A view of Earth from the Inspiration4 mission.

A new study reaffirming that global climate change is human-made also found the upper atmosphere is cooling dramatically because of rising CO2 levels. Scientists are worried about the effect this cooling could have on orbiting satellites, the ozone layer, and Earth’s weather.

By Fred Pearce

Pathology

Avian Flu Outbreaks in Marine Mammals Mark New Era for Deadly Virus

A highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza has killed thousands of wild birds and is now infecting seals and other marine mammals. Researchers know the virus can jump from birds to mammals, but they are on alert to see if it can be transmitted from mammal to mammal.

By Andrew S. Lewis

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The peatland below Poland's Mount Śnieżka contains contaminants from burning fossil fuels, nuclear testing, and other human activities.

ANTHROPOCENE

A Golden Spike Would Mark the Earth’s Next Epoch: But Where?

Before the Anthropocene can be officially proclaimed, a scientific working group must select a single site that permanently captures the new human-influenced epoch. Nine candidate sites — from California to China to Antarctica — are under consideration, with a decision expected soon.

By Christian Schwägerl

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