nature

Soil NOx emissions can now be tracked with chemical-signature method

A recent study demonstrates, for the first time, a method for tracking nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and applies it specifically to soils. The ‘chemical fingerprinting’ method allows soil NOx to be distinguished from other sources of NOx, such as vehicles and power plants. It, therefore, paves the way for a more precise understanding of agriculture’s contribution particularly to air pollution, climate change, ecosystems and environmental damage.




nature

Nature provides treasure trove of medical inspiration

A recent analysis highlights the potential of natural products as an indispensable source for drug discovery. Natural compounds can be used directly as potential medicines or can provide templates for the design of synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs. Furthermore, because of their ability to interact selectively with biological macromolecules, they also provide a tool to better understand biochemical processes and thus identify new potential targets for the treatment of human diseases.




nature

From sweeteners to cancer treatments: nature points to new products

Throughout history people have turned to nature for relief from illnesses and this remains true today. With new technologies, researchers have an even greater ability to identify natural products that may lead to treatment or prevention of a wide range of health problems.




nature

Join our #MotherNatureVine project!

Upload your Vine videos for a chance to be featured every week on our social media pages!




nature

Oil's impact on nature deep and lasting

Video: Larry Schweiger, president and chief executive Officer of the National Wildlife Federation, talks with Rachel Maddow about the extent of damage to Gulf c



  • Wilderness & Resources

nature

14 glimpses of nature from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest

For 55 years, photographers have showcased their work in the Natural History Museum, London's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.




nature

Stanford study measures health benefits of nature walks

We know that spending time in nature is good for us, but researchers have now quantified the benefits.



  • Fitness & Well-Being

nature

New nature preserve will be the largest on Earth

At more than 500,000 square miles, the marine park is twice the size of Texas and three times the size of Germany.



  • Wilderness & Resources

nature

Santa Barbara is for nature lovers, too

Santa Barbara has close-by mountains, beautiful beaches and much more than it's famous wine — but don't skip that part.




nature

Artist celebrates nature and its impermanence with morning altars

Artist Day Schildkret creates morning altars out of flowers, bark and leaves every day.



  • Wilderness & Resources

nature

Mother Nature's Pop Science Guide to Apples [Infographic]

The apple is one of Earth's most iconic foods, symbolizing everything from health and beauty to evil and ingenuity. This infographic explores it all.




nature

Cabin DROP XL is shoo-in for low-impact nature escapes

A tent alternative for dedicated glampers and design-conscious holiday-makers, this prefab micro-cabin treads lightly wherever it happens to 'drop.'



  • Remodeling & Design

nature

Danish garbage can manufacturer designs sleek prefab nature retreat

Vipp, the venerable purveyor of high-end trash bins, gets into the prefab vacation home business.



  • Remodeling & Design

nature

National park poster artist aims to inspire a new generation of nature lovers

After studying under Ansel Adams, Rob Decker is creating posters of all the national parks with a nod to the WPA posters of the 1930s and '40s.



  • Wilderness & Resources

nature

Watching nature documentaries boosts happiness, says study

Anxiety and fear give way to joy and awe when we tune into scenes of the natural world, finds a study commissioned by BBC, makers of "Planet Earth II."



  • Fitness & Well-Being

nature

Nest provides Airbnb hosts with its signature smart thermostat

The Silicon Valley tech startup and the lodging platform partner to help make vacationing in a stranger's condo a more energy-efficient affair.



  • Sustainable Business Practices

nature

Nature's 7 meanest mommies

In celebration of Mother’s Day and all the lovely things our mothers have done for us — like, not eating us — here’s a rogues’ gallery of some of nat




nature

Climate change throws nature's timing out of whack

Timing matters: Flowers bloom, insects emerge, birds migrate, and planting and hunting seasons are carefully coordinated times in order to take advantage of wha



  • Climate & Weather

nature

Why a retreat to nature can be so therapeutic

The longing you feel to get away is ancient, says writer Clemens Arvay, a desire to interact with nature and leave behind the material world.



  • Wilderness & Resources

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Just seeing nature may curb unhealthy cravings

If you have an outdoor view, you're getting the benefit of Mother Nature.



  • Fitness & Well-Being

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Beavers: 8 things to know about nature's most impressive landscape engineers

From their vanilla-scented secretions to their amazing ability to alter an ecosystem, here's what you need to know about beavers.




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The Lily Impeller: Nature-based design inspires game-changing efficiencies

Jay Harman developed technologies from the Lily Impeller that he says may fundamentally change how humans do almost everything.




nature

The nature museum that Sandra Martin built

Begun in her bedroom when she was 13, this dedicated woman’s Little Nature Museum has never stopped growing and inspiring visitors.




nature

'A Force For Nature': A Green history lesson

NRDC founder John H. Adams details the history of the environmental nonprofit -- and the modern environmental movement.



  • Arts & Culture

nature

20 minutes in nature a day is your ticket to feeling better

Two recent studies show that visiting an urban park for as little as 20 minutes will reduce stress and boost emotional well-being.



  • Fitness & Well-Being

nature

Mother Nature's Pop Science Guide to Corn [Infographic]

MNN offers a graphical tribute to a gifted grain — corn — in all its many uses.




nature

EcoSense for Living: Getting kids to reconnect with nature

This four-part series gives great advice on getting a new generation to enjoy the outdoors.




nature

Treehouse retreat with skate park appeals to nature lovers, 13-year-old boys

Beautiful and daring, Cinder Cone will resonate with those who have graduated from Thrasher to Dwell.



  • Remodeling & Design

nature

The plushest peak you ever did see: Three Bad Seeds' nature-inspired pillows

Bring the great outdoors into your home with Three Bad Seeds' line of wilderness-inspired pillows handcrafted from repurposed scrap fabrics.



  • Remodeling & Design

nature

9 thoughtful gifts for nature lovers

These gift ideas are perfect for the people in your life who love nature and the great outdoors.



  • Arts & Culture

nature

Mother Nature's greatest hits: 20 songs with an environmental side

Peter Dykstra counts down his top 20 eco-songs. Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, and a few other strange bands make the cut.



  • Gadgets & Electronics

nature

An eye for nature: Q&A with artist Dan McCarthy

Screen printing maven chats about early inspiration, storytelling, and dinosaurs.



  • Arts & Culture

nature

5 ways to get kids into nature photography

Getting kids outside in the great outdoors and teaching them a love for the environment is easy enough. Just hand them a camera.




nature

Ecologists share their passion for nature in these winning images

The British Ecological Society annual photography competition celebrates both flora and fauna.




nature

Disneynature's 'African Cats' in theaters for Earth Day

A heads-up to parents about Disneynature's newest release follows the story of two feline families struggling to survive in the African savannah.




nature

River cleanups: Channel your love of nature

As Earth Day nears, MNN follows a 48-mile sweep of Atlanta's Chattahoochee River to shed light on the rising relevance of crowd-sourced conservation.



  • Wilderness & Resources

nature

Get out in nature and take a #NatureSelfie this Earth Day

If nothing else, taking a picture of yourself in nature for Earth Day will get you outside.




nature

5 easy ways to use your images for good on Nature Photography Day

On Nature Photography Day, take your camera outside to make a difference for wildlife!



  • Arts & Culture

nature

Nature reserve in Bolivia offers hope for wild macaws on the brink

There are only 300 blue-throated macaws left in the wild.




nature

Nature's 10 best animal dads

For Father's Day, we celebrate animals that buck the deadbeat dad idea.




nature

Inspire others with your nature photos

Enter The Nature Conservancy's digital photography contest for a chance to see your work on the cover of the nonprofit's annual calendar.



  • Arts & Culture

nature

Electric Forest: Where music brings nature, people together

The days' dappled sunlight complemented the nights' glowing trees at this music festival near Lake Michigan.



  • Arts & Culture

nature

5 artist residency programs for people who love nature and science

These programs are designed for writers, visual artists and even musicians to take time off for inspiration.



  • Arts & Culture

nature

How my son and I took our love of nature and turned it into a book

Writer Stacy Tornio didn't think she'd get such an enthusiastic response from her son Jack about writing a book.



  • Wilderness & Resources

nature

Attention history buffs and nature lovers: Explore Santa Fe, N.M.

Green-minded travelers will find plenty to love in Santa Fe. It is highly walkable. Local, organic and fresh ingredients are the norm in many of the city's most




nature

Insect 'extinction event' will transform nature

More than 40% of the world's insect species are threatened with extinction, and their loss could upend nature as we know it.




nature

10 easy craft projects inspired by nature

Spruce up your holiday décor by bringing nature in with these beautiful and easy DIY projects.




nature

These DIY ornaments add a touch of nature

DIY Christmas ornaments add nature to your decorations




nature

How to save nature, one backyard at a time

You can create a haven for birds and other creatures by with native plants — and one very handy tool.



  • Organic Farming & Gardening

nature

'Nature Is Speaking' by Conservation International

Walmart partner Conservation International has launched the "Nature is Speaking" campaign to provoke a conversation about nature's essential role in our lives.