August 2026

In Colombia, the hippos originally imported by Pablo Escobar have become an ecological menace. Initially introduced for his private zoo, their population has surged to over eighty, wreaking havoc on local waterways. Their excrement disrupts the delicate balance of river ecology, depleting oxygen levels and triggering harmful algal blooms. Addressing this invasive species poses significant…

Along with Russia, the United States possesses nearly 90% of all nuclear weapons on Earth. The country has over 5,044 total warheads and is known to have the most balanced and heavily maintained strategic triad delivery systems. While it has no need to amp up on developing more nuclear weapons, it needs to urgently clear…

The introduction of agriculture, around 11,500 years ago in the Middle East was a milestone for humankind. For decades, the image of the prehistoric hunter-gatherer has been remarkably consistent: hunters skilled in living off mainly meat, with plants as occasional supplements. It’s an image deeply embedded in popular culture, in documentaries and even in modern…

Green roofs offer a solution to urban heat by absorbing sunlight and releasing water. Vegetation shades surfaces and evapotranspiration naturally cools surrounding areas. These living roofs also manage rainwater and provide habitats for urban wildlife. Extensive and intensive systems cater to different building needs and budgets. Cities worldwide are adopting green roofs to combat rising…

Keeping buildings cool has become an increasingly difficult challenge as temperatures rise and air conditioning demand continues to grow. While cooling systems provide comfort, they also consume large amounts of electricity, adding to energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. That has encouraged scientists to look for alternatives that work with nature rather than against it….

For much of the twentieth century, the deepest parts of the oceans remained among the least understood places on Earth. Ships crossed vast stretches of water every day, yet almost nobody knew what lay beneath them beyond scattered depth measurements collected for navigation. The seabed was often imagined as a broad, featureless plain interrupted only…

Industrial plants release vast amounts of carbon dioxide every day, yet much of the conversation around cutting those emissions has focused on capturing the gas and storing it underground. Turning it into something useful has always been a more attractive idea, but one that has struggled outside laboratory conditions. Factory exhaust is not made up…

SpaceX has been achieving many of its targets these days, even by accident. After months of anticipation, a discarded upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is believed to have careened into the Moon early Wednesday morning near the Einstein Crater. It exploded on impact, causing a flash that may have been visible from…

A new study has found that coating common raven eggs with non-toxic mineral oil can reduce raven reproduction and improve the survival of vulnerable greater sage-grouse. Researchers reported that sage-grouse nest survival more than doubled, while their relative abundance increased by 44% in treated areas. However, they said long-term conservation also requires protecting habitat and…

Honey bees are one of the most important insects across the globe. The buzzing bees do more than just make sweet nectar, they pollinate crops, maintain ecosystems and produce natural goods. According to the UN Environment Programme, they directly contribute to food security and a third of the world’s food production depends on bees. However,…