Frontiers | Science news

Mining often happens in artisanal and small-scale mining operations that burn gold-mercury amalgams to extract gold particles. Credit: Simon Topp.

Environment

Published on 08 Apr 2025

Trees could be spying on illegal gold mining operations in the Amazon rainforest

By examining mercury concentrations in tree rings, researchers showed that trees could be witnesses to illegal gold mining activities in the Amazon, highlighting their potential as biomonitors

A deceased stranded dolphin photographed by researchers. Photograph supplied by Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. Stranding response conducted under a Stranding Agreement between HSWRI and NOAA Fisheries.

Scientists link a phytoplankton bloom to starving dolphins in Florida

A phytoplankton bloom damaged habitats, deprived bottlenose dolphins of nutritious prey, and led to a sharp rise in strandings and deaths.

Our power, our planet: Five Frontiers articles for Earth Day

Earth Day, an annual event to show support for the protection of the Earth and what’s living on it, is almost upon us. To celebrate, we’re highlighting five recently published Frontiers articles on energy, ecosystems, and the environment.

A man wearing glasses lies awake in bed, using his phone.

One hour’s screen use after going to bed increases your risk of insomnia by 59%, scientists find

Using a screen in bed at night makes it much more likely you’ll sleep less and sleep badly — but social media use is no worse than any other form of screen use.