Battle Ocean Acidification
It's a fearsome problem. But we're not just watching helplessly.
Evolutionary Map Could Help Farmers Eliminate Fertilizer
New research offers hope for prodding corn, wheat, and rice into a partnership with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Fat in a Mother's Diet May Shape Baby's Microbiome
To equip an unborn baby with a healthy gut microbiome, new research suggests that mama might want to pass on the fries.
Winning the War Against Malaria
To wipe out malaria, scientists have developed a genetic manipulation that limits female offspring.
The Brain Knows When There Are Carbs in Your Mouth
Our mouths have a secret sense—one that can detect sugar, even if there's no flavor.
Here's How a Chimp Is Smarter Than You
Chimps recently figured out a computer game more quickly than humans. It may be because they're so familiar with navigating basic win-lose dynamics.
Dentists May Soon Use Lasers to Regrow Your Teeth
Your tooth technician might one day set aside the drills and bring out a laser to spur regrowth.
The Placental Microbiome Is Similar to That of the Mouth
The bacteria may be crucial to early feeding.
These Mental Illnesses Are More Dangerous Than Smoking
Many mental illnesses and addictions are more heavily associated with premature deaths than heavy smoking, yet we tend to be less aware of their risks.
Should We Abandon Our Shorelines?
We missed our chance to avoid rising sea levels. Now we must turn and run.
Did Humans Train Dogs to Hunt Woolly Mammoths?
A new hypothesis suggests that our ancestors trained wolves to help them kill.
Protect Coral Reefs and They Will Protect Us
Protecting the fish that graze among coral reefs could be one way to save ourselves from rising seas.
Will the Next Pandemic Come From a Laboratory?
Two epidemiologists argue for the adoption of research methods that don't produce dangerous new virus strains.
How Bee Waggle Dances Could Inform Environmental Policy
To survey for pollinator foraging areas, researchers could tramp around and record what they find. Or a hive of bees could do the legwork for them.
The Disappearance of Fog on California's Farms
California's orchard-nursing fog is withering away, and scientists aren't sure why.
How More Rain Will Worsen Water Woes
As snow becomes history, a smaller proportion of the planet's precipitation will reach the streams that feed water reservoirs.
Could Common Earthly Organisms Thrive on Mars?
Emerging research suggests that methanogens might be able to withstand the temperature swings and low pressures of a Martian existence.