When we think of earthquakes, we imagine sudden, violent shaking. But deep beneath the Earth's surface, some faults move in near silence. These slow, shuffling slips and their accompanying hum -- called tremors -- don't shake buildings or make headlines. But scientists believe they can serve as useful analogs of...
Dexterity and climbing ability: how ancient human relatives used their hands
Scientists have found new evidence for how our fossil human relatives in South Africa may have used their hands. Researchers investigated variation in finger bone morphology to determine that South African hominins not only may have had different levels of dexterity, but also different climbing abilities.
UV light and CT scans helped scientists unlock hidden details in a beautifully-preserved fossil Archaeopteryx
Archaeopteryx is the fossil that clearly demonstrated Darwin's views. It's the oldest known fossil bird, and it helps show that all birds -- including the ones alive today -- emerged from dinosaurs. And while the first Archaeopteryx fossil was found more than 160 years ago, scientists are continuing to learn...
New global model shows how to bring environmental pressures back to 2015 levels by 2050
A new study finds that with bold and coordinated policy choices -- across emissions, diets, food waste, and water and nitrogen efficiency -- humanity could, by 2050, bring global environmental pressures back to levels seen in 2015. This shift would move us much closer to a future in which people...
Palaeontologists discover 506-million-year-old predator
Palaeontologists have discovered a remarkable new 506-million-year-old predator from the Burgess Shale of Canada. Mosura fentoni was about the size of your index finger and had three eyes, spiny jointed claws, a circular mouth lined with teeth and a body with swimming flaps along its sides. These traits show it...
New computer language helps spot hidden pollutants
Biologists and chemists have a new programming language to uncover previously unknown environmental pollutants at breakneck speed -- without requiring them to code.
A plant you’ve never heard of can do what scientists once thought impossible
A new study shows that an unassuming plant has some very unusual family dynamics.
Protecting Wildlife, One Road at a Time
Bordering Lake Erie and extending across Norfolk County, Long Point Region hosts many internationally recognized protected natural areas and is a refuge for many species at risk.
Net-Zero Homes are Touted as a Solution to Climate Change
Net-zero homes use natural energy sources and are designed to use less energy and, as such, are considered important in the fight against climate change.
Clear Waters, Hidden Toxins
New laboratory research shows that when viruses attack a species that forms toxic algal blooms, those thick, blue-green slicks that choke waterways and that threaten ecosystems, drinking water, and public health, what results might be even worse than before the infection.