A Faster Way to Find Illicit Fins

Slow, expensive testing has made DNA analysis a poor fit for customs agents on the hunt for protected species—but a new technique could change that.

Feb 4, 2019 | 650 words, about 3 minutes

The Riddle of the Roaming Plastics

It is one of the modern world’s biggest mysteries—99 percent of the plastics that enter the ocean are missing.

Dec 4, 2018 | 2,500 words, about 12 minutes

Oh, Give Me a Home Where the Wild Cod Roam

A novel application of auditory training opens the door to more efficient cod ranching.

Nov 14, 2018 | 600 words, about 3 minutes

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

Possible Evidence of World’s Oldest Fishing Nets Unearthed in Korea

Stone sinkers dated to 29,000 years ago are evidence of ancient fishing technology—but some archaeologists have doubts.

Oct 1, 2018 | 550 words, about 2 minutes

Research Shows Wind Farms Could Divert Hurricane Rains

With enough wind turbines, the rainfall from Hurricane Harvey could have been reduced by 20 percent, according to a new modeling study.

Sep 21, 2018 | 850 words, about 4 minutes

RangerBot: Programmed to Kill

A new generation of sea star-murdering robots is set to deploy.

Aug 30, 2018 | 800 words, about 4 minutes

Are Coastal Nuclear Power Plants Ready for Sea-Level Rise?

As shorelines creep inland and storms worsen, nuclear reactors around the world face new challenges.

Aug 21, 2018 | 2,500 words, about 13 minutes