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Why plants don’t get sunburn
Plants produce their own chemical sunscreens that protect them from harmful ultraviolet light.
August 23, 2018
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.
August 22, 2018
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.
August 21, 2018
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.
August 21, 2018
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.
August 20, 2018
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.
August 19, 2018
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.
August 17, 2018
Carbon monoxide from California wildfires drifts east
What happens in California doesn't stay in California. This animation, made from satellite data, shows carbon monoxide from the state's massive wildfires drifting eastward all the way across the U.S.
August 16, 2018
Bam! Meteorite bombardment created Earth’s oldest rocks
A new computer modeling study shows that - some 4 billion years ago - a barrage of incoming debris from space likely formed what we know today as Earth’s oldest rocks.
August 15, 2018
What’s causing Florida’s algae crisis? 5 questions answered
Red tides and a blue-green algae outbreak are fouling hundreds of miles of coast, killing fish and driving tourists from beaches. Some causes are natural, but human actions also play a role.
August 15, 2018
