Environment

Understanding language origins: New insights from chimpanzee communication

SMGN Publishing May 14, 2025

Researchers have identified two fundamental elements of human language in wild chimpanzees, one of our closest relatives. Two recent studies reveal that chimpanzee communication features both rhythmic structures and call combinations, key components of spoken language. These findings offer a broader understanding of how human language may have evolved, according

A guide to switching appliances from gas to electric

SMGN Publishing May 13, 2025

After replacing their gas car with an electric one and installing solar panels on their century-old home, Lindsey Williamson and her husband looked for more ways to reduce their carbon footprint. They learned about heat pump water heaters but struggled to find a local installer familiar with this technology. Williamson’s

Natural phenomenon on California shores: Velella Velella take over the beaches

SMGN Publishing May 9, 2025

California beaches have seen some tragic events this year, with dead sea lions, dolphins, seagulls, pelicans, and even a minke whale washing ashore from San Diego to Santa Barbara. Recently, however, beachgoers have witnessed a beautiful marine life phenomenon: hundreds of thousands of Velella velella, also known as by-the-wind sailors,

Most of the Deep Seafloor Remains Unexplored

SMGN Publishing May 7, 2025

The vast majority of the planet’s deep seafloor remains unexplored, according to a new study. Less than 0.001% of this expansive area has been directly observed by humans, an area roughly the size of Rhode Island. While tools like sonar can map the seafloor’s shape, deploying cameras beyond 200 meters,

Air pollution still affects millions in the U.S. despite decades of improvement

SMGN Publishing April 30, 2025

Over the past several decades, air quality in the United States has seen significant progress, contributing to increased life expectancy and reduced respiratory conditions. However, a recent report indicates that around 156 million people — nearly half the population — still live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution.

The U.S. moves toward authorizing mining on the ocean floor, a fragile ecosystem

SMGN Publishing April 28, 2025

Former president Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at facilitating mining activities on the deep ocean floor, stating that it would strengthen the domestic supply of critical minerals. Currently, no commercial-scale deep-sea mining operations exist worldwide. However, companies have long viewed the ocean floor as a potential source of

NOAA Cuts Threaten Hurricane Forecasts and Climate Research

SMGN Publishing April 25, 2025

Recent administrative decisions have led to significant layoffs and budget reductions at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), affecting weather and climate-related research, including hurricane forecasting efforts. Several employees, including probationary scientists like Andy Hazelton, were terminated earlier this year, temporarily reinstated following a federal court order, and then

Tornado-producing storm causes deaths and damage in Oklahoma and Texas

SMGN Publishing April 21, 2025

A slow-moving, active storm system brought heavy rain, large hail, and tornadoes to parts of Texas and Oklahoma, leaving three people dead. Severe weather warnings continued on Sunday, affecting parts of the south-central and Midwest U.S. On Easter Sunday, communities in Texas and Oklahoma began assessing the damage caused by

Underwater camera in Miami offers rare glimpse into resilient urban reef

SMGN Publishing April 16, 2025

For over five years, a livestream from Biscayne Bay has been documenting daily life on a coral reef located in the heart of Miami’s busy port. The Coral City Camera has attracted more than 3.7 million views on YouTube and is offering new insights into what researchers are calling “urban

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$1.7 Billion Powerball Jackpot Builds Momentum as Holiday Drawings Approach

Felipe Cardona December 24, 2025

The $1.7 billion Powerball jackpot has become a dominant topic across the United States as the holiday season intensifies interest in one of the most lucrative lottery runs ever recorded. No jackpot winner emerged from the latest drawing, so the prize has continued its upward climb. It is now positioned

U.S. Bars European Activists Over Alleged Online Censorship Pressure

Sarah Olivella December 24, 2025

The United States government has imposed entry restrictions on five European individuals accused of coordinating efforts to pressure American technology companies into censoring or suppressing U.S.-based political viewpoints. The decision reflects a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy toward confronting what officials describe as extraterritorial attempts to influence protected speech

Climate Change Redefines the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Sarah Olivella December 24, 2025

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season challenged long-standing assumptions about what an active year looks like. While the United States avoided direct landfalls entirely, the season still produced some of the most intense hurricanes ever recorded. Scientists describe the pattern as increasingly representative of how climate change is altering tropical weather