Columbus, OH

The familiar scent that fills the air after rain falls on dry soil is created by geosmin, a microbial compound with a distinctive earthy to musty odor. This intriguing and seemingly magical smell can have a striking impact on the quality of our food and water. A game-changing discovery now...

How the human nose perceives the scent that lingers after rain

The Guardian

Scientists believe artificial light may be affecting natural ecology of plant life by creating extended photosynthesis

All-night streetlights make leaves inedible to insects, study finds

Conservationists have typically focused on pristine tropical rainforests, or those thought to have been relatively untouched by human disturbance. But as these regions are getting rarer, focus is turning to other types of habitat that might still have conservation value. A new study has found that we've been underestimating the importance of one such habitat—partially logged forests.

Conservationists need to pay more attention to 'degraded' tropical forests

A-Z-Animals

It’s estimated that there are millions of species of insects in the world. While many of these species are solely found on the ground — if they’ve been found at all so far! — a surprisingly large number of these global creepy-crawlies are also able to take to the sky. While you may think of […]

10 of the Largest Flying Insects in the World

GreenMatters

Want to add a unique or vibrant touch to your space? These hard-to-get exotic and rare plants make a great addition to any room or garden, especially if you like fun colors and eye-catching foliage.Between plants like the pink princess philodendron and Manjula pothos, there’s a rare species for everyone to enjoy. To learn more about each variety, keep reading.Pink princess philodendronWhile most philodendrons are quite common, the pink princess variety is coveted by excited plant collectors. It was made in a lab, so it can’t just be grown from seed like most other plants. The bubblegum-pink foliage is very...

7 of the Most Eye-Catching and Sought-After Rare Plants on the Market

Quick Answers: The hummingbird is the smallest bird in North America, with some species weighing as little as .1 ounces. Over 330 species of hummingbirds live in the Western hemisphere. These little birds delight us with their fast-beating wings and colorful feathers. It’s hard to imagine how tiny baby hummingbirds and hummingbird eggs must be […]

When Do Hummingbirds Lay Eggs and Have Babies?

A species of butterfly which is thought to have died out in England more than 60 years ago is showing signs of breeding in Kent. The large tortoiseshell butterfly was common in the UK but disappeared in the 1960s, possibly because of Dutch elm disease, although scientists have been unable to confirm this.

'Extinct' butterfly now breeding in Kent

Ants are a nuisance indoors, especially in kitchens. Outdoors, they contribute to plant damage by enabling destructive insects like aphids and whiteflies. While toxic insecticides are effective, consider using diatomaceous earth as an organic, non-toxic alternative for killing ants. Diatomaceous earth kills ants by drying out and abrading their bodies....

Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Ants? What a Pest Expert Recommends

Chicago, IL

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Foodie in Chicago

Shortly before 3 AM, people in the Chicago area may have felt their houses shake as a 3.4-magnitude earthquake occurred about 60 miles west of the city. (CHICAGO) The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.4-magnitude earthquake around Somonauk, IL. Somonauk is in DeKalb and LaSalle Counties, 64 miles west of Chicago.

Did You Feel the Earthquake?

Upworthy

Have you ever seen anyone put an avocado pit in water to grow an avocado tree? I've seen lots of people try, but only a few succeed. My mom has a tiny avocado tree growing in her living room that she managed to grow from the pit of a Hass avocado she ate. It's small but thriving, and I've often wondered if it will ever grow actual avocados.As it turns out, it could—but they won't be Hass avocados. Wait, huh?

Avocado farmer explains secret why you can't grow Hass avocado trees from Hass seeds

As our planet continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, an unlikely pioneer — an unmanned submersible named ‘Ran’ — is shedding new light on the melting Antarctic ice shelves. With its cutting-edge sonar, Ran has spent 27 days weaving through the underbelly of...

Mysterious melt patterns seen by 'RAN' robot underneath Antarctic ice

Philadelphia, PA

When cultivating a garden, sometimes things can start growing that you didn't anticipate. Birds and other creatures can disperse seeds far and wide, and before you know it, you might see a sprout you don't recognize. One Philadelphia resident experienced this firsthand. After receiving warnings from a community member about...

Resident warned about highly invasive plant identified in backyard: 'Those things spread and attract the worst kinds of pests'

Have you ever wondered about the science behind your breakfast sausage or that slice of bacon you relish with your morning coffee? Did you ever imagine that what’s on your breakfast plate could potentially wield an influence over your brain health? Well, new research suggests that eating processed red meat increases dementia risk by 14 percent.

Reduce your risk of dementia by cutting out this type of meat

As gardeners, we often seek out beautiful and exotic plants to enhance our landscapes. However, some of these plants can cause significant harm to local ecosystems. Invasive ornamental plants, despite their aesthetic appeal, can outcompete native species, disrupt habitats, and cause long-term ecological damage. It’s crucial to be aware of these problematic plants and opt for safer alternatives that support biodiversity.

10 Invasive Ornamental Plants You Should Never Grow

South Carolina State

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Colleton County, SC

Explore Beaufort SC

Some beachgoers were in for a surprise this week when a bizarre looking prehistoric fish washed ashore in Colleton County along Edisto Beach at Edisto Beach State Park. It turned out to be an atlantic sturgeon.

Rare Atlantic sturgeon washes ashore on South Carolina beach

Hummingbirds are delightful visitors to any garden, known for their iridescent colors and rapid wing beats. These tiny birds are attracted to specific flowers that provide the nectar they need to fuel their high-energy lifestyles. By planting the right flowers, you can create a hummingbird haven in your backyard, ensuring these fascinating creatures return year after year.

What Plants Do Hummingbirds Love the Most?

West Virginia State

Appalachian Thymes

West Virginia, with its lush landscapes and diverse flora, offers a treasure trove for wild foraging enthusiasts. However, it's crucial to remember never to forage plants that have come into contact with chemicals, such as those near roadsides, industrial areas, or treated lawns. Here’s a guide to some common edible plants and mushrooms you can safely forage in the wilds of West Virginia.

Wild Foraging in West Virginia: A Guide to Edible Plants and Mushrooms

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is asking the residents of South Carolina to look for and report the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). APHIS declares every August Tree Check Month and is asking you to look for this destructive, invasive beetle by checking trees on your property and in your community for damage. Left unchecked, the ALB can cause infested trees to die.

USDA APHIS Asks for Help Looking for Asian Longhorned Beetle by Checking Trees

If you have a thriving community vegetable garden in an urban or metropolitan space, you can expect geese to flock to your veggie haven for a tasty treat. A goose's strong beak, capable of breaking down materials, compensates for a goose's lack of teeth, giving rise to the question: what exactly can geese consume in the wild?If you spot a silly goose in your backyard, strutting about on an animal sanctuary farm or near a body of water, pay attention to the goose's natural behaviors as it looks for food. Without human interference, a goose's diet is an interestingarray of...

A Look at What Geese Eat, Whether Domesticated or in the Wild

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The Current GA

Since 2020, the condition known as long COVID-19 has become a widespread disability affecting the health and quality of life of millions of people across the globe and costing economies billions of dollars in reduced productivity of employees and an overall drop in the work force .

Expert: Long COVID puzzle pieces are falling into place – picture is unsettling

NewsBreak

Tiny leaf-eating insects have a huge impact on forests

Ever felt curious about the roles that tiny leaf-eating insects play in forest ecosystems? Recent research might just have some answers for the question. As it...

Tiny leaf-eating insects have a huge impact on forests

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