Environment

Ocean explorer Robert Ballard makes the case for exploring the deep oceans, where he is discovering new species, resources and mountain ranges.

Science writer Ed Yong delves into the hidden world of parasites. He describes how parasites, once inside a host's body, become masters in the craft of manipulation.

Sarah Parcak is a pioneer in space archaeology. She describes her method of using satellite images to locate lost ancient sites.

As a boy, Andrés Ruzo heard stories of a mythical boiling river. Years later, as a geoscientist, he recounts his journey deep into the Amazon to see if the river actually exists.

A group of Virginia Tech researchers exposed the drinking water contamination in Flint, Mich., last summer. Now, they are back to retest the waters — and determine if the water is still dangerous.

Pigeons have a bad reputation. But London's Pigeon Air Patrol is monitoring pollution levels. A flock of racing pigeons equipped with sensors launched this week. The results, naturally, are tweeted.

Schools all over the country, not just Michigan, have struggled to eliminate lead from water fountains and cafeterias — some for more than a decade.