TBT: Plastic rain is the new acid rain

PLUS: The best WIRED stories from this month a year ago.

View this email in your browser  |  Manage newsletter subscriptions 06.17.21 Researchers have confirmed an increasingly hellish scenario: Microplastics are now in Earth's atmospheric systems. A study of 11 protected areas in the western US revealed that over 1,000 metric tons of microplastic particles fell in those locations each year. That's the equivalent of over 120 million plastic water bottles. Given that they have infiltrated fundamental atmospheric processes, microplastics are likely falling in the form of plastic rain all across the world. Read about the startling discovery, plus more of the best WIRED stories from this month a year ago, below.   Plastic Rain Is the New Acid Rain Researchers find that over 1,000 metric tons of microplastic fall on 11 protected areas in the US annually, equivalent to over 120 million plastic water bottles. The Best Stories From This Month, Last Year Facebook Groups Are Destroying America They're built for privacy and community—and that's what makes them dangerous. How to Make Government Trustworthy Again Why have some Asian countries controlled their outbreaks so well? It's because authorities have earned their citizens' confidence. Who Discovered the First Vaccine? As the world scrambles to develop an inoculation against Covid-19, it's worth understanding the early, extraordinary history of the technique. The Musk of Romance Like her brother Elon, Tosca Musk is a revolutionary—in the steamy, softcore genre of romance movies. How Surveillance Has Always Reinforced Racism Sociologist and author Simone Browne connects the dots between modern marketing and the branding of slaves. Archaeologists Discover the Largest, Oldest Maya Monument Yet The structure, believed to have served as a ceremonial center 3,000 years ago, was discovered in Tabasco, Mexico. GET WIRED Stare the future right in the eye. Get 1 year of unlimited access to WIRED for less than $1 per month. Plus, get a free tote! Subscribe now.     This e-mail was sent to you by WIRED. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, wired@newsletters.wired.com, to your address book.   View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe or manage your newsletter subscriptions   Copyright © Condé Nast 2021. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.