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].
Judge Stops USDA’s Radical Restructuring, For Now
A judge ruled that the U.S. Department of Agriculture can’t move forward with its efforts to relocate thousands of employees and close U.S. Forest Service regional offices.
2026 State of the Climate Report Shows a Planet Reaching Its Limits
The seventh edition of an annual report analyzing Earth’s “planetary vital signs” indicates that Earth systems are rapidly destabilizing, some at an accelerating rate.
The report, published today in BioScience,…
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.
Supreme Court Opens New Term with Major Climate Case
The U.S. Supreme Court opened its newest term by hearing a case about climate change, the outcome of which could have wide-reaching consequences for fossil fuel companies and state and…
A Redefinition of “Emergency Management” Could Upend FEMA’s Mission
Last week, FEMA administrator Cameron Hamilton issued a memorandum outlining the agency’s scope and essentially redefining “emergency management.”
NASA has Underspent on Research and Analysis for 15 Years
Spending for NASA’s research and analysis programs has remained relatively flat for 15 years, ignoring recommendations from community-led decadal surveys and directives by Congress.
We’ve Lost 11 Trillion Metric Tons of Ice Since the 1980s
Researchers have calculated that Greenland and Antarctica have lost 11 trillion metric tons of ice since the 1970s, which has led to a global…
11 Things Park Staff Found in Yellowstone’s Hydrothermal Areas this Summer
Geology Program staff recovered a record-setting 20,000+ pieces of trash, 5,600 rocks and sticks, and nearly 300 hats from the park’s hydrothermal areas this…
EPA Will Remove Carbon Dioxide Limits on Power Plants
Today, the Environmental Protection Agency will announce the repeal of federal limits on power plant carbon dioxide emissions, finalizing a proposed rule that the…