Articles for category: Conservation, Ecology

Canals flood controls stations and water retention basins were installed in Mozambique. They reduce the risk of flooding due to climate change.

The Science of Flood Control: How We Build to Fight Nature—and Sometimes Lose

Trizzy Orozco

Floods have been both a blessing and a bane for civilizations throughout history. While they can bring fertile soil, they can also wreak havoc on communities. The science of flood control is an intricate dance between human ingenuity and the unpredictable forces of nature. But does our technological prowess always stand victorious against nature’s fury, ...

Mabie Forest.

The Fossilized Rainforest of Scotland: Clues to Ancient Global Warming

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine walking through a dense, lush rainforest. Now, picture this scene set not in the tropics, but in what is now Scotland. It’s an astonishing thought, isn’t it? Yet, millions of years ago, Scotland was home to a sprawling rainforest teeming with life. This ancient ecosystem has left behind a treasure trove of fossils that ...

Infected cassava plants.

The Cassava Mosaic Virus: A Hidden Threat to Food Security in the Tropics

Trizzy Orozco

In the lush, verdant landscapes of the tropics, cassava stands as a vital lifeline for millions. But beneath its leafy canopy, a silent enemy lurks—one that threatens the very fabric of food security in this region. The Cassava Mosaic Virus (CMV) is a formidable adversary, stealthily impacting the lives of those who rely on cassava ...

Treedome - living architecture.

Can We Grow Buildings? The Science of Living Architecture

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine stepping into a world where buildings breathe, adapt, and even heal themselves. This is not the plot of a futuristic novel but a burgeoning reality as scientists and architects explore the possibilities of living architecture. The concept of growing buildings has captivated the imagination of many, blending the boundaries between biology and architecture. But ...

7 Mysterious Places on Earth Where Time Seems to Stand Still

7 Mysterious Places on Earth Where Time Seems to Stand Still

Andrew Alpin

Have you ever felt that strange sensation when stepping into a place where everything feels different? Where your watch might tick normally, yet every fiber of your being senses something extraordinary happening to the fabric of time itself? Across our planet, hidden in remote corners and sometimes right under our noses, exist locations that challenge ...

The Forgotten Border Dams: Where the U.S. and Mexico Work Together to Manage Water

The Forgotten Border Dams: Where the U.S. and Mexico Work Together to Manage Water

Trizzy Orozco

When you think of the U.S.-Mexico border, images of arid landscapes and political debates might flood your mind. But hidden within this vast expanse are remarkable feats of engineering and international cooperation—border dams that quietly manage water resources for both nations. These dams are not just concrete structures; they symbolize a rare partnership that transcends ...

The Fungus That Turns Ants Into Zombie Soldiers for Its Own Survival

The Fungus That Turns Ants Into Zombie Soldiers for Its Own Survival

Annette Uy

Imagine a world where a tiny organism can control the mind of a creature many times its size. This isn’t science fiction; it’s a startling reality in the rainforests of the world. The culprit? A sinister fungus that turns ants into mindless, zombified soldiers. This fascinating yet eerie phenomenon has intrigued scientists and nature enthusiasts ...

Levee road near the Rio Grande, Rincon, NM.

Can These Levees Hold? The Aging Flood Defenses Along the Rio Grande, El Paso

Trizzy Orozco

Flooding is one of nature’s most powerful forces, capable of reshaping landscapes and impacting lives in profound ways. Along the Rio Grande in El Paso, the question on many minds is whether the aging levees can withstand the test of time and nature. These structures, designed to protect communities from devastating floods, are now facing ...