Ecosystems

Microbes

50 years ago, scientists suspected microbes flourished in clouds

In 1970, scientists presented early evidence that microbes in clouds may be alive and kicking.

Life

A new map shows where Asian giant hornets could thrive in the U.S.

Suitable habitat along the Pacific West Coast means so-called “murder hornets” could get a foothold in North America if they aren’t eradicated.

Ecosystems

Trapped under ice, light-loving algae grow in the dark Arctic winter

Blocked off from nearly all light beneath a thick layer of ice and snow in the winter, marine phytoplankton in the Arctic still find a way to thrive.

Environment

What we know and don’t know about wildfire smoke’s health risks

As wildfires become more frequent and severe in California, Oregon and throughout the West Coast, concerns rise about harmful air pollution.

Ecosystems

Protecting half the planet could help solve climate change and save species

An analysis lays out where new land protections could complement existing protected areas to achieve various conservation and climate goals.

Animals

Female hyenas kill off cubs in their own clans

Along with starvation and mauling by lions, infanticide leads as a cause of hyena cub death. Such killings may serve to enforce the social order.

Ecosystems

To save Appalachia’s endangered mussels, scientists hatched a bold plan

Biologists have just begun to learn whether their bold plan worked to save the golden riffleshell, a freshwater mussel teetering on the brink of extinction.

Plants

This parasitic plant consists of just flashy flowers and creepy suckers

With only four known species, Langsdorffia are thieves stripped down to their essentials.

Oceans

These ancient seafloor microbes woke up after over 100 million years

Scientists discover that microbes that had lain dormant in the seafloor for millions of years can revive and multiply.

Animals

A wasp was caught on camera attacking and killing a baby bird

Some wasps scavenge carrion or pluck parasites off birds, but reports of attacks on live birds are rare.

Health & Medicine

To prevent the next pandemic, we might need to cut down fewer trees

Investing in halting deforestation and limiting the wildlife trade could be a cost-effective way to reduce the risk of pandemics, a new analysis finds.

Animals

How Yellowstone wolves got their own Ancestry.com page

Since the wolves’ reintroduction to the park, 25 years of devoted watching has chronicled bold moves, big fights and lots of puppies.