Why do people and animals need to breathe? A biologist explains why you need a constant source of oxygen

Inhaling air is how you get the oxygen your body needs to turn your food into energy. Other living things use different strategies.

Christina S. Baer, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
Feb. 5, 2024 • ~6 min

A layered lake is a little like Earth’s early oceans − and lets researchers explore how oxygen built up in our atmosphere billions of years ago

An unusual lake with distinct layers of low-oxygen and high-iron water lets researchers investigate conditions like those in the early Earth’s oceans.

Elizabeth Swanner, Associate Professor of Geology, Iowa State University • conversation
Oct. 23, 2023 • ~11 min

As climate change warms rivers, they are running out of breath – and so could the plants and animals they harbor

When water warms, it holds less oxygen, and this can harm aquatic life and degrade water quality. A new study finds that climate change is driving oxygen loss in hundreds of US and European rivers.

Li Li (李黎), Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Penn State • conversation
Sept. 14, 2023 • ~6 min

Why don't rocks burn?

Some rocks will burn, and others will melt, depending on how they were formed and what minerals they contain.

Natalie Bursztyn, Lecturer in Geosciences, University of Montana • conversation
May 15, 2023 • ~6 min

The lenses of fishes' eyes record their lifetime exposure to toxic mercury, new research finds

A new study shows that a time stamp can be put on mercury that accumulates in fish eyes, offering a window into their lifetime exposure.

Karin Limburg, Distinguished Professor of Environmental Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry • conversation
Dec. 19, 2022 • ~8 min

Earth's oxygen has varied dramatically over time – here's how our data could help us spot alien life

We should not rule out taking a closer look at exoplanets that have a poorly oxygenated atmosphere.

Benjamin J. W. Mills, Associate Professor of Biogeochemical Modelling, University of Leeds • conversation
Oct. 14, 2022 • ~8 min

Could people breathe the air on Mars?

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and one of our closest neighbors in space. But it’s not a very welcoming place for an Earthling to visit.

Amy J. Williams, Assistant Professor of Geology, University of Florida • conversation
May 16, 2022 • ~6 min

Medical oxygen should not be a luxury – we're trying to develop a cheaper way to produce it

A microscopic sponge can be used to trap oxygen from the air.

David Fairen-Jimenez, Reader in Molecular Engineering, University of Cambridge • conversation
April 30, 2021 • ~7 min

Inside the world of tiny phytoplankton – microscopic algae that provide most of our oxygen

These tiny organisms play a huge role in fighting climate change, but they're under threat.

Abigail McQuatters-Gollop, Associate Professor of Marine Conservation, University of Plymouth • conversation
April 29, 2021 • ~6 min

A billion years from now, a lack of oxygen will wipe out life on Earth

This discovery will shape the hunt for life on exoplanets.

Matthew Warke, Research Fellow, School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of St Andrews • conversation
March 2, 2021 • ~6 min

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