Environment
Deep-Sea Mining: How to Balance Need for Metals with Ecological Impacts
As the industry inches closer to reality, scientists probe potential environmental harms
Stories by Daniel Ackerman
Neurology
Soccer Headers Cause More Brain Damage in Female Players
New research could explain why women athletes report more severe brain injury symptoms than men
Policy
Nicaragua’s Actions Cast a Shadow over Its Leadership of Major Climate Group
The country’s environmental and human rights records raise alarm about its key position in the Green Climate Fund
Pollution
Rice Genes Could Be Key to Stemming Nitrogen Pollution
A genetically engineered strain of rice maintains high yields with less fertilizer
Biology
Freeloading Ants Help the Workflow
Fire ants tunnels got excavated efficiently by only a small percentage of the group doing most of the work, thus avoiding pileups in tight spaces.
Culture
Prize-Winning Images of the Brain
Check out this year’s winners of The Art of Neuroscience competition
Conservation
Nuclear Bomb Sensors Eavesdrop on Whales
A network of hydrophones intended to monitor nuclear tests may prove useful for conservation
Environment
Visiting a National Park This Summer? Hold Your Breath
New study finds citylike air pollution levels in the nation’s parks
Conservation
Late Snowpack Signals a Lost Summer for Greenland’s Shorebirds
Sanderlings, red knots and ruddy turnstones failed to breed this year along the Arctic island’s east coast due to record snow cover
Biology
Scientists Pick Up the Genetic Scent of Stinkbug Invaders
New method that tests for insect DNA on farm produce could “revolutionize” agricultural pest surveillance
Biology
Ancient Dog DNA Reveals Close Relationship with Contagious Cancer
North America’s first domesticated dogs died out after European colonization, but they share a genetic link to a transmissible tumor spread globally
Space & Physics
The Astronaut Who Never Left Earth
Scientific American speaks with a crew member from a NASA simulation of a long-duration space mission
Biology
Invasive Giant Hogweed’s Solar-Activated Sap Causes Blistering Skin Burns
The plant, which has spread to 11 states and was recently found in Virginia, attacks the DNA in human cells
Fitness
Avoiding the “Bobblehead Effect”: Strength Training Could Help Soccer Players
Strong muscles help protect the body from damage caused by headers and other injuries
