The fate of fentanyl
Scientists are beginning to study how fentanyl and its by-products enter and persist in the environment with early findings suggesting it does not easily break down in soil and can be detected in water, wastewater, and even transit systems. While current environmental levels are far below those that pose direct safety risks to humans, little is known about the drug’s metabolites, degradation products, and long-term impacts on ecosystems and food chains.
Learn about the latest research on this topic in the October issue of CSA News.
Let's talk science policy in Salt Lake City
Coming to CANVAS? Join us on Monday, November 10 to talk with staff about science policy and the impact the government’s actions are having on you and your work.
Featured articles
Fostering connections, cultivating resiliency
See what the DEI and Women in Science Committees have on tap for CANVAS 2025
The DEI and Women in Science Committees of ASA, CSSA, and SSSA have a great lineup of programming at CANVAS 2025 in Salt Lake City. Check out what's on tap.
Building relationships, one cup at a time
Join us for coffee with the presidents and CEO at CANVAS in Salt Lake City
Start your days at CANVAS with a warm cup of coffee, a welcoming atmosphere, and a chance to connect directly with Society leaders. “Coffee with the Presidents” is designed to foster conversation, build relationships, and create opportunities for you to share your voice while getting to know your peers and leadership in an informal setting.
Recent articles
Recent articles
New models explain how climate reacts to historical shocks
Could the Earth itself hold clues to how it seems to bounce back from climate disasters? Using models and real-world data on plant and fungus growth, researchers made a model that determines how long it would take for Earth’s plant and soil ecosystems to adjust to climate change.
This article is part of our Down to Earth series, which breaks down and explains food, farming, and environmental sciences for readers of all backgrounds, including those without formal scientific training.
2025 journal Outstanding Paper Awards
Each year, ASA, CSSA, and SSSA and its journals recognize outstanding journal papers with annual awards presented at CANVAS meeting. Following are this year’s winners.
New edition of soil book for children now available
The book that helped thousands of children get excited about the living world of soil is back in a second edition. Order Soil! Get the Inside Scoop to find updated content, new “I Heart Soil” stories, and a section on urban soils. The cost is $18.
Written for children aged 9–12, this 36-page, full-color book explores how soil is part of our life—the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the houses we live in, and more. Along the way, readers learn about different kinds of soil and meet the scientists who work with soil every day.
Celebrating Earth Science Week
SSSA participates in this year’s event Oct. 12–18, 2025
Earth Science Week, a public outreach campaign of the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), takes place this year on Oct. 12–18. As a member of AGI, SSSA is pleased to participate in the annual AGI Earth Science Week by providing materials for the teacher kits and a lesson plan in the calendar.
Down to Earth
Our Down to Earth section key food, farming, and environmental concepts and research in language that is easy to understand by all, including those without formal scientific training. Visit us each week as we continue to add more sections and content.
We want to hear from you
Do you have an article you'd like to submit or feedback for the magazine team? Let us know!
