Polluting shipwrecks are the ticking time-bomb at the bottom of our oceans

As their structures break down, the wrecks could release toxic substances into the environment.

Fraser Sturt, Professor of Archaeology, University of Southampton • conversation
Dec. 11, 2024 ~8 min

New maps show high-risk zones for whale-ship collisions − vessel speed limits and rerouting can reduce the toll

Colliding with ships is a top cause of whale deaths. A new study maps the areas of highest risk, showing where proven strategies such as speed limits and new shipping routes can reduce the toll.

Anna Nisi, Postdoctoral Researcher in Biology, University of Washington • conversation
Nov. 21, 2024 ~9 min


Coastal cities’ growing hurricane vulnerability is fed by both climate change and unbridled population growth

Fast population growth has left more people in flood-prone areas of Gulf Coast communities, including Houston and New Orleans. Often, those residents at most risk are the most socially vulnerable.

Wanyun Shao, Associate Professor of Geography, University of Alabama • conversation
Sept. 11, 2024 ~7 min

Baby bull sharks are thriving in Texas and Alabama bays as the Gulf of Mexico warms

The Gulf Coast has seen big jumps in baby bull shark numbers. As adults, these are among the most aggressive species of sharks, but the babies aren’t cause for concern, as three scientists explain.

Philip Matich, Instructional Assistant Professor of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University • conversation
July 17, 2024 ~8 min

Dig safely when building sandcastles and tunnels this summer – collapsing sand holes can cause suffocation and even death

Kids love digging and may not realize the dangers a hole in the sand can pose.

Stephen P. Leatherman, Professor of Coastal Science, Florida International University • conversation
July 9, 2024 ~7 min

Where does lightning strike? New maps pinpoint 36.8 million yearly ground strike points in unprecedented detail

A new study shows how often lightning strikes and how it behaves, often hitting the ground with multiple strikes from the same flash.

Chris Vagasky, Meteorologist, University of Wisconsin-Madison • conversation
Feb. 27, 2024 ~7 min

Biden’s ‘hard look’ at liquefied natural gas exports raises a critical question: How does natural gas fit with US climate goals?

The US, a minor liquefied natural gas supplier a decade ago, now is the world’s top source. That’s good for energy security, but bad for Earth’s climate. An energy scholar explains the trade-offs.

Emily Grubert, Associate Professor of Sustainable Energy Policy, University of Notre Dame • conversation
Feb. 7, 2024 ~8 min

Rip currents are dangerous for swimmers but also ecologically important – here's how scientists are working to understand these 'rivers of the sea'

Rip currents are a leading cause of near-shore drownings, but there are effective ways to survive one. And these phenomena also play important ecological roles that are an emerging research area.

Walter Torres, Postdoctoral Scholar, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington • conversation
July 21, 2023 ~8 min


Coastal erosion is unstoppable – so how do we live with it?

Moving entire communities threatened by rising seas isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds.

Robert James Nicholls, Professor of Climate Adaptation, University of East Anglia • conversation
Oct. 12, 2022 ~7 min

Flood risk ratings: Translating risk to future costs helps homebuyers and renters grasp the odds

Telling people they have a flood risk rating of 10 is less powerful than explaining how much they’re likely to pay to deal with flooding over the next five years.

Marie Aquilino, Senior Research Analyst in Emergency Management, Arizona State University • conversation
July 28, 2022 ~7 min

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