After reviewing hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, scientists have concluded that these storms built up strength partially because Atlantic Ocean waters were so warm. “We show the increase in the 2017 major hurricanes was not primarily caused by La Niña conditions in the Pacific Ocean, but mainly by pronounced warm sea surface conditions in the tropical North Atlantic,” the study reads. The team also modeled what future storms might look like if warming trends continue, and they are only expected to get worse. (The Washington Post)

A new study found that artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, saccharine, and neotame can become toxic to gut bacteria in extremely low doses. As little as one milligram/ milliliter of the sweeteners (much less than you'd find in a sugary beverage) caused a reaction. "This is further evidence that consumption of artificial sweeteners adversely affects gut microbial activity which can cause a wide range of health issues," said the study's author. (EurekAlert)