Detoxing the Ocean

New technology could pull toxic metals out of contaminated water.

Apr 26, 2017 | 850 words, about 4 minutes

Journey into the Plastisphere

Plastic marine debris is one of the world’s newest ecosystems, and scientists have just begun to understand how microbes are settling into their new island homes.

Mar 29, 2017 | 1,600 words, about 8 minutes

Diving into El Niño’s Past

A 7,000-year temperature record pulled from ancient coral suggests El Niño is getting worse.

Jan 10, 2017 | 850 words, about 4 minutes

Five Fishy Cases of Seafood Fraud

Fancy some fake caviar, imaginary fish, and sushi made from an endangered species?

Dec 2, 2016 | 600 words, about 3 minutes

Ocean Acidification: More Gloom than Doom?

Scientists’ emphasis on laboratory trials can give a distorted view of the threat of ocean acidification.

Sep 14, 2016 | 850 words, about 4 minutes

This Scientist Is Making Batteries Out of Recycled Crab Shells

Shellfish chitin is a starting material ripe for chemical modification.

Jun 21, 2016 | 550 words, about 2 minutes

The Secret History of Bioluminescence

Illuminating maps during war, guiding planes to safety, making genes and proteins visible—organisms get their glow on to help humans.

May 10, 2016 | 2,100 words, about 10 minutes

Like Swimming Through a Pharmacy

Researchers found a wide array of contaminants in Puget Sound fish.

Mar 30, 2016 | 550 words, about 2 minutes