National Geographic News - Earth

Sinkhole Swallows Hiker

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Sinkholes around the Dead Sea pose a hazard to tourists and the environment alike. The danger may only get worse, and geologists hope to map problem areas to help protect the public. Video.

Shifts in Earth's Magnetic Field Driven by Oceans?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Ocean currents cause variations in Earth's magnetic field, says a controversial new study that challenges the theory of the planet's churning molten core—sparking other experts to call the work "nonsense."

Typhoons Can Trigger Earthquakes, Study Suggests

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Data from eastern Taiwan show a strong link between the storms and so-called slow earthquakes, which could be relieving pressure and so preventing larger temblors, researchers say.

Mystery Ingredient Cleaning Earth's Atmosphere

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The discovery of an unknown substance that scrubs away pollutants has shaken up decades-long assumptions about how our atmosphere gets clean.

Sun Stealing Earth's Atmosphere

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Solar wind is stripping away a fraction of Earth's atmosphere, and our planet's main solar defense may be a double agent, abetting the thievery, scientists say.

Giant Atmospheric Crashes Detected via Auroras

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Using auroras like flashlights, scientists have exposed giant atmospheric waves crashing just above Earth that can endanger satellites.

Brain-Controlled Wheelchair Is "95 Percent Accurate"

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A new brain-computer interface turns thought into action with lightning speed, allowing precise piloting of a wheelchair, experts say. Their advice: "Imagine playing the piano or jogging."

Tunguksa Blast Mystery Solved by Space Shuttle?

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Rare "night shining" clouds linked to the 1908 Russian event and plumes from shuttle launches suggest that the blast was caused by an icy comet, a new study says.

First Reverse Vasectomy for Rare Horse Species

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

To help revive the Przewalski's horse, or takhi, in Mongolia, a Washington, D.C., zoo hosted the first ever reverse vasectomy on the species. Video.

STATUE OF LIBERTY PICTURES: Rare Views, Inside and Out

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Before it reopens on the Fourth of July, get an insider's eye on the Statue of Liberty--the inside of her face, the little-known ladder to the torch, and more.