Nature

December 6, 2024

Scientists Discover the World’s Largest-Known Coral in the Waters of the Solomon Islands

Sometimes, the biggest surprises in the natural world are hidden in plain sight. A team of scientists recently discovered the world’s largest-known coral in the waters of the Solomon Islands—part of a region known as the “Coral Triangle” due to its diversity and abudance of coral. At 112 feet long, 105 feet wide, and 16 feet high, it's so big it can be seen from space.

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September 29, 2024

Tourist Causes a “World Changing” Event by Dropping Cheetos Into North America’s Largest Cave

Heading to the wilderness to enjoy nature is a great decision. Leaving behind processed foods in delicate cavern environments, not so much. A tasty snack like Cheetos can damage an entire ecosystem when not disposed of properly, according to the staff at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. In early September 2024, a guest dropped an unfinished bag of cheesy treats off the trail, causing a cascade of ecological responses that imbalanced the local food chain.

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September 4, 2024

Rainbow Lightning Captured Over Minnesota Twins Baseball Game Amid Extreme Weather

Bad weather is baseball's worst enemy. Unlike other sports that can be played in the rain, baseball has to stop, with games even having to be resumed days later. But in Minneapolis, the inclement weather that brought a Minnesota Twins game to a halt kept fans entertained with a thrilling display up above. A rainbow appeared in the stormy red sky, as lightning struck over the city skyline, highlighting the colors of the entire scene.

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August 12, 2024

Trees “Hold Their Breath” During Wildfires To Avoid Damage From the Smoke

The harmful particles and gases in wildfire smoke are just as bad for trees as they are for humans and animals. And while we may stay indoors or wear masks to protect ourselves, trees also have a clever system to withstand the aftermath of forest fires. A study conducted by MJ Riches and Delphine Farmer from Colorado State University found that trees pretty much “hold their breath” to avoid damage from the smoke.

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