snow-covered mountain with trees

Why rain on snow in the California mountains worries scientists

March 15, 2023

Another round of powerful atmospheric rivers is hitting California, following storms in January and February 2023 that dumped record amounts of snow. This time, the storms are warmer, and they are triggering flood warnings as they bring rain higher into the mountains – on top of the snowpack. Professor Keith Musselman, who studies water and climate change at the University of Colorado’s Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, explained the complex risks rain on snow creates and how they might change in a warming climate.

Image of the Colorado Plateau

Mormon tea has no flowers or leaves but lots of history

March 3, 2023

Mormons used the plant to make a caffeine-free hot drink, and Native Americans used it to relieve congestion.

big shroom

On the trail of big, ugly mushrooms

Feb. 7, 2023

Aspen boletes build physical connections for mutualistic exchanges with quaking aspen.

wildfire on the hillside

Western wildfires destroyed 246% more homes and buildings over the past decade

Feb. 1, 2023

Scientists explain why wildfires are happening, why we can't put out every fire and how to move forward in an ever-changing climate.

Prehistoric animals including a reptile and large bird.

How we cracked the mystery of Australia’s prehistoric giantÌýeggs

Jan. 26, 2023

Ancient eggshells remained unidentified until AI directed researchers toward an answer.

Wood Nymph on a leaf.

Common wood nymphs have sensory surprises

Jan. 17, 2023

The common wood nymph tastes with its feet and hears with its wings.

Ukraine Flag

Putin’s plan to stop Ukraine from turning to the west has failed

Jan. 6, 2023

After interviewing hundreds of participants, our survey shows support for Nato is at an all-time high.

A beautiful male swallowtail butterfly.

The Darwin Award goes to a male black swallowtail butterfly

Jan. 5, 2023

The beautiful male emerged in October, eager to mate but destined for disappointment because he emerged too late in the season, just an example of natural selection at work I received an invitation to photograph a black swallowtail butterfly that had just emerged. It would linger only a short while...

fire

The Marshall Fire, a year later: Hidden toxins and the fire next time

Jan. 3, 2023

Homes that survived the Marshall Fire harbored another disaster inside – here’s what we’ve learned about this insidious urban wildfire risk.

Researcher on top of concrete block submerged in the ocean.

A Lesson from the Past?

Dec. 20, 2022

Marine concrete from the Roman empire has proven to stand the test of time—and offers insights into ways to combat rising sea levels now.

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