Countries Hit Hardest by Climate Change May Finally Get Their Due
After 30 years of talk about forcing wealthy polluters to compensate those bearing the brunt of climate damage, the COP27 conference seems poised to act.
A Caustic Shift Is Coming for the Arctic Ocean
Scientists have already begun to observe the ecological effects of acidifying oceans on sea life. The changes ahead may be more drastic.
Smaller Reactors May Still Have a Big Nuclear Waste Problem
A new generation of reactors promises a nuclear energy renaissance, but critics say the US needs to figure out what to do about its radioactive garbage first.
Why Was the Tonga Eruption So Massive? Scientists Have New Clues
Early theories suggested an underwater landslide caused a catastrophic mix of magma and seawater. Recent evidence reveals an explosion unlike anything studied before.
The Wetlands Are Drowning
A long-term study of a marsh was meant to ask whether rising levels of CO2 could help wetlands thrive despite rising seas. The plants aren’t keeping up.
What It’ll Take to Get Electric Planes off the Ground
The lithium-ion battery is good for moving cars short distances, but aviation requires longer-lasting power. Maybe we need to try other elements.
More Covid Vaccine Choices Mean New Equity Challenges
Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine can be delivered in a single dose, but it’s also slightly less effective. Who should get it?
Why Kids Matter in the Quest to Stamp Out Covid-19
Testing a vaccine on children takes longer and comes with more challenges. But inoculating kids can protect an entire population.
A School Ran a Simulation of the Pandemic—Before the Pandemic
A Florida middle school has staged mock outbreaks for years to teach science and civics. Last December’s lesson was an uncanny harbinger of Covid-19.
Old Drugs Could Reveal a New Way to Attack the Coronavirus
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 hijacks tendrils that grow from infected cells and may ride them to infect others. But existing compounds might slow their roll.