Science

U.S. now averaging 100,000 new COVID-19 infections a day

By Terry Spencer, Associated Press

The U.S. is now averaging 100,000 new COVID-19 infections a day, returning to a milestone last seen during the winter surge in another bleak reminder of how quickly the delta variant has spread through the country.

Fires rampage through forests in Greece; thousands evacuated

By Elena Becatoros, Associated Press

Wildfires rampaged through Greek forests for yet another day Saturday, threatening homes and triggering more evacuations a day after hundreds of people were plucked off beaches by ferries in a dramatic overnight rescue.

Farmworkers are dying in extreme heat. Few standards exist to protect them

By Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado, Chloe Jones

Farmworkers in the United States facing mounting threats as temperatures rise with climate change, but they have little protection.

The not-so-hidden physics of your favorite Olympic event

By Isabella Isaacs-Thomas

Here’s a crash course on how to see the laws of physics in action when you're watching your favorite Olympic sport.

This year’s summer of climate extremes hits wealthier places

By Seth Borenstein, Frank Jordans, Associated Press

The founder of a disaster database maintained at a Belgian University says, "It is not only a poor country problem, it's now very obviously a rich country problem."…

Nursing home operator tells workers to get vaccine or lose their jobs

By Bernard Condon, Matt Sedensky, Associated Press

The industry has largely rejected compulsory measures for fear of triggering an employee exodus that could worsen already dangerous staffing shortages.

The race for electric vehicle parts leads to risky deep-ocean mining

By Tatiana Schlossberg, Yale Environment 360

The electric vehicle boom is driving a surge in demand for prized metals needed for batteries and other components. Some companies say the solution lies in mining the deep oceans, but scientists say that could irreversibly damage a vast, largely…

Head of U.N. health agency seeks vaccine booster moratorium

By Jamey Keaten, Associated Press

WHO officials say the science is unproven about whether giving booster shots to people who have already received two vaccine doses is effective in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

California may spend billions on permanent relief shelters as sweltering heat blankets the state

By Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado

As millions of Americans across the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast are under heat advisories, extreme weather and its sometimes fatal implications are raising questions about whether infrastructure could help provide some relief. …

Evacuations lifted as progress made against western fires

By Associated Press

Firefighters in Oregon reported good progress in the battle against the nation’s largest wildfire, while authorities canceled evacuation orders near a major blaze in Northern California.