Extreme heat waves and cold spells on the Great Lakes have more than doubled since the late 1990s, coinciding with a major El Niño event. Using advanced ocean-style modeling adapted for the lakes, researchers traced temperature trends back to 1940, revealing alarming potential impacts on billion-dollar fishing industries, fragile ecosystems,...
Scientists stunned by colossal formations hidden under the North Sea
Beneath the North Sea, scientists have uncovered colossal sand formations, dubbed “sinkites,” that have mysteriously sunk into lighter sediments, flipping the usual geological order. Formed millions of years ago by ancient earthquakes or pressure shifts, these giant structures could reshape how we locate oil, gas, and safe carbon storage sites....
Solving a Dirty Problem with Sunlight and Oil
Wastewater can contain many harmful substances, but a new method enables researchers to purify this water using sunlight and droplets of oil.
Falling Ice Drives Glacial Retreat in Greenland
The Greenland ice sheet is melting at an increasing rate, a process accelerated by glacier calving, in which huge chunks of ice break free and crash into the sea, generating large waves that push warmer water to the surface.
Droughts Have Minimal Effect on Tropical Tree Growth – but Climate Change Worsening Tree Mortality
20,000 tree ring samples shows remarkable growth resilience to droughts, but tree death could result in equivalent of Germany’s annual CO2 emissions.
Tiny ancient whale with a killer bite found in Australia
An extraordinary fossil find along Victoria’s Surf Coast has revealed Janjucetus dullardi, a sharp-toothed, dolphin-sized predator that lived 26 million years ago. With large eyes, slicing teeth, and exceptional ear bone preservation, this early cousin of modern baleen whales offers unprecedented insight into their evolution.
Scientists turn grapevine waste into clear, strong films that vanish in days
Amid growing concerns over plastic waste and microplastics, researchers are turning agricultural leftovers into biodegradable packaging. Using cellulose extracted from unlikely sources, including grapevine canes, they have created strong, transparent films that break down in just 17 days without leaving harmful residue.
Scientists warn ocean could soon reach Rapa Nui’s sacred moai
Advanced computer modeling suggests that by 2080, waves driven by sea level rise could flood Ahu Tongariki and up to 51 cultural treasures on Rapa Nui. The findings emphasize the urgent need for protective measures to preserve the island’s identity, traditions, and tourism economy.
Cornell Chemists Tackle Climate Change
As the need to find climate change solutions becomes ever more urgent, Cornell chemists are leading the way with innovative and far-reaching discoveries, including better electric batteries, carbon capture technologies, renewable plastics and improvements in solar cells.
New Method to Synthesize Carbohydrates Could Pave the Way to Biomedical Advances
Carbohydrate is a familiar term. It’s the bagel you had for breakfast, the bread in your sandwich, the slice of cake you’re thinking about sneaking later today.