Daily Science
Our team of science writers pore through stacks of the latest climate and sustainability science and bring you a hand-picked selection of the most compelling research from around the world, a compendium found nowhere else.
A huge chunk of global food production rests on the shoulders of this tiny player
A first-of-its-kind study turned up some startling numbers: Earthworms underpin 140 million metric tons of food production each year.
What if a car frame, boat hull, or phone case could store energy
Using a clever combination of materials and design, engineers have made a battery-like device that is strong enough to provide mechanical support.
New genetic tools mark another step on the road to industrial-scale coral farming
Scientists uncover which genes make coral more resistant to a deadly disease, another step on the road to industrial-scale coral farming.
The climate impact of cotton depends on how often you wash it and how long you wear it
In a new study, researchers assess impacts from the cultivation, manufacturing, and use of textiles made of the world’s most common natural fiber
Just 12 state-of-the-art technologies could turn the global food system into a carbon sink
An eye-popping 13 billion tons of negative emissions could be generated by technological interventions in fisheries and on farms, researchers find—far eclipsing the benefits of diet change and waste reduction.
Natural sponges could be a cheap, green power source
Lightweight, biodegradable loofah sponges can produce enough electricity to power LEDs when repeatedly squeezed, hinting at green power sources of the future
There has been surprisingly little evidence on a global scale that wildlife reserves work. Until now.
New research underscoring the efficacy of protected areas also offers some provocative insights—e.g., the benefits to species living in well-run countries is roughly equal to the benefit of living inside a protected area.
When is ‘naming and shaming’ effective as climate enforcement? And when isn’t it?
A new study finds that the Paris Agreement informal enforcement mechanism may be least effective for countries without strong democratic institutions
Researchers sketch out a manifesto for tackling farm plastic
12 million tonnes of plastic go into agriculture each year, some straight into the soil. Can we loosen plastic’s grip on farming?
The chameleon’s guide to making buildings green
In a bid to one-up white paint, researchers devised a new coating that keeps buildings cool in summer and warm in winter by changing color based on ambient temperature. No energy required.
