Science & Earth
→ NewsOkanagan Forest Task Force documentary 'What Lies Behind the Trees' debuts Wednesday
A new documentary about the volunteer-run Okanagan Forest Task Force debuts on YouTube Wednesday as the group nears its 10th anniversary. The film, produced by Eli Coburn, highlights backcountry illegal dumping, impacts on waterways and wildlife, and a planned government-backed cleanup project.
Survival of the Slowest: Lessons from animals that live slowly
CBC's The Nature of Things episode 'Survival of the Slowest' profiles slow-moving animals such as sloths, tortoises and gastropods and reports that slowness supports camouflage, low metabolism and long-term survival.
Nk'Mip Forestry plants over one million trees on Osoyoos Indian Band lands in one year
Nk'Mip Forestry reported planting over 1 million trees on Osoyoos Indian Band lands in 2025; the group's annual report also notes wildfire-risk treatments, cultural seed collection and other restoration work.
Enceladus plumes may reveal pH clues about its subsurface ocean.
A Japanese study used laboratory simulations of frozen plume deposits and Raman spectroscopy to identify carbonate minerals and distinguish pH differences, suggesting the method may be used to estimate the alkalinity of Enceladus' subsurface ocean.
B.C. government signs Gwa'ni land-use plan with Namgis First Nation on Vancouver Island
The provincial government signed four ministerial orders to implement the Gwa'ni Land Use Planning Project with the Namgis First Nation, affecting about 166,000 hectares in the Nimpkish Valley on northern Vancouver Island. The move drew support from the Namgis, local officials and some industry groups, while the B.C. Conservatives criticized the government for proceeding amid concerns tied to DRIPA and public consultation.
Hubble images reveal massive young protostars in stellar nurseries.
Hubble released infrared images from the SOFIA Massive (SOMA) Star Formation Survey showing massive young protostars and their surrounding nebulae, including the 16-solar-mass protostar HW2 in Cepheus A.
Scientific Time Narratives explain humanity's origins across deep timescales.
DeepTime Science Explorer links astronomy, geology, biology and neuroscience to trace connections from the formation of the universe to human consciousness and emphasizes long-term systems thinking.
B.C.'s balmy January brings early blossoms and could put plants at risk
An unusually warm January in British Columbia has led to early blooming in parts of Metro Vancouver and Victoria, and experts warn a subsequent cold snap could damage plants.
U of T researchers say lightweight sensor could reduce need for toxic aircraft de-icing fluid
University of Toronto researchers published a paper in Advanced Materials describing a lightweight triboelectric sensor that detects ice forming, melting and detaching on surfaces in real time.
Penguins show record-breaking shift in breeding season
A decade-long Journal of Animal Ecology study found Antarctic Gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins have shifted their breeding earlier by about 10–13 days, based on observations from 77 time-lapse cameras across 37 colonies.
Moon reactor plan aims for deployment by 2030
Officials announced a Memorandum of Understanding between NASA and the Department of Energy to pursue a lunar fission reactor with a target date of 2030, and agencies have awarded three $5 million contracts to industry teams. The next formal procedural step under the MoU was not specified.
Alien Hunter outlines data needed for Habitable Worlds Observatory.
A preprint led by NASA research biologist Niki Parenteau lists data priorities to collect before analyzing Habitable Worlds Observatory observations, highlighting gaps in gas spectroscopy, visible/near-infrared measurements of industrial and surface materials, and more precise stellar composition and age estimates.
Waterloo region outlines scope of its water capacity issue
Regional staff say a supply shortfall in the Mannheim Service Area is reducing available water capacity and limiting new servicing agreements and development support; officials say there is no immediate impact to residents' water quality or consumption.
Penguins shift breeding season earlier as Antarctica warms
A decade-long study found Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins have begun breeding earlier by roughly 10–13 days on average, a change the authors say is highly correlated with rising Antarctic temperatures and reduced sea ice.
Tool use in a pet cow suggests livestock may be smarter than believed.
A study published in Current Biology documents an Austrian pet cow, Veronika, using sticks and a deck brush to scratch different body areas; controlled trials showed she selected brush ends and adjusted her grip depending on the target area.
2026 likely among the hottest years on record, Environment Canada says
Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts 2026 will likely be among the four hottest years on record, projecting a global average about 1.35–1.53°C above pre-industrial levels and a 12% chance of exceeding 1.5°C.
Trial begins in Peru for five accused in killing of an Amazon defender
A trial opens for five men accused in the November 2023 killing of Kichwa leader Quinto Inuma Alvarado, and prosecutors are seeking life sentences; the case is being watched as a test of Peru’s ability to prosecute violence against environmental defenders.
Artemis II preparations begin as NASA readies for lunar flyby
NASA is entering final preparations for Artemis II, rolling the Space Launch System and Orion to Launch Pad 39B and completing integration and tests ahead of a planned February–April circumlunar flight.
Nuclear fusion: how close is it to becoming a reality?
Recent milestones in China and Canada and growing private investment have advanced fusion research, but commercial reactors are not yet available.
Natural sunscreen compound identified in hot springs bacteria
Researchers from Meijo University found a new UV‑blocking molecule, GlcHMS326, in thermophilic cyanobacteria from a Thai hot spring; it is produced under UV and high‑salt stress and shows strong antioxidant activity.
Climate activist says rising electricity prices may hurt Republicans
Bill McKibben installed new solar panels and said rising U.S. electricity prices and federal actions against renewables could hurt Republicans; U.S. average electricity costs rose about 12.8% over ten months, the article reports.
B.C. climate news: First Nations oppose bitumen pipeline as 2025 ranks among warmest years
Coastal First Nations in British Columbia maintain opposition to a proposed bitumen pipeline; scientists report 2025 was the third warmest year on record after 2024 and 2023.
EU and Mercosur sign trade deal after 25 years
EU and Mercosur leaders signed a free trade agreement in Paraguay on Saturday after 25 years of negotiations; the pact now needs consent from the European Parliament and ratification by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Jeremy Hansen to fly around the moon on Artemis II in early 2026
Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen will serve as mission specialist on NASA's crewed Artemis II flight that plans to fly around the moon and return, with launch dates identified between February and April 2026.
Canada affirms commitment to protect high seas as UN treaty becomes law
The High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) enters into force internationally while Canada has signed but not yet ratified it; Fisheries and Oceans Canada says work on ratification is ongoing without a timeline or budget.
Chang'e-6 samples clarify geological differences on the Moon's far side.
Analyses of basalt and regolith returned by China's Chang'e-6 in June 2024 show isotopic evidence that a large early impact heated deep lunar material and altered volatile element abundances on the Moon's far side.
Cosmic event comes to Vancouver in February.
National Geographic Live: Cosmic Adventures with NASA engineer Tracy Drain will be presented at the Vancouver Playhouse on Feb. 12, and tickets are on sale.
Asteroid simulation shows iron-rich rocks resist fragmentation
A CERN experiment irradiated an iron meteorite and found metal-rich asteroid material can absorb more energy and may strengthen rather than fragment.
Where planets form: Hubble images reveal protoplanetary disks.
Hubble has released a gallery of visible and infrared images of protoplanetary disks and protostars that show jets, nebulae, shadows and dusty disks; NASA reports the telescope remains active and is expected to operate into the 2030s.
Recycling in Peel Region begins to improve after 2,000 complaints clogged municipal phone lines
Mississauga’s mayor says recycling pickup in Peel Region is operating better after a troubled transition produced more than 2,000 complaints in one day; the change moved recycling responsibility to Circular Materials, which subcontracted collections to GFL.
