Rivers and Streams Compose Much More of Earth's Surface Than Thought
Shawna Williams | Jun 28, 2018
A new estimate bumps up the area previously estimated to be covered by running water by more than 40 percent.
Oldest Evidence of Terrestrial Life on a Young Earth
Oldest Evidence of Terrestrial Life on a Young Earth
Microbes were living on land as early as 3.22 billion years ago, fossilized rocks show, 500 million years earlier than previously documented.
Microbes were living on land as early as 3.22 billion years ago, fossilized rocks show, 500 million years earlier than previously documented.
Humanity May Have Flourished After Supervolcano Eruption
Diana Kwon | Mar 13, 2018
A new study counters the popular theory that after Mount Toba blew its top 74,000 years ago, humans almost went extinct.
Earth: Home to 1 Trillion Microbial Species
Catherine Offord | May 4, 2016
A new analysis of microbial data estimates that the world is home to 1 trillion species—of which only 0.001 percent have been discovered.
Life Before 4 Billion Years Ago?
Jef Akst | Oct 20, 2015
A new estimate of the origin of life on Earth pushes back the date by 300 million years.
Book Excerpt from Lucky Planet
David Waltham | Mar 1, 2014
In the book's prologue, author David Waltham compares a fictitious planet to Earth, highlighting the biologically supportive luck that our planet has enjoyed.
Is Earth Special?
David Waltham | Mar 1, 2014
Reconsidering the uniqueness of life on our planet
Keeping Up with Climate Change
Kate Yandell | Jul 24, 2013
In order to adapt to this century’s changing temperatures, vertebrates will need to evolve much faster than in previous eras.
Opinion: The Precarious Earth
Frank Biermann | Jun 18, 2012
People are currently driving the planet on a crash course with global stability. Something must be done.
World Population Hits 7 Billion
Tia Ghose | Oct 31, 2011
Sometime today, Earth’s 7 billionth person was born.