Science Writing

Stories about nature, the environment, and the intersections between science, technology and society.

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Utilizing historical data to understand patterns and shifts in ancient woodland species

Using open-access data from community sightings, historical records, and more, scientists were able to trace patterns in species occurrence in ancient woodlands across the UK.

Botany One

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They thought they were growing fruit. They accidentally grew a neighborhood.

Swedish urban forest gardens, created for sustainable food, surprisingly became valued more for fostering community connections and social cohesion than producing crops.

Botany One

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No need to put a ring on it

Scientists have shown that digital images of herbarium specimens can be used to non-destructively measure woody plant growth and assess response to climate change in the Arctic.

Botany One

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The re-discovery of an endemic Hawaiian plant in an unexpected spot

After reviewing invasive plant specimens, one plant did not seem to match the others. With the help of digitized specimens from across the world and an old dichotomous key, an endemic Hawaiian plant was re-discovered,

Botany One

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Scientists use the public’s help to better understand the impacts of cats on local wildlife

A new study has aided in our understanding of cat-wildlife interactions while using community-reported data, retrieved through iNaturalist. Scientists used these observations to estimate the effects that cats have on various bat populations.

The Civic Science Times

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From the lab to the media: Scientist and journalist relations are strengthening, study finds.

A new qualitative study looks at the strengthening relationship between scientists and science journalists, to understand how this bond has changed science coverage in the news and trust between science and the media.

The Civic Science Times

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How NASA’s Europa Clipper will survive its trip to Jupiter’s hostile moon

Europa is full of radiation, but it may also hold the potential for life. To explore it, scientists and engineers at NASA have devised a unique spacecraft to survive the harsh conditions.

Los Angeles Times

Republished in The Seattle Times

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How might JPL look for life on watery worlds? With the help of this slithering robot

Move over Mars rover, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab is launching a new robot that will be able to go further than any human or rover has gone before, thanks to its unique body.

Los Angeles Times

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The unsung heroes underground: How fungi are reducing the carbon in our atmosphere

The organisms beneath our feet are helping us even more than we realize. Scientists have quantified just how much carbon fungi can hold and the results will amaze you.

Los Angeles Times

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Attention beachgoers: Everything you think you know about sharks is probably wrong

Shark populations are rising off SoCal beaches, but swimmers need not be alarmed. Cal State Long Beach’s Shark Shack is working to give the predators an image makeover.

Los Angeles Times

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About 1 in 3 vertebrate species is used, eaten or traded by humans, study finds

Humans exploit nearly 15,000 other vertebrate species, and 13% of them are either vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered.

Los Angeles Times

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Scientists studying rhesus monkeys find surprising benefits to same-sex relationships

In a population of rhesus macaques, same-sex sexual behavior was not only common but was associated with stronger social ties and having more offspring.

Los Angeles Times

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‘I have over 30 threats to rape, kill, or assault me’: Being a doctor on social media

While fighting the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists and medical researchers faced backlash when advocating for public health and debunking misinformation.

Los Angeles Times

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Compressing your eating day is as effective as counting calories, study finds

If you’re trying to lose weight and you’re sick of watching what you eat, researchers have some good news: You can watch the clock instead.

Los Angeles Times

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“It breaks my heart”: Costa Rica’s Coffee Communities Challenged by Climate Change

In Costa Rica, residents are battling the effects of climate change on their farms and forests, trying to find a solution to protect them both in a changing world.

The Xylom

Syndicated in Yale Climate Communications, Climática & Illuminem

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Study reveals ‘sticky situation’ for seeds in warming regions

It’s a long journey to go from seed to plant and in order to do so, seeds need to have survival and defense mechanisms. But how will these mechanisms change in a warming world?

Botany One

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How Important is Clean Water to New Jersey College Students?

At The College of New Jersey, concerned students are advocating for eco-friendly management practices to protect local waterways.

Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed Blog

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