Dr. Elena Ortiz
Senior Correspondent, Deep Frontiers
As the Senior Correspondent for Deep Frontiers at Science and Exploration, Dr. Elena Ortiz reports on climate change impacts, biodiversity conservation, polar expeditions, and deep-sea exploration. Her work utilizes an immersive, narrative-driven approach to explore complex topics in marine biology, climate science, and ecology. By blending rigorous environmental science with on-the-ground perspectives, she helps readers understand both the remote places being studied and the field research methodologies behind the discoveries. Through her writing, including the 'Field Notes' column, she aims to connect the intellectually curious with the changing realities of our planet's most vital ecosystems.
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Latest Articles
Arctic warming sprouts knee-high jungles, threatening ancient ecosystems.
In 2025, sub-Arctic Fennoscandia endured a record three-week heatwave, with temperatures near and within the Arctic Circle soaring past 30°C, a stark warning from the World Meteorological Organization
Sep 6, 2026 · 4 min read
Scientists Discover New Deep-Sea Species in Indian Ocean Expedition
An expedition near Christmas and Cocos islands in the Indian Ocean has just unveiled 149 previously unknown marine species, alongside a 'Shark Tooth Graveyard' holding 1,000 teeth spanning 22 million
Aug 26, 2026 · 2 min read
Environmental amnesia is erasing our connection to nature, threatening conservation efforts.
In Abu Dhabi, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) congress is set to vote on a proposal to ban genetically modified wildlife, a decision that could shape the future of biodiversi
Aug 15, 2026 · 3 min read
What are the ecological impacts of plastic pollution on marine life?
In a 2008 study, 35% of fish caught in the Pacific Gyre had already ingested plastic fragments.
Aug 12, 2026 · 4 min read
What is Ocean Acidification and Why Does It Threaten Marine Life?
The ocean's acidity has surged by 25-30% since the pre-industrial era, a rate faster than any known change in ocean chemistry in the last 50 to 60 million years.
Aug 7, 2026 · 4 min read
Estonia Tops Environmental Performance Index Amidst Global Sustainability Setbacks
Out of 177 countries assessed for environmental performance, the small Baltic nation of Estonia has emerged as the global leader, far surpassing economic giants and even other developed nations.
Jul 15, 2026 · 5 min read
Europe's Rapid Warming Fuels Accelerating Climate Change Impacts on Societies
Western Europe experienced its hottest June on record in 2026.
Jul 12, 2026 · 5 min read
What Are the Ethical Considerations of De-Extinction?
In 2003, a team of scientists embarked on a monumental task.
Jul 8, 2026 · 6 min read
Why Is Hepatitis B Prevention Crucial for Global Health?
Vertical transmission of Hepatitis B condemns newborns to chronic infection, a relentless path toward severe liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma later in life, as confirmed by PMC .
Jul 4, 2026 · 3 min read
Alvin submersible certified for deep-sea exploration missions
On July 21, the human-occupied submersible Alvin plunged to 6,453 meters in the Puerto Rico Trench.
Jul 3, 2026 · 3 min read
What are advanced autonomous underwater vehicles for deep-sea exploration?
In February and March 2024, the Manta Ray prototype uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) completed full-scale, in-water testing off the coast of Southern California.
Jul 2, 2026 · 4 min read
What Are Synthetic Human Chromosomes and What Are Their Ethical Issues?
Scientists have developed a method to efficiently construct single-copy human artificial chromosomes (HACs).
Jul 1, 2026 · 3 min read
SpaceX Launches More Starlink Satellites, Expands Global Internet
Booster B1088, having completed its 17th successful flight, landed on a drone ship in the Pacific.
Jun 29, 2026 · 2 min read
What is the role of microbiomes in ecosystem health?
The unseen world beneath our feet holds profound influence over our planet's vital processes.
Jun 29, 2026 · 5 min read
This Week In Space podcast: Science meets commerce
On Episode 216 of 'This Week In Space', physicist Dr.
Jun 28, 2026 · 2 min read
Purdue University Awarded $5,000 in NASA Lander Challenge
A student team from California Polytechnic State University just won $10,000 for a hydration system that could one day keep astronauts alive on the Moon.
Jun 27, 2026 · 3 min read
58th Girl Scouts Unite Event Ignites Tomorrow's Leaders
Despite a city-wide transit strike threatening early arrivals, over 15,000 Girl Scouts and volunteers converged on Chicago's McCormick Place for their 58th annual 'Unite' event, October 27-29, 2026.
Jun 24, 2026 · 4 min read
This Week In Space podcast episode 215 discusses UAP Disclosure Day
Just last week, a former intelligence official testified under oath that the U.
Jun 21, 2026 · 3 min read
NASA taps Relativity Space for 2028 Mars orbiter launch
Relativity Space’s only previous rocket launch, Terran 1, failed after stage separation.
Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read
Scientists Map Galaxy's Spin; Gravitational Waves to Deepen View
Our galaxy's rotation curve now extends to an unprecedented 200 kiloparsecs, mapping its intricate dynamics far beyond the solar system.
Jun 15, 2026 · 2 min read