The seabed is not flat and smooth like the shimmering ocean above it. It’s a jagged, uneven landscape of submerged mountains and valleys, all hidden from sight – but not from science. By analysing the isotopic composition of the rocks that make up these underwater mountains networks – called mid-ocean ridges – scientists can identify […]

Plastic pollution in the ocean is a growing threat to the survival of sea turtles, endangering the life cycle of these ancient marine globetrotters, according to a new study. Researchers found startling amounts of plastic in the bodies of nearly 100 sea turtle hatchlings that washed ashore on the Florida coast, including tiny “micronized” bits […]

Some of the world’s most unusual sharks and rays are on the brink of extinction because of threats such as commercial fishing, scientists have said. A shark that uses its tail to stun prey and a ray half the length of a bus are on the list of 50 species. The scientists say sharks have […]

To save the world from climate catastrophe, the world needs to urgently phase out the use of fossil fuels. On Wednesday, Danish energy company Orsted announced a major investment program as it seeks to become one of the “renewable majors” leading a global shift away from planet-warming fuels, Reuters reported. Orsted, which built the largest […]

Scientists studying the Pacific Ocean have discovered a bacteria that absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) and could potentially turn itself into a food source for other sea creatures. The bacteria was discovered in one of the deepest parts of the Pacific Ocean, the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ), a trench which extends 2.5 miles beneath the surface. […]

The tongues of cats are covered in claw-shaped hooks that spring into action when it’s time to groom. Built-in scoops carry saliva to the skin to cool it down. Cat lovers know that when kitties groom, their tongues are pretty scratchy. Using high-tech scans and some other tricks, scientists are learning how those sandpapery tongues […]

As levels of greenhouse gases reach a new record, concerns are growing about the role of China in global warming. For years, the increase in the number of Chinese coal-fired power stations has been criticised. Now environmental groups say China is also backing dozens of coal projects far beyond its borders. Coal is the most […]

“The radical environmental groups … would rather burn down the entire forest than cut a single tree,” Zinke said. nterior Secretary Ryan Zinke on Tuesday in part blamed “radical environmental groups” for contributing to wildfire conditions. Zinke, in a conference call on Tuesday, said “every time there is a thinning project out, who’s suing?” when […]

The worst vision for our future is on full display in California as wildfires burn While residents of Paradise, California fled down freeways choked with ash and hollowed-out cars, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West rested easy this week. Like many wealthy Californians, the ultrarich couple hired a private firefighting force to protect their $60 million mansion from […]

A new report on the potential of heavy industry to combat climate change offers a rare slice of optimism. Sectors like steel, chemicals, cement, aviation and aluminium face a huge challenge in cutting carbon emissions. But a group including representatives from business concludes it is both practical and affordable to get their emissions down to […]