First atmospheric study of Earth-sized exoplanets reveals rocky worlds
Two potentially habitable planets in nearby system are confirmed to be rocky.
Better views with smaller satellites
Batches of shoebox-sized satellites could improve estimates of Earth’s reflected energy.
Gauging the impact of climate change on U.S. agriculture
New approach tracks key factors affecting crop yields, enabling early adaptation.
Scientists observe first signs of healing in the Antarctic ozone layer
September ozone hole has shrunk by 4 million square kilometers since 2000.
Study pinpoints timing of oxygen’s first appearance in Earth’s atmosphere
Beginning 2.33 billion years ago, atmospheric oxygen built up in just 10 million years.
Tracking Greenland’s ice melt with seismic waves
Technique uses vibrations generated by ocean waves to monitor ice sheet’s seasonal changes.
Higher coal use in Asia could increase water stress
Aerosol emissions would slow warming but suppress rainfall.
There’s something in the air
Colette Heald studies atmospheric gases and particles, and how they affect air quality and climate.
Study: Ancient tectonic activity was trigger for ice ages
Continental shifting may have acted as a natural mechanism for extreme carbon sequestration.
New theory of deep-ocean sound waves may aid tsunami detection
Surface waves can trigger powerful sound waves that race through the deep ocean, study suggests.
Will we ever stop using fossil fuels?
Not without a carbon tax, suggests a study by an MIT economist.
Title for ‘Earth’s first animal’ likely goes to simple sea creature
Sponges may be source of molecular fossils that significantly predate Cambrian explosion.
Symposium calls for science-based climate action
Experts examine how MIT can be most effective in addressing climate-change issues.