Earth

  1. Climate

    Major twister hits Oklahoma

    Its speed, which largely determines the damage it causes, is still unknown.

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  2. Climate

    Explainer: Why a tornado forms

    Tornadoes start with a thunderstorm. But they also require other ingredients, such as instability.

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  3. Environment

    Pee is for power

    The water in urine can be a source of hydrogen for electrical generators.

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  4. Animals

    Motion in the ocean

    Scientists figure out why pulsing corals pulse.

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  5. Environment

    Fungi as carbon keepers

    A common type of fungus stores most of a forest floor’s carbon underground.

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  6. Chemistry

    A plant enemy’s enemy

    Plants use chemicals to recruit help in fighting off pests.

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  7. Agriculture

    Cool Jobs: Green Science

    In parts of the Arctic, entire forests are creeping northward. Luckily, ecologist Serge Payette is hot on their trail.

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  8. Environment

    Bad for breathing

    New study connects pollution to several common diseases that affect the lungs and airways.

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  9. Ecosystems

    Predators as climate helpers

    In lakes and streams, fish and insects can help protect aquatic plants that gobble up greenhouse gas.

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  10. Earth

    Ahead of the wave

    Scientists are working to predict — and tame — the tsunamis that can threaten some coastal communities

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  11. Climate

    Explainer: El Niño and La Niña

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  12. Climate

    Climate’s troublesome kids

    The recurring climate events El Niño and La Niña trigger long-lived changes to weather around the world.

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