Tree rings: Volcano in Iceland chilled summer in Alaska

The Inuit tell stories about the year that summer never arrived. Tree rings from 1783 confirm that the Laki volcano in Iceland caused the cooldown.

Mikayla Mace-Arizona • futurity
Feb. 3, 2021 ~7 min

A universal influenza vaccine may be one step closer, bringing long-lasting protection against flu

You need a new shot every year because current flu vaccines provide limited and temporary protection. But researchers' new strategy could mean a one-and-done influenza vaccine is on the way.

Patricia L. Foster, Professor Emerita of Biology, Indiana University • conversation
Jan. 27, 2021 ~10 min


Does ‘Dry January’ keep pot use low at year’s start?

Marijuana use is lowest at the beginning of the year. Researchers think New Year's resolutions may play a role.

Rachel Harrison-NYU • futurity
Jan. 12, 2021 ~5 min

Why snow days are becoming increasingly rare in the UK

Since 1979, the average number of snow days has fallen by about five per decade.

Eunice Lo, Research Associate in Climate Science, University of Bristol • conversation
Dec. 17, 2020 ~5 min

Climate change is making autumn leaves change colour earlier – here's why

Warmer temperatures cannot increase the amount of carbon deciduous trees absorb in each growing season, a new study suggests.

Philip James, Professor of Ecology, University of Salford • conversation
Nov. 26, 2020 ~6 min

COVID could boost risks for seasonal affective disorder

An expert explains seasonal affective disorder and why this year could be especially tough. She also outlines steps you can take to feel better.

Kim Ward-Michigan State • futurity
Nov. 19, 2020 ~9 min

Americans’ odds of getting pregnant may peak in late fall

North Americans are most likely to succeed in getting pregnant in late November and early December, especially if they live in the US South.

Michelle Samuels-Boston U. • futurity
Oct. 27, 2020 ~5 min

As COVID-19 cases rise again, how will the US respond? Here's what states have learned so far

States have been experimenting with more targeted approaches to slow the coronavirus's spread. Two strategies stand out.

Murray J. Côté, Associate Professor of Health Policy and Management, Texas A&M University • conversation
Oct. 12, 2020 ~8 min


How can smoke from West Coast fires cause red sunsets in New York?

Last week, much of the Midwest and eastern US experienced hazy skies and red sunsets. The cause was smoke transported from the Western US by the jet stream and spread as far as Boston and even Europe.

Jeffrey B. Halverson, Professor of Geography & Environmental Systems, Associate Dean of the Graduate School, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
Sept. 22, 2020 ~4 min

How animals are coping with the global 'weirding' of the Earth's seasons

New research on marmots in the US reveals how the topsy-turvy seasons are causing havoc among wildlife.

Line Cordes, Lecturer in Marine Population Ecology, Bangor University • conversation
July 8, 2020 ~6 min

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