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By Riley Wilson Ice covering the Great Lakes stores organic carbon, which is released in a burst during spring melt. As climate change reduces ice cover, researchers say this seasonal surge of energy may be shrinking, with uncertain consequences for these freshwater systems.



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By Samantha Ku Cultivated plants rarely match their wild type counterparts in their ability to support pollinators, according to research by pollinator ecologists at the Chicago Botanic Garden.



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By Isabella Figueroa Nogueira As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, cities across North America are preparing for an influx of fans, matches and global attention - including Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) in Canada. Along with the excitement comes growing concern about the tournament’s environmental impact.



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By Riley Wilson Rising levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination are prompting scientists to question whether the Great Lakes can safely sustain surrounding communities. A recent study shows signs of declining PFAS pollution in these waters using archived fish.



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By Samantha Plunkett For residents of Dearborn, Michigan, creating greenspaces in the community has been an important mission for schools and researchers. In a recent study, academics from the University of Michigan-Dearborn partnered with Salina schools to assess their outdoor play spaces.



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By Joshua Kim A new book, “Wrecked: The Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy” (Michigan State University Press, $29.95), uncovers more of the political and legal aspects of the legendary Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck.