Researchers confirmed that Rapa Nui’s moai statues could “walk” upright using a rocking motion, aided by rope and just a few people. Experiments with replicas and 3D models revealed design features like a forward lean and curved bases that made movement possible. Concave roads across the island further supported this...
Blog
Scientists discover orchids sprouting from decaying wood
Kobe University researchers found that orchids rely on wood-decaying fungi to germinate, feeding on the carbon from rotting logs. Their seedlings only grow near deadwood, forming precise fungal partnerships that mirror those seen in adult orchids with coral-like roots. This discovery highlights a hidden carbon pathway in forest ecosystems and...
Record Amazon fires release more carbon than an entire country
The Amazon has suffered its most destructive fire season in more than two decades, releasing a staggering 791 million tons of carbon dioxide—on par with Germany’s annual emissions. Scientists found that for the first time, fire-driven degradation, not deforestation, was the main source of carbon emissions, signaling a dangerous shift...
Ocean heatwaves are breaking Earth’s hidden climate engine
Marine heatwaves can jam the ocean’s natural carbon conveyor belt, preventing carbon from reaching the deep sea. Researchers studying two major heatwaves in the Gulf of Alaska found that plankton shifts caused carbon to build up near the surface instead of sinking. This disrupted the ocean’s ability to store carbon...
When sunshine became cheaper than coal
Solar energy is now the cheapest source of power worldwide, driving a massive shift toward renewables. Falling battery prices and innovations in solar materials are making clean energy more reliable than ever. Yet, grid congestion and integration remain key challenges. Experts say smart grids and sustained policy support are crucial...
Solar Energy Is Now the World’s Cheapest Source of Power, a Surrey Study Finds
Solar energy is now so cost-effective that, in the sunniest countries, it costs as little as £0.02 to produce one unit of power, making it cheaper than electricity generated from coal, gas or wind, according to a new study from the University of Surrey.
Panama Canal May Face Frequent Extreme Water Lows in Coming Decades
A new study found historic droughts could become common for gatún lake, the main source of water for the Panama canal locks.
2023 Ocean Heatwave ‘Unprecedented but Not Unexpected’
The June 2023 heatwave in northern European seas was “unprecedented but not unexpected”, new research shows.
Snow Leopards’ Low Genetic Diversity Puts Future at Risk
There are relatively few snow leopards in the world, and it has likely been that way for a long time, a new study indicates.
Marine Heatwaves Have Hidden Impacts on Ocean Food Webs and Carbon Cycling
New research shows that marine heatwaves can reshape ocean food webs, which in turn can slow the transport of carbon to the deep sea and hamper the ocean’s ability to buffer against climate change.