Following a drought, the city of Boone restricted — and banned — many water-intensive activities, including watering lawns, spraying down sidewalks, and refilling backyard pools.

Invasive species can wreak havoc on local ecosystems, which is why some governments offer money for residents to hunt, capture, and even kill them.

Unlike other tick-borne illnesses, which can take a day or more to spread, the Powassan virus is particularly dangerous for its ability to affect humans just 15 minutes after they’re bitten.

Tick-borne illnesses are a threat in many parts of the world — including in the U.S., thanks to the increased spread of a strange new virus, which leaves patients with a serious allergy to red meat.

Heat waves can be surprisingly dangerous. When we think of major natural disasters, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes often come to mind. However, heat waves can be just as devastating, or even more so, than any of those.

Scientists have concocted new methods to remove pollution from the Earth’s atmosphere, preserve Arctic sea ice, and cull invasive species — but some of these solutions can overshadow the root problems.