Instant Ocean

Originally built as a gateway to space colonization, Biosphere 2 has a new purpose: to breed supercorals strong enough to survive swiftly changing seas. First, scientists must revive the simulated ocean.

Nov 13, 2018 | 1,900 words, about 10 minutes

The Hidden Coastal Culture of the Ancient Maya

For thousands of years, ancient Maya kings ruled a vast inland empire in Mexico and Belize. But just how inland was it, really?

Nov 6, 2018 | 3,700 words, about 19 minutes

The Pangolin Poacher

What drives hunters to illegally kill wildlife? Writer Rachel Nuwer meets a poacher in the coastal wetlands of Vietnam to find out.

Oct 30, 2018 | 2,700 words, about 14 minutes

The Halibut Hook Revival

An ingenious Indigenous fishing technology with spiritual significance is making a comeback.

Oct 23, 2018 | 2,300 words, about 12 minutes

Herschel, the Very Hungry Sea Lion

It’s dangerous to blame the decline of one species on a single predator. We humans like to do it anyway.

Oct 16, 2018 | 3,700 words, about 19 minutes

In the Kingdom of the Bears

The human-bear bond is ancient, but across the northern hemisphere, only a few societies remember the art of neighboring bears.

Oct 9, 2018 | 6,700 words, about 34 minutes

Kelly, the Sassy Dolphin

What can one brash dolphin teach us about personality?

Oct 2, 2018 | 4,400 words, about 22 minutes

Guilt-Free on the Sea?

How Norway is using oil and gas riches to engineer a future in emission-free seafaring.

Sep 18, 2018 | 2,900 words, about 15 minutes