How a volcano helped defeat Napoleon at Waterloo

In June 1815, the Allied army defeated Napoleon’s army at Waterloo. An Indonesian volcano helped, says a scientist at Imperial College London.

Guessing your shelter dog’s breed? You’re probably wrong

What breed is he? is often the first question people ask about a dog, but the answer is often terribly inaccurate,” said the author of a new genetic study of shelter dogs.

Why are some species more likely to go extinct?

Death is inevitable for individuals and also for species. With help from the fossil record, paleontologists are piecing together what might make one creature more vulnerable than another.

Why plants don’t get sunburn

Plants produce their own chemical sunscreens that protect them from harmful ultraviolet light.

Researchers find fast flip in Earth’s magnetic field

By studying the magnetic record left behind in earthly rocks, researchers found a magnetic field reversal - where magnetic north became magnetic south - lasting only 2 centuries.

Researchers say STEVE isn’t an aurora

What's been called a new kind of aurora - the striking sky phenomenon dubbed STEVE - isn't an aurora at all, according to a new study.

What are rare earth elements?

Most of us use rare earth elements every day – without knowing it. These little-known and fascinating elements make modern electronics possible.

North America’s smoky skies

Do your skies look hazy? Are your sunsets very orange, or layered-looking, or does the sun or moon look orange while high in the sky? If you're in the northern U.S. or Canada, the reason is still wildfire smoke.

We’re guinea pigs in global microplastic experiment

Microplastics are everywhere - in our water, soil, and even the air we breathe. The consequences of this exposure on human health is unknown.

We promise you won’t be eaten by a megalodon

So go ahead and get scared at the new movie "The Meg," but don't worry. Scientists have officially debunked the myth that megalodon sharks still exist.