The United States removed a record 100 dams in 2025, reconnecting 7,900 kilometers of rivers. This single-year total is the highest in removal history. River restoration improves fish passage, water quality, and ecosystem connectivity across American watersheds. Read more here.
Court Protects World's Largest Temperate Rainforest
A federal court blocked logging expansion in Alaska's Tongass National Forest, the world's largest temperate rainforest covering 68,800 square kilometers. This protection preserves irreplaceable biodiversity and carbon storage capacity. The decision reflects growing recognition of forests' climate change mitigation value. Read more here.
Scientists Triple Human Heart Preservation Time
Vanderbilt scientists developed a preservation fluid that extends viable organ storage from 4 to 12 hours. This threefold increase revolutionizes transplant medicine by expanding donor-recipient geographic matching possibilities. More recipients now have access to viable donor organs within extended timeframes. Read more here.
Corn's Ancient Genes Cut Fertilizer Needs
University of Illinois researchers discovered that ancient teosinte corn genes suppress microbes causing nitrogen loss. This genetic discovery could cut fertilizer requirements by 50% while maintaining crop yields. Such advances reduce environmental pollution from agricultural runoff while lowering farming costs. Read more here.
Lead Exposure Dropped 100x Since EPA Founded
A comprehensive PNAS study analyzing a century of human hair samples found lead exposure declined 100-fold since the Environmental Protection Agency was established. This dramatic improvement reflects decades of phased lead elimination from gasoline, paint, and other sources. The data demonstrates effective environmental regulation's profound impact. Read more here.