Cosmic Accounting: Why Dark Matter and Dark Energy Are Essential
Astronomers rely on dark matter and dark energy to explain the universe's flat geometry and accelerated expansion. Observations from missions like Planck and WMAP show that visible matter accounts for only about 30% of the critical density, leaving the rest to these unseen components.
Why Knowing Climate Science Doesn't Bridge the Partisan Divide
A Yale-led study reveals that higher climate science literacy does not reduce political polarization over human-caused global warming. In fact, the most knowledgeable participants were the most divided, suggesting that cultural identity, not knowledge, drives public opinion.
A Steel Monolith in Tasmania Will Chronicle Humanity's Climate Demise
An international team is constructing a steel monolith in Tasmania to record climate data and societal responses, aiming to leave a durable record for future civilizations if climate change leads to collapse. The project, called Earth's Black Box, will store data on solar-powered drives and is designed to outlast human infrastructure.
Altering DNA of Crops and Livestock Emerges as Climate Strategy
A new report from the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation proposes using gene editing on plants and animals to reduce emissions and capture carbon. The approach faces uncertainty due to limited knowledge of long-term effects, but offers a potential complement to traditional geoengineering.