Environment

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

Understanding language origins: New insights from chimpanzee communication

SMGN 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 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 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 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 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 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

Budget cuts impact NOAA’s hurricane forecasting and climate research programs

SMGN 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 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 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

Supreme Court Ruling Eases Disability Lawsuits Against Schools

SMGN June 12, 2025

The United States Supreme Court unanimously ruled that students with disabilities will face fewer legal obstacles when suing schools to enforce their educational rights. This decision lowers the legal threshold for pursuing claims under certain federal disability laws. Case centers on student with rare epilepsyThe decision stems from the case

How to Prepare Your Home for Flooding During Hurricane Season

SMGN June 12, 2025

The Atlantic hurricane season is already raising concerns among residents in vulnerable areas, particularly those still recovering from last year’s devastating storms. Flooding caused by storm surge and extreme rainfall continues to pose a growing risk to both coastal and inland communities. Rising Flood RisksThe frequency and severity of weather

Air India Crash Raises New Concerns for Boeing Amid Ongoing Turbulence

SMGN June 12, 2025

Another Blow to Boeing’s Safety Reputation Boeing’s milestone of carrying its billionth passenger on the 787 Dreamliner last month was a moment of celebration for the aircraft manufacturer. However, that achievement has been overshadowed by the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad involving the same model, casting a shadow over