Environment

The changes and wonders of the natural world—and how human interaction influences animals, the ocean, and the rest of the environment.

Latest in Environment

a beige and brown moth on a stone

Migrating moths can read the stars Migrating moths can read the stars

By Lauren Leffer

illustration of a large lizard with a bulging head carrying a large egg

Bones of a raccoon-sized prehistoric lizard sat in a jar for 20 years Bones of a raccoon-sized prehistoric lizard sat in a jar for 20 years

By Laura Baisas

Huge wave breaking. Ocean spray is thrown into the air. World famous surf break named Jaws on the Northshore of Maui, Hawaii.

What’s the formula for the ‘perfect wave’? What’s the formula for the ‘perfect wave’?

By Avery Schluyer Nunn

a long black amphibian with feathered gills called an axolotl swims in a fish tank

Axolotl mucus peptides attack breast cancer cells and MRSA Axolotl mucus peptides attack breast cancer cells and MRSA

By Laura Baisas

A Guatemalan tiger rump tarantula (Davus pentaloris) in a terrarium with reflections.

Tarantulas adapt their running style after losing legs Tarantulas adapt their running style after losing legs

By Laura Baisas

Fuzzy beetle on red flower

Most bugs can’t see red—but these beetles can Most bugs can’t see red—but these beetles can

Large truck towing ANITA atmospheric survey system in Antarctica

Physicists can’t explain mysterious radio wave emissions in Antarctica Physicists can’t explain mysterious radio wave emissions in Antarctica

A great hammerhead shark swimming close to the surface in Bimini, Bahamas, Caribbean Sea.

Young hammerhead sharks love Biscayne Bay. Leave them alone, humans. Young hammerhead sharks love Biscayne Bay. Leave them alone, humans.

By Laura Baisas

Cedar Creek in Congaree National Park, South Carolina, showing old growth bottomland hardwood forest.

This National Park uses a ‘Skeeter Meter’ to inform visitors about mosquitoes This National Park uses a ‘Skeeter Meter’ to inform visitors about mosquitoes

By Laura Baisas

an anaconda coiled sitting on straw

Q&A: How anacondas, chickens, and locals may be able to coexist in the Amazon Q&A: How anacondas, chickens, and locals may be able to coexist in the Amazon

a leopad seal with its mouth wide open

15 riveting images from the 2025 UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition 15 riveting images from the 2025 UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition

By Popular Science Team

a weedy seadragon swimming. they have long snouts and raised backs

Weedy seadragons in the running for nature’s best dads Weedy seadragons in the running for nature’s best dads

By Margherita Bassi

a baby skunk is held by a person wearing blue latex gloves

Rescued baby skunks enjoy a good song Rescued baby skunks enjoy a good song

By Margherita Bassi

a male river otter standing on snow

Escaped river otter takes his destiny into his own (tiny) hands Escaped river otter takes his destiny into his own (tiny) hands

By Margherita Bassi

an adult osprey looks on as the heads of three chicks pop out over a nest

Three osprey chicks hatch in 500-pound steel nest boxes Three osprey chicks hatch in 500-pound steel nest boxes

By Laura Baisas

Happy smiling little boy out in the rain

The science behind the smell of rain The science behind the smell of rain

European Gray Wolf Cubs in a Grass in a Spring Day

Two Ice Age ‘puppies’ weren’t exactly dogs Two Ice Age ‘puppies’ weren’t exactly dogs

a small white dog standing on grey sheets looks up

The 6 dog breeds more prone to diarrhea, according to new study The 6 dog breeds more prone to diarrhea, according to new study

By Laura Baisas

Thrush songbird

Ancient Romans snacked on deep-fried songbirds Ancient Romans snacked on deep-fried songbirds

Examples of the pig molar teeth specimens analyzed for a study on pig domestication.

Wild boars began shrinking down to domesticated pigs 8,000 years ago Wild boars began shrinking down to domesticated pigs 8,000 years ago

By Laura Baisas