Pesticides can have long-term impact on bumblebee learning

The soft sound of bees buzzing among flowers signals warm weather throughout the world. But in many places, those sounds are fading. And it’s not just honeybees that are struggling. Native bees, including bumblebees, are also becoming scarce. Factors such as climate change and habitat loss may be partly to blame. But a new study points to the threat posed by a common pesticide. Bumblebees exposed to this chemical had a harder time learning. And it was true even when bees ate pesticide-laced food only as larvae.

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Rockefeller heirs to Big Oil find dumping fossil fuels improved bottom line

Five years ago, members of the Rockefeller family walked away from the fossil fuels that made them rich, alarmed that burning oil and gas was causing climate change. Now it also seems like a smart financial move. The $1.1 billion Rockefeller Brothers Fund — largely free of oil and gas — has outpaced financial benchmarks, defying predictions of money managers.

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The Salty Sea Breeze Contains Microplastics, New Study Suggests

Microplastics show up in soil, the deep ocean, beer, fish nurseries, table salt, bottled water, tea, all kinds of marine mammals, and human stool. One study published last year estimated that Americans might ingest as many as 121,000 of the particles per year. At less than 5 millimeters long, the tiny synthetic polymer particles are one of the most ubiquitous pollutants in our environment.

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Ancient DNA reveals staying power of early people of the Andes

Despite cultural upheavals, highlands residents persisted

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In China, quarantine improves air quality and prevents thousands of deaths

Soon after coronavirus appeared, an all-encompassing quarantine put into effect by the Chinese government slowed the spread of the disease and saved lives, but the quarantine also produced another unanticipated health benefit.

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Neanderthal glue was a bigger deal than we thought

Technology seems to have been a routine part of Neanderthal life.

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Leopards spotted in Pakistan capital's park as virus clears way

Leopards, jackals and other creatures living in Islamabad's tree-covered hills have been enjoying a rare respite from the throngs of hikers and joggers that normally pack the trails.

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