At 12:01 a.m. this morning, the U.S. federal government shut down. This shutdown comes after weeks of negotiations and pressure tactics failed to bring Congressional Republicans and Democrats together on a budget for the 2026 fiscal year or a continuing resolution to fund the government for a few more weeks.
Grace van Deelen
Grace van Deelen, joined Eos in 2023 as a staff writer. She covers all things Earth science and is particularly interested in stories that highlight the intersection of society, the environment, and equity in science. Grace holds a master’s degree from MIT’s Graduate Program in Science Writing and bachelor’s degrees in biology and anthropology from Tufts University.
Climate Change Could Slash Global GDP 24% By 2100
Unchecked greenhouse gas emissions could cause the world’s income to fall by nearly a quarter within the century, projects a new study published in PLOS Climate.
Volcanic Eruptions in One Hemisphere Linked to Floods in the Opposite One
Asymmetric volcanic plumes may shift equatorial weather patterns and increase tropical stream flow, according to new simulations.
Geoengineering Fears on Display at Congressional Hearing
Misunderstandings and disinformation abounded at a 16 September hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency about geoengineering—efforts to alter Earth systems for the purpose of mitigating climate change.
Living Near an Indigenous Forest Could Reduce the Risk of Disease
An analysis of 20 years of health data in eight Amazonian countries, published today in Communications Earth and Environment, shows that protecting Indigenous-managed forests may help reduce various kinds of disease, including fire-related respiratory diseases and illnesses spread by animals.
Perseverance Sample Shows Possible Evidence of Ancient Martian Microbial Metabolisms
A sample collected in July 2024 by NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover may be “the closest we’ve actually come to discovering ancient life on Mars,” according to Nicky Fox, the science head of NASA.
Heat Spurs Unequal Consumption of Sweet Treats
A new analysis shows warmer weather may drive more added sugar consumption, particularly among already-vulnerable groups.
Scrambling to Study Smoke on the Water
Timely action shows the impact of urban fires on freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Public Speaks Out Against EPA Plan to Rescind Endangerment Finding
Advocates, scientists, doctors, members of Congress, kids, parents, and other individuals spoke out in a series of hearings last week to let the Environmental Protection Agency know how they feel about a potential sea change in climate and environmental policy: the proposed repeal of the 2009 Endangerment Finding.
Residents Know When Floods Happen, But Data Must Catch Up
Federal flood measurements often don’t match what people see in their communities. Scientists have created a hyperlocal solution.
