Why it’s so hard to tell the age of a fungus
One of the world’s largest organisms is an Oregon fungus thought to be over 8,000 years old. But what does age mean to a fungus, anyway?
The power of the stories we tell about the ocean
The ocean is in trouble. But the sea has a hold on us, and the stories we tell about it are helping turn the tide.
Using genetics to restore the American chestnut
In a conversation from February, how genetic research could speed up the restoration of the American chestnut tree.
Could we live in a dinosaur world?
If you got sucked back to dino times, you might get snacked on by a giant meat-eater. But what other dangers would you face?
The ancient Roman doctrine guiding modern environmental fights
In an effort to protect natural resources, environmentalists and tribes are using state-level public trust doctrines to fight development.
Dive into the deep with marine biologist Helen Scales
On September 25, SciFri Book Club will discuss Scales’s book, “What the Wild Sea Can Be,” as we celebrate the ocean’s living wonders.
How do you find a ‘lost’ species?
A new journal documents species “lost to science.” Plus, a project to locate lost firefly species in the U.S. and Canada.
Finding political identity in nature and community
In “A Voice Like Mine,” Deb Haaland finds connection through running, and reflects on how we all have a role in the politics of community.
Dragonflies fly like fighter jets + Lake flies that dive like subs
What do a fighter jet and a dragonfly have in common? Plus, how lake fly larvae in Lake Malawi dive 600 feet deep without imploding.
Tracking shark populations, one shark at a time
A Florida research team catches and releases about 600 sharks a year to monitor their populations and study the health of marine ecosystems.