Articles by Grist staff

Hold Your Fire!

Researchers are questioning a practice promoted in recent years of allowing wildfires to burn, saying that it can be highly damaging in certain ecosystems. Two studies published in today’s issue of the journal Science indicate that in the Brazilian rainforest and California brushland, it’s better to fight fires. Up through the 1960s, the feds had […]

Get the Bread Out

Trial lawyers and politicians are hoping to wring a lot of money from the former producers of lead paint as the lawyers prepare a massive legal assault inspired by the recent attacks on tobacco companies. Lead paint — which can lead to lowered IQs, severe learning difficulties, and behavioral problems in children — was banned […]

Hazy Shade of Winter

Scientists have been surprised to discover a massive haze of air pollution the size of the U.S. that covers the Indian Ocean during winter and combines with monsoon rains to cause acid rain over the Indian subcontinent, China, and Southeast Asia during the summer. The haze is composed of several minute byproducts from the burning […]

Float Like a Butterfly

More than 50 species of butterflies in Europe have begun migrating many miles north of their traditional ranges, an indication that global warming is underway, according to a report published in today’s issue of the journal Nature. The study suggests that many other species may also be on the move because of climate change, but […]