Uncovering the Literal Roots of Your Ideology
New research suggests our ancestors' agricultural practices may have shaped our beliefs and assumptions.
Ecology
How Coral Bleaching Events Affect Ecological Diversity
As a result of rising ocean temperatures coral bleaching is becoming more common, and it's causing a biotic homogenization of local fish populations.
Can Walden Pond Be Saved?
After Thoreau made the pond famous in 1854, an influx of tourists and fishermen have come to imperil the ecological outlook of the area.
Inside the Ecologically Damaging Practice of Illegal Sand Mining
As real estate building increases across the world, so too does the illegal extract of sand, which results in serious environmental impacts.
The Many Places and Faces of the Salton Sea
The Salton Sea was once known as California's Desert Riviera. Today it's struggling to stay alive, despite residents' best efforts at revitalization.
Could the Future of Air Conditioning Be Found Inside Termite Mounds?
The fusion of architecture and ecology allows termites to control the climate of their structures without burning a single fossil fuel.
Should We Fight Invasive Species With Genetic Engineering?
Why one scientist changed his mind on using gene drives for conservation.
These Mysterious Mushrooms Are Key to Our Planet's Ecosystems
Interaction of forests and fungi plays a huge role in the Earth's global carbon cycle.
The Benefits of Statistical Models
An applied mathematician wonders whether his environmental management models are doing anyone any good. Turns out, they probably are.
The Part We Play in—Not Just on—Our Environment
A study of ancient inhabitants of Sanak Island, Alaska, points to a new understanding of our impact on the natural world.
Climate Change Is Deadly for Snowshoe Hares
If the world keeps emitting greenhouse gases at a high rate and the hares don't adapt, they'll decline by 23 percent by the end of the century.
Without Biodiversity, Ecosystems Grow Unstable
Biodiversity is the hub through which human activity harms—or aids—the environment, a new study shows.
The 30 Top Thinkers Under 30: The Former Child Prodigy Who, He Says, Is Finally Doing Something New and Interesting
We canvassed the world of the social and behavioral sciences, looking for rising stars whose careers promise to make a lasting mark. We'll be profiling the top 30 throughout the month of April.
The Strange Parallel Histories of Plant Science and Death Science
Botanists and forensic scientists developed the same theory in the late 19th century. They might have a lot to learn from each other, if they would talk to each other now.
Forest Fragmentation Threatens More Than Just Trees
Long-term studies on five continents show how chopping up forest hurts biodiversity.
The Ecological Wisdom of Leaving Nature Alone
The best kind of ranching is likely no ranching at all.
Will the King of the Rock Fall?
The fathers of ecology lavished attention upon it. The scientist who coined “keystone species” chose it as the prime example. What will happen to the Pacific Coast if its iconic ochre sea star wastes away?
Why Does Your Yard Look the Same as Every Other Yard?
If you're looking for the homogenizing impulse in American society, you need search no further than your own lawn.
'If a Tree Falls' Revisits the Earth Liberation Front
PBS looks at the radical environmentalists whose turn to terrorism discredited their quixotic campaign in "If a Tree Falls."
Solving Eco-challenges With Today's Data
A new academic center at the University of Maryland promises to take undervalued research and synthesize it into answers for pressing environmental challenges.
Botanist Brings Trees to the Israeli Desert
Deep in the driest and hottest part of Israel, a California-born botanist is trying to remake the Negev Desert with productive trees that thrive on abuse.
The Making of the Ocean Health Index
In the first of a series of stories tracking their progress in real time, three scientists explain the genesis of a global effort to present the health of the world's oceans with a single number.
Building Cities With Sustainability in Mind to Cut Costs
Municipal waste — from poop to heat — can be a valuable resource that could run our cities more cheaply and sustainably, says a hands-on Canadian ecologist.
As Environment Degrades, Our Well-Being Grows?
The environment is faltering even as measurements show human well-being is improving. How long can that last?