Research & Developments is a blog for brief updates to provide context for news that impacts science and scientists today. If you have a tip, email us at [email protected].
Trump Administration to Speed Up Permitting for Deep Sea Mining, Even Beyond U.S. Boundaries
NOAA has finalized a rule that will expedite the permit and license application process for deep seabed mining and allow companies to mine beyond U.S. jurisdictional boundaries.
We Are “Living Beyond Our Hydrological Means,” UN Report Warns
Humanity has overspent and depleted freshwater in the world’s aquifers, glaciers, wetlands, and other natural reservoirs to an irreversible degree, according to a new United Nations report.
Tracking Science Policy Decisions and Approaches
The new administration has taken an array of decisive actions with far-reaching consequences for Earth and space scientists. Use our new tool to help sort them out.
Hundreds of Scientists “Vehemently Oppose” U.S. Effort to Purchase Greenland
More than 200 scientists scientists have signed a letter condemning U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to acquire Greenland.
In 2025, the Ocean Stored a Record-Breaking Amount of Heat, Again
The ocean soaked up more heat last year than any year since modern measurements began around 1960, according to a new analysis published in Advances in Atmospheric Science.
Plan to End NEPA’s “Regulatory Reign of Terror” Is Finalized
The Trump administration has finalized a plan to roll back regulations outlined by one of our nation’s bedrock environmental laws.
Trump Pulls United States Out of International Climate Efforts “Contrary” to National Interests
In an executive order issued on 7 January, the White House ordered the country’s withdrawal from 66 international agreements determined to be “contrary to…
Science Escapes Largest Cuts in Latest Budget Bills
Today, top appropriators in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives released a three-bill appropriations package for fiscal year 2026 (FY26) that largely rejects…
Sculpture by Singer-Songwriter Jewel Incorporates Near Real-Time NASA Ocean Data
The soundscape changes in accordance with near real-time Atlantic Ocean conditions, as the data updates every 12 minutes. “If it’s raining, the piece looks…