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Umair Irfan

Umair Irfan

Former correspondent

    Latest articles by Umair Irfan

    Science
    Har Gobind Khorana deciphered DNA and wrote the genetic dictionaryHar Gobind Khorana deciphered DNA and wrote the genetic dictionary
    Science

    Tuesday’s Google Doodle honors the pioneering biochemist and Nobel Laureate.

    By Umair Irfan
    Climate
    It’s been more than 100 days and Puerto Rico is still in the longest blackout in US historyIt’s been more than 100 days and Puerto Rico is still in the longest blackout in US history
    Climate

    More than 43 percent of Puerto Ricans still don’t have power, and some may not get it until May.

    By Umair Irfan
    Climate
    Southern California is (still) on fire. Now it has the largest blaze in state history.Southern California is (still) on fire. Now it has the largest blaze in state history.
    Climate

    The Thomas Fire has burned 282,000 acres in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

    By Umair Irfan
    Climate
    Energy markets, not coal bailouts, will keep the East Coast warm this weekEnergy markets, not coal bailouts, will keep the East Coast warm this week
    Climate

    The frigid weather is increasing energy use, but trading is helping utilities meet power demand

    By Umair Irfan
    Climate
    What rolling back the Clean Power Plan means for the US climate fightWhat rolling back the Clean Power Plan means for the US climate fight
    Climate

    Scott Pruitt’s initiative undoes a key framework for states to cut their emissions.

    By Umair Irfan
    Explainers
    7 science stories in 2017 that made us go, “Whoa, that’s awesome”7 science stories in 2017 that made us go, “Whoa, that’s awesome”
    Explainers

    The news that lifted our existential dread.

    By Brian Resnick, Julia Belluz and 1 more
    Climate
    The tax bill opens the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drillingThe tax bill opens the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling
    Climate

    After nearly 40 years, Congress will grant permission to extract oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

    By Umair Irfan
    Climate
    Greenland’s ice sheet is driving global sea level rise. One section is melting 80% faster.Greenland’s ice sheet is driving global sea level rise. One section is melting 80% faster.
    Climate

    Scientists found ice melt runoff in a section of Greenland suddenly surged as the climate changed.

    By Umair Irfan
    Climate
    Some Republicans are reconsidering the tax bill’s attack on renewable energySome Republicans are reconsidering the tax bill’s attack on renewable energy
    Climate

    Lawmakers from states where wind and solar energy are booming want to preserve tax breaks for these industries.

    By Umair Irfan
    Climate
    How much did climate change affect California’s wildfires? Depends on where you are.How much did climate change affect California’s wildfires? Depends on where you are.
    Climate

    Scientists don’t see a strong climate trend in the ongoing fires around Los Angeles.

    By Umair Irfan