Planet Earth stories
Tiny fossils reveal how shrinking was essential for successful evolution
Scientists have discovered that mammals successfully evolved over the years by getting smaller in size.
18 Sep 2018
Scientists closing in on source of Shetland tsunamis
Shetland has been hit by at least two more tsunamis in the past 10,000 years than previously thought, and scientists are working to identify where the giant waves originated.
17 Sep 2018
Keeping satellites in the sky
As part of a series of interviews with new NERC Independent Research Fellows, Ingrid Cnossen talks about the beauty of flexible working and how understanding the weather can help to keep satellites in orbit.
29 Aug 2018
Under the faultlines
As part of a series of interviews with new NERC Independent Research Fellows, Craig Magee tells us about the portability of being a fellow and why he's going underground to uncover the science behind volcanic eruptions.
29 Aug 2018
Tags: Earth observation, Earthquakes, Geology, Hazards, Volcanoes
Unlocking the mysteries of life giving microbes
As part of a series of interviews with new NERC Independent Research Fellows, Katherine Helliwell tells us about what motivated her to apply for the scheme and the benefits of getting to grips with phytoplankton.
29 Aug 2018
Tags: Biology, Earth system, Ecology, Marine life, Water
New technology models cities' air quality in under 10 minutes
Dr Nicola Masey has found that a new system can accurately model air quality in large cities like London in minutes, within five metres of any given location using just a standard office computer.
21 Aug 2018
Tags: Atmosphere, Climate, Earth observation, Hazards, Health, Mapping, Pollution, Technology, UK
Sydney rock oysters shrinking due to coastal acidification
Sydney rock oysters, found only in the waters of Australia and New Zealand, are getting smaller due to coastal acidification, a new report has found.
16 Aug 2018
Tags: Climate, Environmental change, Farming, Fish, Food, Marine life, Oceans, Pollution
Genetic toolkit gives periwinkles seashore advantage
Periwinkles, struggling to survive the seashore battleground, have developed a genetic toolkit to help them adapt to different environments, a new study shows.
10 Aug 2018
Tags: Adaptation and mitigation, Animals, Biodiversity, Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Genetics, Marine life, UK
Scientists take to the skies to measure emissions from Greater Manchester moor fires
Scientists flew through the plumes of smoke rising from the Greater Manchester moor fires to sample pollution levels.
11 Jul 2018
Tags: Atmosphere, Climate, Ecology, Environmental change, Health, Pollution, Weather
Why is the UK's honeypot shrinking?
An innovative monitoring scheme could provide a better understanding of the factors that impact on the size and health of honeybee populations, and on honey yields.
9 Jul 2018
Tags: Bees, Biodiversity, Farming, Pollinators, Sustainability, UK