Science

Russia's daily COVID-19 deaths top 1,000 for first time

By Jim Heintz, Associated Press

Russia’s daily death toll from COVID-19 has exceeded 1,000 for the first time as the country faces a sustained wave of rising infections.

White House targets economic risks from climate change

By Josh Boak, Associated Press

The actions being recommended by the Biden administration reflect a significant shift in the broader discussion about climate change, suggesting that the nation must prepare for the costs that families, investors and governments will bear.

NASA set to launch a robot to explore asteroids near Jupiter

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

A plaque attached to the spacecraft includes lines from songs the Beatles wrote, along with quotes from other luminaries. From a John Lennon single: We all shine on . . . like the moon and the stars and the sun.

FDA panel endorses lower-dose Moderna COVID shot for booster

By Lauran Neergaard, Matthew Perrone, Associated Press

U.S. health advisors said Thursday that some Americans who received Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine should get a half-dose booster to bolster protection against the virus.

'You can't just hold your breath.' Toxic smoke, fueled by wildfires, chokes California

By Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado

A new analysis of air quality in the United States clears up just how far smoke from wildfires burning in the western part of the nation can travel, as the fires continue to pose significant health risks to nearby communities.

Energy agency urges bigger global push to cut emissions

By David McHugh, Associated Press

The International Energy Agency is urging governments to make stronger commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions at an upcoming U.N. climate summit.

FDA authorizes first e-cigarette, cites benefit for smokers

By Matthew Perrone, Associated Press

For the first time, U.S. health officials have authorized an electronic cigarette, saying the R.J. Reynolds vaping device can benefit adult smokers.

WATCH: William Shatner goes to space on Blue Origin rocket

By Marcia Dunn, Rick Taber, Associated Press

Shatner became the oldest person in space, eclipsing the previous record — set by a passenger on a similar jaunt on a Bezos spaceship in July — by eight years. The flight included about three minutes of weightlessness and a…

German companies urge next government to step up on climate

By Frank Jordans, Associated Press

Dozens of large German companies have urged the country's next government to put in place ambitious policies to meet the goals of the 2015 Paris climate accord.

Scientists urge speedy switch to renewables in Middle East

By Menelaos Hadjicostis, Associated Press

A scientist at the Cyprus Institute's Climate and Atmosphere Research Center said that although this "can't happen overnight," governments have to make the switch within the next two decades to avert potentially "irreversible effects" such as desertification.