Environment Need to track animals around the world? Tap into the 'spider-verse,' scientists say Spiderwebs can capture environmental DNA, or eDNA, from vertebrate animals in their area, potentially making them a useful tool in animal monitoring, tracking and conservation. Ari Daniel
Environment 'Hot droughts' are becoming more common in the arid West, new study finds Scientists looked at trees to better understand the interplay between temperatures and droughts in the Western U.S. Human-caused climate change is exacerbating both. Nathan Rott
Snake River toxic algal bloom warnings now lifted A large algal bloom on the Snake River officially has died off. The toxic algae stretched about 30 miles along the river this past fall. Courtney Flatt
Climate 'Frankly astonished': 2023 was significantly hotter than any other year on record 2023 was significantly hotter than any year going back to at least the late 1800s. The coming decades will be even hotter if humans don't rapidly move away from burning fossil fuels, scientists warn. Rebecca Hersher
Washington bill aims to reduce 'fast fashion' carbon emissions, pollution Pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacture of fast fashion are growing just as fast as the industry. A new bill in Washington aims to help lessen the industry’s pollution. Courtney Flatt
Scientists sequence Oregon whitebark pine genome to help the threatened trees One tree in Central Oregon has helped protect iconic whitebark pine trees across the West. Scientists have sequenced the threatened tree’s genome, which helps plant more resilient trees faster. Courtney Flatt
Technology Can AI solve Seattle's traffic woes? Google thinks so The city of Seattle is the first in the U-S to work with Google on a new traffic light system. The effort incorporates Natalie Akane Newcomb
Which stories are going to be dominating your newsfeed in 2024? KUOW reporters sound off Soundside reached out to reporters and editors at KUOW to share their predictions for what will dominate our newsfeeds, along with any resolutions they're making for 2024. Libby Denkmann Noel Gasca Amy Radil Kim Malcolm Joshua McNichols Jeanie Lindsay Ashley Hiruko Christy George
Environment 4 ways AI can help with climate change, from detecting methane to preventing fires Many companies, researchers and governments are using artificial intelligence as a tool to help with climate solutions. Here are four ways AI is now used to combat global warming. Julia Simon
