Articles

Scientists plan to reduce greenhouse gases by breeding fartless cows

Where well leaks are called “fugitive methane emissions,” cow leaks are simply called fart and burps.

Sarah Laskow Culture

Guys, really, mermaids don’t exist, I can’t believe you have to be told this

We're going to need to come up with a different motivation to save the oceans.

Jess Zimmerman Culture

Ice going, humanity: Arctic melting at alarming rates

There's less and less ice covering the Arctic every year, and the ice that's left is getting thinner. This is a very bad sign.

Phil Plait Climate & Energy

No need to eat like a caveman — just eat your damn veggies!

New research suggests that we’ve bred much of the nutrition out of out food. What’s a discerning grocery shopper to do?

Tom Laskawy Culture

Frankensalmon could breed with trout, produce frankentrout

If GMO salmon escape, scientists say they could breed with brown trout, creating monster trout that outgrow normal fish and outcompete them for food.

John Upton Technology

Crazy translucent ant looks like it’s covered in diamonds

It should really be called the Liberace Ant. Or the Damien Hirst Ant. Or the Million-Dollar Victoria's Secret Bra Ant.

Jess Zimmerman Culture

Smithfield, world’s largest pork producer, could be sold to a Chinese company

The potential deal provokes concern about everything from food safety to foreign financial control to increasing corporate consolidation of the food system.

Claire Thompson Technology

Would Mount Everest’s first conquerors recognize it anymore?

This week marks the 60th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. But thanks to climate change, these aren't the same peaks.

John Upton Climate & Energy

The definitive investigation of how many kindergarteners can fit into a Tesla Model S

OK, so the Tesla's carbon footprint may not be better than a Honda's, but its potential as a clown car is unparalleled.

Jess Zimmerman Technology

Most Americans don’t give a frack about fracking

Fifty-eight percent have no opinion on fracking, according to a survey. Among those who do, conservatives tend to like it and liberals tend not to.