NPR's Scott Simon is dazzled by the turn of the seasons, especially the color of the leaves.

For much of human history, human beings have waged war against each other. In the new novel by Marko Kloos, that tendency to wage war remains as strong as ever more than a thousand years into the future. Aftershocks is an adventure story as well as a portrait of a technologically-advanced civilization struggling to maintain the peace after a devastating war. Kloos spoke with NHPR’s Peter Biello.

In New England, the Waterman name is like mountain royalty. But beyond a tight circle of outdoors-people, they're not a household name. Today, we tell the story of one of the most influential voices in American wilderness philosophy, Laura Waterman, and how she has changed following the death of her husband.

Born 100 years ago today, Nat King Cole topped the charts year after year, sold more than 50 million records, pushed jazz piano in a new direction and paved the way for later generations of performers.

The past couple of weeks have been weird. Daily life changed gradually, then all at once. We now find ourselves at home practicing our best “social distancing” protocols. Incredible technology allows us to stay connected, and that’s fantastic. But it’s ok to put the phone down. It’s ok to turn down the news from time to time, and take a long walk outside in nature. This week, I took my own advice. Amidst the simple beauty of nature, I draw one deep breath… and then another. In the forest, I glimpse a furtive movement - beyond the shoulder of the rural, dirt road. One handsome squirrel sits perched on a fallen log, slowly twirling a hemlock cone in its forepaws. In the warm morning sunlight, he yawns…unimpressed with my presence. In his narrow economy, it’s spring and the kitchen larder of conifer cone seeds is running low. Above me, a March wind coaxes a flock of bluebirds to an open, sodden pasture. Springtime arrives this year, just as the bluebirds do– hopeful, tentative, uncertain.

Makaronina.Ru has compiled a list of natural antidepressants, namely indoor plants that have the ability to positively affect a person's emotional state. One such plant is lavender, whose aroma can help alleviate headaches, anxiety, and stress. The plant's essential oils, which are actively released into the air, can also reduce high blood pressure and combat insomnia. Basil is another plant that can have a positive impact on both the cardiovascular system and emotional state, while lemon is effective in combating stress, anxiety, and tension.

Dr. Neil Johnson, a physics professor at George Washington University, explores unconventional areas within physics, focusing on complex, "taboo" problems not traditionally tackled by physicists, like online hate networks.

Digital Science's flagship product Dimensions has launched a beta of a new AI-based Natural Language to Query search technology.

Natural flood management: is geology more important than trees?  British Geological Survey

Beauveriolides, including the main beauveriolide I {systematic name: (3R,6S,9S,13S)-9-benzyl-13-[(2S)-hexan-2-yl]-6-methyl-3-(2-methyl­prop­yl)-1-oxa-4,7,10-tri­aza­cyclo­tridecane-2,5,8,11-tetrone, C27H41N3O5}, are a series of cyclo­depsipeptides that have shown promising results in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and in the prevention of foam cell formation in atherosclerosis. Their crystal structure studies have been difficult due to their tiny crystal size and fibre-like morphology, until now. Recent developments in 3D electron diffraction methodology have made it possible to accurately study the crystal structures of submicron crystals by overcoming the problems of beam sensitivity and dynamical scattering. In this study, the absolute structure of beauveriolide I was determined by 3D electron diffraction. The cyclo­dep­si­peptide crystallizes in the space group I2 with lattice parameters a = 40.2744 (4), b = 5.0976 (5), c = 27.698 (4) Å and β = 105.729 (6)°. After dynamical refinement, its absolute structure was determined by comparing the R factors and calculating the z-scores of the two possible enanti­omorphs of beauveriolide I.

The crystal structure of the salt calcium (2R,3R)-tar­trate tetra­hydrate {sys­tem­atic name: poly[[di­aqua­[μ4-(2R,3R)-2,3-di­hydroxy­butane­dioato]calcium(II)] di­hydrate]}, {[Ca(C4H8O8)(H2O)2]·2H2O}n, is reported. The absolute configuration of the crystal was established unambiguously using anomalous dispersion effects in the diffraction patterns. High-quality data also allowed the location and free refinement of all the H atoms, and therefore to a careful analysis of the hy­dro­gen-bond inter­actions.

Three organoplatinum(II) complexes bearing natural aryl­olefin and quinoline derivatives, namely, [4-meth­oxy-5-(2-meth­oxy-2-oxoeth­oxy)-2-(prop-2-en-1-yl)phen­yl](quinolin-8-olato)platinum(II), [Pt(C13H15O4)(C9H6NO)], (I), [4-meth­oxy-5-(2-oxo-2-propoxyeth­oxy)-2-(prop-2-en-1-yl)phen­yl](quinoline-2-carboxy­l­ato)platinum(II), [Pt(C15H19O4)(C10H6NO2)], (II), and chlorido­[4-meth­oxy-5-(2-oxo-2-propoxyeth­oxy)-2-(prop-2-en-1-yl)phen­yl](quinoline)­plat­inum(II), [Pt(C15H19O4)Cl(C9H7N)], (III), were synthesized and structurally characterized by IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the cyclo­platinated aryl­olefin coordinates with PtII via the carbon atom of the phenyl ring and the C=Colefinic group. The deprotonated 8-hy­droxy­quinoline (C9H6NO) and quinoline-2-carb­oxy­lic acid (C10H6NO2) coordinate with the PtII atom via the N and O atoms in complexes (I) and (II) while the quinoline (C9H7N) coordinates via the N atom in (III). Moreover, the coordinating N atom in complexes (I)–(III) is in the cis position compared to the C=Colefinic group. The crystal packing is characterized by C—H⋯π, C—H⋯O [for (II) and (III)], C—H⋯Cl [for (III) and π–π [for (I)] inter­actions.

Cancer-causing chemicals that occur naturally in foods are far more numerous in the human diet than synthetic carcinogens, yet both types are consumed at levels so low that they currently appear to pose little threat to human health, a committee of the National Research Council said in a report released today.

A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine identifies strategies for improving the reliability of bolts used in offshore oil and gas drilling rigs, thereby reducing the risk that a bolt failure could cause a spill of oil, drilling fluids, or natural gas into the environment.

Improved understanding of the coupled natural-human coastal system will help promote resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems under rapidly changing environmental conditions and support informed decision-making, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

The Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine today announced a new funding opportunity under its Healthy Ecosystems Initiative.

A National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine study that is now underway aims to identify best practices for collecting, recording, and reporting death and illness data during and immediately after large-scale weather disasters.

Over the next five years, the U.S. Department of Defense’s Biological Threat Reduction Program (BTRP) should encourage and be among co-leaders in the federal government’s development of an enduring interagency mechanism to address an array of biological threats – including natural disease outbreaks, accidental releases, and intentional attacks -- to deployed U.S. forces and to the nation itself, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

To better measure the changing nature of employment, independent contracting and freelance work, and jobs with unstable hours, a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) add questions to the Contingent Worker Supplement (CWS) about work done by people who may not be steadily employed, details about secondary jobs, and work scheduling practices.

The Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine today announced grant awards totaling $5.27 million for six new projects. These projects, planned to span two to three years, aim to improve understanding of how natural processes and human activities interact to affect coastal ecosystems in the U.S. Gulf Coast region.

In the wake of this year’s record-breaking wildfire and hurricane season, efforts are ramping up to rebuild communities and natural ecosystems in places devastated by fire and storms. Restoring natural ecosystems requires replacing the trees, grasses, flowers, herbs, shrubs, and other plants that have evolved and occur naturally in a particular region.

The Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine announced awards totaling $997,523 to support 10 projects that will engage communities in co-developing full proposals to advance nature-based solutions to mitigate climate-related hazards.

Join us for this fun Garden tradition! We’ll craft nature-filled globes, mini wreaths, botanical cards, and more. Garden Admission, refreshments and all materials included. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Drop-in any time during 2-hour program window.

Join us for this fun Garden tradition! We’ll craft nature-filled globes, mini wreaths, botanical cards, and more. Garden Admission, refreshments and all materials included. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Drop-in any time during 2-hour program window.

Explore the art of natural perfumery at the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley with Jessica Mennella of FLWR Napa Valley. Learn the foundation and techniques of natural perfumery using the Slow Scent® method of perfuming developed by renowned perfumer Mandy Aftel. Jessica Mennella, trained by Aftel, will be your instructor for this hands-on and interactive class. During the workshop, you will have the opportunity to explore 18 botanicals whose complexity of scent is linked directly to the plants and flowers from which they are derived. You will also learn the basic structure of Slow Scent® natural perfume formulation and blending techniques. No prior experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided. By the end of the workshop, you will have created your own signature perfume using the formula you developed in class. Additionally, you will receive a guide to the process of making natural perfumes. The art of natural perfumery is rooted in the history and beauty of botanical materials. And among our senses, scent has the unique ability to instantly transform our mood and life experience. Come perfume in the gardens and discover for yourself how scent can take you to another place and time. Whether you are new to natural perfumery or have attended previous workshops, you are welcome to join us!

At the recent Summer Fancy Food Show, Cibo Vita debuted new better-for-you trail mixes as well as chocolate-covered nuts. 

Supernatural teamed up with King Arthur Baking Company and Vital Farms to launch ten brand-new kits for baking festive treats like gingerbread houses, Hanukkah sugar cookies, buttermilk doughnuts, themed sprinkle sets, and more.

The company is debuting three just-add-water variations for homemade pancakes and waffles.

Second Nature Brands is quickly becoming a powerhouse, originally bolstered by three brands: Sanders, Kar’s Nuts, and the self-titled Second Nature Snacks brand.

The crisps will be available in 4.94-oz. resealable bags at select retailers nationwide and online at Amazon starting June 15, with a SRP of $6.99–$8.99.

ADM’s latest Flavor and Color Trends Report indicates shoppers seek snacks and baked goods that reflect the evolving human experience.

AAK now offers a line of natural plant-based specialty lecithin emulsifier solutions that help improve nutrition, functionality, and processing of a wide variety of food and beverages.

Bob’s Natural has introduced Pinole Chips, featuring the super-power of Pinole—an organic corn treated with lime—chia seeds, and dates.

Yoggies are real fruit pieces coated in creamy yogurt and infused with two billion live probiotic cultures via a patented microencapsulation system.

Artisan salame maker Columbus Foods recently launched a ready-to-bake pizza line called Pizza Naturale.

Parabel USA Inc, producer of plant protein ingredients, has announced the discovery of a natural plant-based source of Vitamin B12 in its water lentil crop.

When I travel, or throughout the always-lively and competitive greater Chicagoland grocery industry, my home market, I revel in visits to unfamiliar grocery and convenience stores. Instantly immersed, strolling the perimeter and aisles, eyes darting to end caps and standalone displays, I'm a true omnivore awash in the thrill of the hunt for something new and delicious.

Schwan’s Consumer Brands, Inc.—a subsidiary of Schwan’s Company that offers trusted retail brands throughout the frozen-food category—has pushed forward in its innovation efforts and will launch new products under the Edwards brand.

The all-natural pie company expands into the healthy frozen snack category with almond butter and fruit sandwiches.

Second Nature Brands LLC will acquire the Voortman cookie brand from The J.M. Smucker Co. in an all-cash transaction worth $305 million.

Consumers can add eggs, butter or oil, and water for homemade baked goods with the new mixes.

Ingredients by Nature (IBN)—supplier of high-quality, customizable, science-based food ingredients—has announced the launch of MonkFiber, a functional, sweet fiber from the pomace of the monk fruit.

Synergy Flavors, Inc., a supplier of flavors, extracts and essences for the global food and beverage industry, announced the launch of Dairy by Nature, a new portfolio of custom taste solutions.

The snack nuts feature California-grown walnuts coated in the sweet heat of spicy honey.

DINO BARS are wrapped in edible paper, and all bars are non-GMO, USDA certified organic and free from nuts, gluten, soy, and dairy.

Cibo Vita is pleased to announce the launch of its Nature’s Garden line of Probiotic-enhanced dried fruits.

Brothers All Natural is excited to announce the launch of its 1-oz. Freeze-Dried Fuji Apple and Mango Fruit Crisps. 

To support consumers in making conscious decisions, Cabosse Naturals has deepened its collaboration with the Upcycled Food Association.