Could Spider Silk Become a Natural Replacement for Plastic?
In the hierarchy of anecdotal strength, very little beats steel or Kevlar. And while they’re strong, they can’t stretch. Then there’s spider silk. Sure, a strand might break in a…
The Main Cause of Global Water Scarcity? It’s Us.
When it comes to global water scarcity, the primary cause isn’t climate change: it’s us. New research shows that by 2050, more than 70 percent of watersheds around the world…
Linking Birds, Farmer Attitudes and Conservation
I walked along a little path when suddenly the ground in front of me came alive in a whir of feathers. I reflexively jumped back as 20 California quail flushed…
The Value of Words + Pictures
For years the idea that nature and tourism are linked has been kept largely—and unhelpfully— confined to a series of studies on wildlife watching or scuba diving and filed under…
Empowering Communities with Solar – Cool Green Science
The ongoing transformation of the U.S.’s energy systems—from a centralized system of fossil fuel plants to a distributed one with large- and small-scale renewable energy projects—creates a compelling opportunity to…
Studying Challenges to Cozumel’s Coral Reefs
This story is part of a series designed to introduce the perspectives of alumni from the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy’s global youth externship program. Each guest author…
Fisheries Trusts Can Advance Sustainability and Resilience Goals
Published in Marine Policy, a new paper from TNC staff and partners provides the first national review of the structure and function of community fisheries trusts in the U.S., as…
Floral Arrangement: Can Floating Flower Mats Reduce Nutrient Pollution?
Jazmin Locke-Rodriguez has a new favorite flower in her South Florida garden. She’s looking at it as she explains her research process for the dissertation she recently defended at Florida…
A Roadmap for Reducing the Climate Impacts of U.S. Beef
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the U.S. beef industry could be reduced by up to 30 percent with the full adoption of selected mitigation measures, especially involving management practices. The…
Trapping Tiny Pocket Mice in the Nebraska Prairie
“Trapping small mammals is a lot like fishing,” says Mike Schrad, bending down to pick up a small, metal box tucked beneath the grass. “Some days you catch a lot,…