Editor's note

A recent peace deal between the Colombian government and FARC rebels has opened up remote areas of the country that were once too dangerous to visit. But some local environmentalists are worried. Where they see beautiful landscapes full of new species to discover, less scrupulous loggers and miners simply see a chance to make a quick buck. Jane Feeney wonders if Colombia can build peace without sacrificing its biodiversity.

Thanks to our partners in North America, we have a number of eclipse-related articles for you to enjoy following last night’s excitement across the Atlantic. On Mars, meanwhile, another natural phenomenon has scientists gripped. Fluffy, glittering snow is surely one of the most beautiful weather phenomena on our planet. It’s even more special when you consider that snow is actually quite rare in the solar system. But a new study now suggests that there are nighttime snowstorms on Mars. It shows that powerful downdrafts of air could even help this snow reach the surface, turning the red planet white. David Rothery explains.

Intermittent fasting diets such as the 5:2, where eating normally for five days is alternated with two days of eating restricted calories, certainly have millions of fans. But what does the science say? Nick Lesica says it’s more than just the latest fad. Not only does the data so far suggest part-time fasting works to cut weight, but animal studies also show some promise for treating diabetes.

Will de Freitas

Environment + Energy Editor

Top story

Ondrej Prosicky / shutterstock

Colombia faces challenge to build peace without sacrificing its famed biodiversity

Jane Feeney, Trinity College Dublin

It is a delicate – and dangerous – moment for one of the world's most ecologically important nations.

Science + Technology

Health + Medicine

Arts + Culture

  • How ancient cultures explained eclipses

    Roger Culver, Colorado State University

    The sun was worshiped as a deity in many cultures – and witnessing it get extinguished could be a particularly terrifying event.

Education

Politics + Society

Business + Economy

 

Featured events

Join The Conversation at The British Science Festival

Jubilee Library City Centre, Brighton , Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom — The Conversation

Graphene in Energy Innovation Opportunities Workshop

Room 3.08 Scott Russell Building, Research and Enterprise Services, , Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH144AS, United Kingdom — Heriot-Watt University

Can Sustainability Ever Be Mainstream?

New Town Theatre, Freemasons' Hall, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, City of, EH2 3DH, United Kingdom — Bangor University

Global Challenges in Cultural Heritage

University of Stirling, Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom — University of Stirling

More events
 

Contact us here to have your event listed.

For sponsorship opportunities, email us here