Lands & Waters: Science

In Praise of Dandelions and Ragweed

In “Lives of Weeds,” agronomist John Cardina explodes myths about weeds and humanity

By Ashia Ajani May 19, 2022

In this story: agriculture, science, books, pesticides

A field of dandelions photographed at eye level, brightly lit by the setting sun.

Air, Lies, and Instagram

Did the air really get better during lockdown?

By Krystal Vasquez March 19, 2022

In this story: air, climate change, science, environmental justice, Policy

An empty highway surrounded by greenery seen from the air, reaching into a pink purple sunset.

Jet Fuel in Paradise

This is how you hobble a city’s climate resilience

By Kate Golden March 9, 2022

In this story: science, environmental justice, clean water, climate change, disaster relief

Black and white photo of tiny people in workwear on a narrow walkway inside a massive metal cavern of some kind.

In Search of Alaska's Tiny Bat Introverts

These little brown bats are small, dark, fast, and silent—at least to our ears

By Kate Golden April 10, 2022

In this story: science, wildlife

Close-up of a face of a little brown bat.

We Don't Deserve Beavers

Meddlesome beavers are cleaning up Superfund sites

By Isobel Whitcomb April 30, 2022

In this story: science, animals, wildlife, public lands

A beautiful lustrous beaver crouches by the edge of a stream, washing its widdle paws

Researchers Are Using eDNA to Track Lynx, Wolverines, and More

Environmental DNA in snow tracks can help conservationists find and study rare carnivores

By Sierra Cistone February 21, 2022

In this story: science, animals

Invasive Species Aren’t Always the Bad Guys

For some plants struggling to keep up with climate change, invasive species may be the lifeline they need

By Isobel Whitcomb February 17, 2022

In this story: invasive species, science, climate change

Born to Bee Wild

A new photo book looks at the secret lives of wild honeybees

By Heather Smith February 14, 2022

In this story: insects, animals, science, forests, photography

A honeybee hovers in a circle of daylight, as seen through a hole in a tree trunk

The Best (and the Weirdest) Nature Films From Sundance

Three nature films to look out for in 2022

By Heather Smith January 30, 2022

In this story: film, animals, wildlife, entertainment, science

A small human figure in a silver foil jumpsuit and helmet stands in front of a fountain of hot red lava.

Just How Scientific Is Your Favorite Board Game?

Fact-checking the tabletop science game boom

By Diana Crow December 19, 2021

In this story: lifestyle, wildlife, children, science

Box for tabletop game "Evolution" with colorful cards and game pieces arrayed around it.