What 'Walden' can tell us about social distancing and focusing on life's essentials
'Walden,' published in 1854, is a manual for solitude with a purpose.
March 26, 2020
4
Environment
It's wrong to blame bats for the coronavirus epidemic
The value that bats provide to humans by pollinating crops and eating insects is far greater than harm from virus transmission…
March 24, 2020
8
Tagging data show that blue sharks are true globalists
You won't see a blue shark near the beach, but thanks to 50 years of tagging data, scientists are learning about their…
March 24, 2020
7
Coronavirus spotlights the link between clean water and health
Water is essential for health, economic well-being and social equity, but too many people around the world still don't…
March 20, 2020
12
Balloon releases have deadly consequences – we're helping citizen scientists map them
Releasing balloons at weddings and other celebrations is festive, until they break into pieces and become plastic pollution.…
March 18, 2020
11
Vodka won't protect you from coronavirus, and 4 other things to know about hand sanitizer
Most commercial hand sanitizers are mainly alcohol, but forget about hitting the liquor store and mixing your own.
March 13, 2020
39
Protecting mangroves can prevent billions of dollars in global flooding damage every year
A new study estimates that mangroves prevent over $65 billion in damage from coastal storms every year, and says mangrove…
March 10, 2020
11
Malnourished bugs: Higher CO2 levels make plants less nutritious, hurting insect populations
Insect populations are falling as what they eat becomes more like iceberg lettuce and less like kale.
March 9, 2020
17
Tornadoes that strike at night are more deadly and require more effective warning systems
In the Southeast US, tornadoes strike at night more often than in other regions. This poses special challenges for getting…
March 5, 2020
22
Spring is arriving earlier across the US, and that's not always good news
Climate change has advanced the arrival of spring by as much as several weeks in some parts of the US. This can mean major…
March 4, 2020
15
It's OK to feed wild birds – here are some tips for doing it the right way
Millions of Americans feed wild birds, especially in winter and spring. Studies show that this can influence birds'…
March 2, 2020
18
Indigenous people may be the Amazon's last hope
Native Brazilians are among the Amazon's most effective defenders against logging and mining, because they're fighting…
February 27, 2020
27
Better rat control in cities starts by changing human behavior
Climate change, globalization and concerns about rat poison soon could drive rat infestations to levels not seen in centuries.…
February 25, 2020
20
Mine waste dams threaten the environment, even when they don't fail
Dams built to hold enormous quantities of toxic mining waste have a long history of spills. Decisions in the Pacific Northwest…
February 24, 2020
13
Is your city making you fat? How urban planning can address the obesity epidemic
Four out of 5 Americans live in cities, so urban planning can make a big difference in our lifestyles – especially if…
February 20, 2020
27
Animals large and small once covered North America's prairies – and in some places, they could again
North America's prairies once were home to millions of wild animals. Today, most of that lands is farmed or developed,…
February 19, 2020
24
A military perspective on climate change could bridge the gap between believers and doubters
US military leaders have to plan for operations all over the world, so they can't afford to ignore climate change or…
February 18, 2020
23
The secondhand smoke you're breathing may have come from another state
According to a new study, about four in 10 air pollution deaths in the US are due to emissions crossing state lines.
February 12, 2020
27
Climate change impacts in Bangladesh show how geography, wealth and culture affect vulnerability
Bangladesh is on the front lines of climate change, but factors including money, gender and religion make some Bangladeshis…
February 11, 2020
29
The Philippines has rated 'Golden Rice' safe, but farmers may not plant it
Golden Rice – a controversial genetically modified product designed to combat malnutrition – has been approved as safe…
February 7, 2020
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