Scientists have uncovered how cannabis evolved the ability to make its most famous compounds—THC, CBD, and CBC—by recreating ancient enzymes that existed millions of years ago. These early enzymes were multitaskers, capable of producing several cannabinoids at once, before evolution fine-tuned them into today’s highly specialized forms. By “resurrecting” these...
Scientists found the soil secret that doubles forest regrowth
New research shows tropical forests can recover twice as fast after deforestation when their soils contain enough nitrogen. Scientists followed forest regrowth across Central America for decades and found that nitrogen plays a decisive role in how quickly trees return. Faster regrowth also means more carbon captured from the atmosphere....
Recent Tundra Fires ‘Exceed Anything in Past 3,000 Years’
Wildfires on Alaska’s North Slope were more active this past century than at any time in the past 3,000 years, according to a study recently published in the journal Biogeosciences.
Locust Swarms Destroy Crops — Scientists Found a Way to Stop It
Study believed to be the first to test this method in real-world farming conditions; soil amendments resulted in fewer locusts, less damage and a doubled crop yield.
Mosquitoes’ Thirst for Human Blood Has Increased as Biodiversity Loss Worsens
In an ecosystem that’s losing much of its biodiversity, mosquitoes might be shifting to a new food source.
A 3,000-year high: Alaska’s Arctic is entering a dangerous new fire era
For thousands of years, wildfires on Alaska’s North Slope were rare. That changed sharply in the 20th century, when warming temperatures dried soils and fueled the spread of shrubs, setting the stage for intense fires. Peat cores and satellite data reveal that fire activity since the 1950s has reached record...
Microplastics Detected in Rural Woodland
Air-polluting microplastics have been found in rural areas in greater quantities than in cities, researchers say.
Extreme Heat Waves Disrupt Honey Bee Thermoregulation and Threaten Colony Survival
Although honey bees have the ability to regulate hive temperatures, new research published in Ecological and Evolutionary Physiology shows that extreme summer heat can overwhelm these critical pollinators' cooling systems, leading to significant colony population declines.
El Niño and La Niña Make Water Extremes Move in Sync
Water extremes such as droughts and floods have a huge impact on communities, ecosystems, and economies.
Fish Farming Least Harmful in Northern Norway
A study of the environmental conditions around fish farms reveals a surprising trend.