Environment

Scientists Reveal the Beauty of Fieldwork Through Photography

SMGN June 11, 2025

In the polar night of the Norwegian Arctic, when the sun never rises above the horizon, researcher Emma Vogel captured an image that has gained recognition for its scientific and visual value. Vogel, a spatial ecologist at the University of Tromsø, was awarded in a “Scientist at Work” photo contest

Operational Shifts at FEMA Raise Questions About Future Disaster Response Efforts

SMGN June 5, 2025

Recent changes at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have led to uncertainty regarding the continuation of efforts aimed at supporting historically underserved populations during disaster recovery. In recent years, FEMA introduced reforms to improve accessibility and equity in disaster response. These included simplifying application forms, easing proof-of-residency requirements, and

Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins with Above-Average Forecast

SMGN June 4, 2025

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and runs through November 30. Forecasters project an above-average number of named storms this year, estimating between 13 and 19 systems, compared to a historical average of 14 storms per year from 1991 to 2020. Experts point to warmer ocean temperatures

Study Finds Clownfish Can Shrink in Response to Ocean Heat Stress

SMGN June 3, 2025

Some animal species are adjusting their behavior and physiology in response to human-induced climate change. A recent study has found that clownfish, the saltwater species featured in popular media, may temporarily shrink in size during periods of ocean heat stress. Published in Science Advances, the research was conducted on reefs

Smoke from Canadian Wildfires Affects Air Quality Across Northern U.S. States

SMGN May 30, 2025

Wildfires in Manitoba, a central province in Canada, have prompted the evacuation of approximately 17,000 residents as flames continue to spread across the region. In response, provincial authorities declared a 30-day state of emergency, which may be extended depending on how the situation evolves. Authorities describe this evacuation as the

Community Groups Challenge Louisiana Law on Air Monitoring

SMGN May 22, 2025

Community organizations in Louisiana have filed a federal lawsuit challenging a state law that regulates air quality monitoring. The groups argue that the law imposes restrictions that interfere with their constitutional rights, including free speech and the ability to inform the public about environmental risks. For years, local groups have

Ancient Three-Eyed Marine Predator Reveals Unexpected Anatomical Complexity

SMGN May 20, 2025

Researchers have identified a newly discovered extinct marine predator that lived more than 500 million years ago. The fossil, named Mosura fentoni and informally called the “sea moth,” was found in the Burgess Shale formation in the Canadian Rockies. The creature was approximately the size of a human index finger

Severe weather threatens Midwest and South with new storms

SMGN May 19, 2025

Millions of people across the Midwest and South are bracing for another round of dangerous weather. Severe storms are forecast for parts of the Midwest on Monday, while the Southeast may experience similar conditions on Tuesday. This follows a weekend of deadly storms that left at least 27 people dead

The ingenious feeding technique of flamingos explained

SMGN May 16, 2025

Flamingos, known for their graceful appearance, display a feeding behavior that has puzzled experts for years. These birds feed in salty swamps and marshes around the world, consuming shrimp and algae. Yet, their feeding habits seem unusual: they dip their heads underwater, rapidly open and close their bills, and perform

Genetic and physiological adaptations make Jeju Island’s Haenyeo unique

SMGN May 15, 2025

The Haenyeo, a community of female free divers on Jeju Island, South Korea, have drawn scientific interest for their remarkable ability to dive in cold waters and collect seafood. These women, who begin diving at a young age and continue well into old age, exhibit genetic and physiological adaptations that

Consumer Inflation Remains Mild as Tariff Pressures Loom on the Horizon

SMGN June 11, 2025

Overall prices show minimal movement in MayThe pace of inflation in the U.S. stayed mostly unchanged last month, as recently imposed tariffs have yet to significantly impact retail costs. In May, consumer prices were 2.4% higher than a year earlier, showing only a modest rise from April’s annual rate. Between

Justice Department Requests Comprehensive Election Records from Colorado

SMGN June 11, 2025

The U.S. Department of Justice has requested that the state of Colorado provide all records related to the 2024 federal elections and preserve any remaining documentation from the 2020 election. The broad nature of the request has raised concerns among election officials and experts about its purpose and potential implications.

Scientists Reveal the Beauty of Fieldwork Through Photography

SMGN June 11, 2025