No more drilling? Being able to transform algae into crude oil could revolutionize how we fuel up our vehicles.

The sea has a dead zone the size of Texas, and it's growing bigger every year because of sewage and fertilizer flowing into the waters.

You've heard of oysters that make pearls, but what about seaweed that makes opals?

Aromatherapy is enjoying a renaissance as its healing properties are rediscovered. Here's what you need to know about essential oils.

These anxiety-fighting techniques may seem simple, but they can help keep that creeping sense of panic at bay.

Nope, Superman can't crush a piece of coal into a diamond. And neither can ordinary humans. We bust the common myth.

From their commitment to sustainability to their reputation for making a mean cup of joe, the people of Costa Rica clearly have their priorities in order.

It's that time of year again! The 2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition is officially underway.

Learn about the natural mechanisms that produce breathtaking fall leaf colors each year.

After being rescued as a baby, this little raccoon now lives a life of luxury in the Bahamas.

'Coral Colors' showcases the psychedelic beauty of marine invertebrates.

What you experience in autumn is hard to express in words — but that hasn't stopped writers and thinkers around the world from trying.

Thanks to advances in wetsuit technology, surfing is becoming increasingly popular in frigid destinations like Norway and Alaska.

Photographer Seth Casteel casts his lens on the priceless expressions of rescue cats and kittens bounding and jumping through the air.

Artist and scientist Jill Pelto hopes to inspire people to take action by imbuing her dreamy paintings with hard scientific data and field research.

Bleached corals are akin to dead canaries in a coal mine — a warning of what's to come if we don't address the threat of climate change.

Learn more about the ancient agricultural legacy of rice paddy farming.

Many people don't see arachnids as 'cute,' but maybe they've never laid eyes on a peacock jumping spider.

'The Land of the Strays' is a dog's paradise.

Our planet has quite a knack for creating surreal natural landscapes. Case in point: Basalt rock columns.

Composed of loose sediment and averaging about 6 feet in height, the puzzling natural mounds are a surreal sight.

A new study brings up an old argument about that weird definition of a planet.

Native to East Asia, these frequently misrepresented animals are gentle creatures that serve as major icons in Japanese culture.

You're tired, hungry and you just want something delicious without having to think much. These recipes are for those moments.

It's easy work to extract all the nutrients from the bones in a slow cooker, especially if you use one important ingredient.

It's time to get creative with this root vegetable, by making carotene butter, carrot ginger sauce and more.

Grab your kitchen shears, a serrated knife and your muscles for a tender, evenly-browned turkey.

The end-of-year best cookbook lists are out, and they offer plenty of cooking inspiration for the new year.

The electric pressure cooker is taking home cooks by storm, and it's good for creating hot meals quickly on a cold day.

This simple flavored salt brings a pinch of caffeinated brightness to your culinary creations.

Turn your corned beef leftovers from St. Patrick's Day into a quick, anytime meal.

Expect to pay more for avocados for your guacamole — or just make "mockamole" instead.

Cajun spices and a vinegar-based coleslaw put a little zing in this pulled pork recipe that's delicious with or without barbecue sauce.

A pan of batter goes into the oven, a batch of cookie bars comes out.

Cook, keep warm and serve these party recipes — all from the same slow cooker.

Your open bottle of Prosecco from New Year's Eve may be past its prime to drink, but you can put it to culinary use.

After reading this recipe, you may never eat pancakes without Prosecco again, no matter what the calendar says.

Thanks to the work of scholars and home cooks, the often challenging work of translating very old recipes has been done for you. This is the Recipes Project.

These recipes for people who don't like to cook will work for those who do like to cook, too.

These traditional dishes both comfort during difficult times and help us celebrate during good times.

Fill up your dessert tray with a variety of sweets that don't take long to make.

Your slow cooker can create delicious jams and butters while you're doing something else.

From local ingredients to storied traditions, hop on the Great American Cookie Train to see what cookies are the most popular around the country.

Whether you call it compound, composite or composed butter, it will elevate any dish.

Is there a winner in the eternal debate between radiant heat and forced air?

Eco-friendly products are growing up.

Today, eco-friendly products across all sectors have evolved.

Situated within Indiana Dunes National Park, the futuristic '30s-era dwelling requires a $2.5 million restoration to be paid for by a qualified leasee.

Companion planting offers plants enhanced nutrition, shade, weed protection and more. Here's what to to plant together in your vegetable and flower gardens.

A 7-mile bee corridor encompassing 22 wildflower meadows is being planted in a London borough to help pollinators.