Imagine arming insects with viruses that can immunize plants... it might seem like a far-fetched idea, but a recent proposal by the Pentagon might just achieve that.

The prospective plan is to genetically modify insects to spread a virus to plants that will alter their chromosomes and make them essentially indestructible against natural disasters and foreign attacks.

Although this seems like a beneficial idea, a journal called Science published a warning that advised the government against going through with this idea.

Let us look at the two sides of the issue.

On September 28, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake occurred on the Palu-Koro fault located on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. 

Over the past two years, nations around the world attempted to cut down the usage of coal in order to slow air pollution.

Several policies were passed, and the construction of many coal plants was halted. China, in particular, halted plans for over a hundred coal plants, putting it at the forefront of the fight against climate change. The country produces half of all global energy generated from coal.

But, due to economic reasons, China recently pulled out of its coal policies, and many energy companies are resuming the construction of coal plants.

We are all aware of pollution from plastics.

But did you know there is another man-made pollutant that is still lingering in our environment?

Known as PCB (short for PolyChlorinated Biphenyls), they were once very common. According to a new study, these chemicals which were banned 40 years ago are continuing to devastate marine life.

They could be responsible for the disappearance of more than 50% of the orca population before the end of the century.

What Are PCBs?

Last week, even as North and South Carolina were evacuating people in preparation for Hurricane Florence, a sinister Category 5 Typhoon Mangkhut was barreling its way towards East Asia. 

What comes to your mind when you think of fungi? Perhaps the mushrooms you see in your backyards, under fences, beneath trees, or the ones you love eating.

But there is more to these organisms than meet the eye.

A recent report titled "State of the World's Fungi 2018" and released by London's Kew Gardens is a comprehensive assessment of known species of fungi in the world. Through this work, researchers hope to create a deeper insight into these underrated organisms and examine their uses in food, medicine, and plant nutrition. 

Hurricane season is in full swing in many parts of the world.

On September 4th, typhoon Jebi hit the shores of Shikoku, the smallest main island of Japan and over time, made its way north. Winds reached up to 250 km/hr in several areas, accompanied by heavy rain that caused flooding.

Now, another monster typhoon, Mangkhut, is bearing down on the Philippines and heading towards the most populated island. Meanwhile, the south-eastern coast of the U.S is bracing for hurricane Florence as more than 300,000 people have been evacuated from the coastal areas. 

Thirsty plants. Overheated land. Devastating droughts. The modern world. Enter the Meghalayan Age!

Throughout the course of history, geologists have categorized time into chunks – distinct categories to classify the earth’s history.

Up until now, scientists have referred to us as being in the Holocene epoch that began with the end of the Ice Age.

As our earth entered a warming period, animals such as the mammoth and woolly rhinoceros disappeared, and humans learned to hunt smaller animals and rely on plants for their diet. 

Who does not love getting wet when the skies open up after a particularly hot summer?

The first rains also bring up a certain, seemingly unnameable fragrance that is so satisfying to the senses. The odor is particularly strong in arid regions after a long period of dry weather. 

The name for this earthy aroma is Petrichor, and it was coined by two Australian researchers in the 1960’s. The word comes from the Greek word “Petros” which means stone and the Greek word “ichor” which refers to “the fluid that flows in the veins of the gods”. 

Koalas-- these cuddly, furry, huggable creatures are known for their Australian roots, wonky diet, and impressive nap times. But they have sadly become endangered over the past few decades.

Scientists have long known that the species’ rapid decline has been due to outside causes such as deforestation, and internal causes such as weakness to disease. But now they have a readable map for koala DNA.