Latest Articles
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Ask Umbra: What are “natural flavors” anyway?
A reader wonders what makes her snacks so scrumptious. Umbra goes straight to the tastemakers.
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Wanted: Young people with novel ideas for food research. Offering: big-money prize
A little chunk of Buffett money funds the new Agricultural Innovation Prize -- $100,000 for strengthening farming's "innovation ecosystem."
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The Digital Life
Inventor and futurist Ray Kurzweil predicts that before mid-century the exponential acceleration of information technologies, robotics, medical science, and artificial intelligence will result in a “singularity”, a point at which humans will essentially merge with their technology. Such an event may seem implausible, but discoveries of how technology and humans really interact are being made […]
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Who me, an environmentalist?
Stereotypes about activists may hamper environmental engagement.
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Seeds on seeds on seeds: Why more biodiversity means more food security
Seed banks and libraries provide an important resource for farmers hoping to hedge their bets in times of uncertainty. It's time for the rest of America to get on board.
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Featured Friend: Stepanka P.
Each month, we showcase one of our beloved Friends with Benefits — folks who have donated to support our work. Want to take your relationship with Grist to the next level? Just donate any amount to join the fun. Stepanka P. “I chose to support you because you support me everyday with news that matters! Grist articles […]
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Happy hour: Obama orders climate planning just in time for the weekend
The White House gives the country a much-needed nudge toward developing better methods for dealing with the effects of climate change in our communities.
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This hip-hop song about gardening is surprisingly catchy
It's a nice twist on the "home grown" concept, and it'll be stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
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Kauai mayor blocks GMO regulation bill
The Hawaiian island is a popular biotech testing ground -- and for the moment, the industry can keep its free hand there.
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Big Coal: Government regulation sucks, but don’t you dare touch our government subsidies
This week's coal-state protests in Washington illustrated the hypocrisy of a special interest that privatizes profits and spreads costs all over the place.
