Dwarf galaxies are enigmas wrapped in riddles. Although they are the smallest galaxies, they represent some of the biggest mysteries about our universe. While many dwarf galaxies surround our own Milky Way, there seem to be far too few of them compared with standard cosmological models, which raises a lot of questions about the nature of dark matter and its role in galaxy formation.

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Why do some people want to live a very long time, while others would prefer to die relatively young? In a latest study, a team of researchers including Vegard Skirbekk, PhD, at the Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, investigated how long young and middle-aged adults in the United States say they want to live in relation to a number of personal characteristics. The results showed that more than one out of six people would prefer to die younger than age 80, before reaching average life expectancy. There was no indication that the relationship between preferring a life shorter or longer than average life expectancy depended on age, gender or education.

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One of the most common causes of water quality impairment is suspended particulate matter (SPM). A study by a team of UK researchers suggests that standards for SPM set by EU member states to help achieve the WFD should reflect the natural differences in the levels of this pollutant that are expected in contrasting environments. Their study provides hints as to how a potential alternative system for regulating SPM concentrations might be devised.

A recent study has analysed the physical and chemical characteristics of particulate matter (PM) from 60 sites across Europe. The results suggest there is no single ratio between PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ mass concentrations for all the sites, and that PM mass cannot be directly related to the concentration of particle numbers.

A mixture of fine particles in air leads to harmful effects on human health. Currently, particulate matter (PM) is defined in policy by particle size, but according to a new study, focusing on air pollutants and their toxic effects on cells may provide an effective way to legislate for PM.

Airborne particulate matter pollution leads to increases in death rates among people with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, according to a new study. The study suggests the effects are mainly related to the air pollution known as PM_{2.5 - particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres (μm). The study is the first to assess the health effects of this type of pollution across several European countries at once.}

Particulate matter (PM) pollution has a significant effect on death rates in French cities, a new study shows. The research confirms the short-term impacts of PM₁₀, but also sheds new light on the effects of smaller particulates: PM_2.5 and PM_10-2.5. Its results could help inform public health advice, the authors propose.

Globally, more than 3.2 million premature deaths per year are attributed to exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5). A new study estimates that 2.1 million premature deaths could be avoided if countries achieved the WHO guideline for PM2.5. Even meeting their closest WHO interim concentration targets could avoid 750 000 (23%) deaths attributed to PM2.5 per year.

A link between particulate matter (PM) exposure and inflammatory disease has been shown by many studies, but few have explored how the chemical composition of PM influences inflammatory processes. This study investigated the connection between different components of PM and markers of inflammation in the blood, finding that long-term exposure to transition metals, emitted by traffic and industry, may cause chronic inflammation.

Two spacecraft have detected a possible signal of dark matter, the mysterious, invisible stuff that makes up most of the material universe.

Antarctica ice loss was only contributing 0.2 millimeters per year to sea level rise, but that number has jumped to 0.6 millimeters since 2012.

Experts are divided on the power of spirituality and an upbeat mindset.

Three tours of duty in the Middle East convinced Air Force veteran Tim Goodrich to buy a Nissan Leaf. He loves it — and he thinks cars like it can help revers

Actors join other others in urging President Obama to stay true to his commitment to reduce nuclear weapons during this year's G8 summit.

From the harshest heat on record to record investments in offshore wind, this has been some kind of March. Here are some key figures from a record-breaking mont

Film tells the fictional story of one small town's dealings with the natural gas industry — and the environmentalist out to stop it all from happening.

Toy giant freezes purchases from supplier accused of deforestation.

The Rainforest Alliance's new video suggests what it would be like if the environmental consequences of your food choices happened in your own backyard.

An inside look at the 4-year effort to restore Atlanta's Fernbank Forest, a 65-acre forest within the city.

We practice thankfulness on certain holidays, but why not all the time?

The vanishing veneer of frozen ocean isn't just vital for polar bears.

Before clean air laws were passed in Pittsburgh, smoke left buildings in a nighttime shroud all day, yet air quality issues aren't really in the past.

A new study suggests that dark matter from the galactic plane may have been what really killed the dinosaurs — and it may one day threaten us.

Blue light doesn't help you sleep, and you're exposed to a lot of it.

Before you use CFLs in your home, be sure you understand what to do should a bulb break.

Here's a list of reasons this blogger thinks fair fashion is anything but frivolous.

About 53 million Americans live within 3 miles of a Superfund site. Here's a look at the status of 10 of the country's most prominent listings.

He plays a KGB spy in 'The Americans'.

Worried about input costs, beer titan Molson Coors went green mainly to save green. If the end result - less waste - is to the planet's benefit, why should we c

For people over 75, a diet high in sugar and fat doesn’t have much of a negative health impact.

Gut-wrenching appeals can mean fewer donations, say two British researchers who looked into marketing approaches.

Meet Dr. Rob Sanford, department chair and professor of environmental science at the University of Southern Maine.

"Why do you have to sing everything like you just swallowed a pair of jazz hands?!"

The U.S. Supreme Court will decide how the Fish and Wildlife Service can protect species thanks to a legal conflict over a tiny frog.

In a case of 'Do as I do, not as I say,' Rupert Murdoch is taking bold steps to help solve a problem while telling the world it doesn’t exist.

PETA President Ingrid Newkirk talks with Ken Edelstein about the infamous Obama fly swat, their reaction and why PR matters.

A poll found that almost half of the people who see food waste as a problem don’t view it as a problem they’re contributing to.

Turn off the lights. Light pollution impacts energy use, wildlife and health.

Amphibians are reliable indicators of changes in ecosystems and are valuable in medical research.

According to a new Consumer Reports survey, 37% of car buyers consider fuel efficiency first.

Audi and Volvo will roll out luxury electric cars in the U.S. market early next year.

50 years after man first walked on the moon, the ripples of that accomplishment continue to inspire innovation.

A new book, "Popular: The Power of Likability in a Status-Obsessed World," suggests that status matters throughout life, not just in high school.

Astronomers think dark matter forms fine-grained but incredibly long streams throughout the universe.

Testing for food safety brings to light many frightening food infractions; even an innocent-seeming pizza can be suspect.

19 newly discovered dwarf galaxies are missing dark matter.

In his commencement speech at Washington University, Energy Secretary Chu encouraged graduates to "Do something that matters. Help save the world."

Some male birds keep their mates interested using fancy displays of affection.

Carbon dioxide emissions are making the ocean more acidic. The lower pH level inhibits the ability of many marine plants and animals to build their shells and s

Kids spend less time outside than ever — but some innovative educators want to change that.