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Strengthening El Niño pushes unusual marine life toward SoCal’s coasts
September 21, 2026, 7:09 am EDT
The intensifying El Niño in the Pacific is causing marine life to go in search of cooler water, bringing unusual critters towards Southern California. Sicklefin devil rays, hammerhead sharks and even whale sharks have all been spotted near SoCal recently, an area they aren’t usually found, as they explore new habitats and avoid the warm waters from El Niño.
Why leaves change color in fall — and how it’s good for you
September 18, 2026, 9:43 am EDT
Trees stop making the chlorophyll that keeps leaves green each fall, unmasking hidden pigments that create the season's vivid colors. Studies show that these colorful autumn scenes ease stress and help the brain settle into a calmer, more present state. A short walk under the changing leaves — and a few deep breaths — is enough to feel the difference, science suggests.
'False fall': What drought means for your fall colors this year
September 18, 2026, 9:42 am EDT
If your trees started turning color in August, that may not have been fall color, but signs of drought. With nearly 60% of the Lower 48 in drought, 2026's leaf peeping season could be impacted. The nation's best color might be found where you’re not expecting.
Watch: Drone creates mini ‘tornado’ to save crops from extreme weather
September 17, 2026, 1:34 pm EDT
In Western New York, a drone’s propellers whip up a small vortex to drop triticale and winter rye cover crop mix. Here’s how it’s helping farms build resilience against extreme weather swings.
Drone’s mini ‘tornado’ saves crops
September 17, 2026, 10:14 am EDT
Drone’s mini ‘tornado’ saves crops
Video winners take us into worlds the eyes can't see
September 16, 2026, 11:52 am EDT
Nikon’s Small World in Motion competition reveals the microscopic world in vivid detail, showing life invisible to the naked eye. From playful jellyfish to microscopic teamwork, this year's winners reveal that the tiniest details can sometimes carry the biggest surprises. And the first place video goes beyond beauty — its footage helped reveal a diagnosis no still image alone could capture.
The Gateway Arch is going dark all month. Here's why you should too
September 8, 2026, 5:23 am EDT
The Gateway Arch is turning off its lights all September to protect migrating birds. The majority of birds migrate at night and can be greatly impacted by light pollution. As light pollution increases across cities, there are simple ways to help combat this at your home. Here's the why and what you can do at home to help.
The biggest comeback story in climate science just happened
September 7, 2026, 8:03 am EDT
Mangroves serve as a natural defense to hurricanes, and after years of steady decline, they are showing signs of life.
The nose knows: Why humans smell rain better than sharks smell blood
September 4, 2026, 12:28 pm EDT
Sharks may be known for their sense of smell, but humans are actually better at smelling rain than sharks are at smelling blood. It all relies on a chemical called geosmin, which is what adds that earthy smell to the smell of rain known as petrichor.
You can smell rain better than a shark can smell blood (yes, really)
September 4, 2026, 10:51 am EDT
Humans might not be known for their sense of smell, but we can smell rain more efficiently than sharks can smell blood.

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