Science

Halted rocket test could stall NASA moon shot, redo possible

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

The space agency had aimed to launch its new rocket and an empty Orion capsule by the end of the year, with the capsule flying past the moon and back.

Israel trades Pfizer vaccine doses for medical data

By Ilan Ben Zion, Associated Press

Israel has struck a deal with Pfizer, promising to share vast troves of medical data with the international drug giant in exchange for the continued flow of its hard-to-get vaccine.

Fossil fuel firms need to curb climate gas leaks, Watchdog says

By Associated Press

The International Energy Agency says oil and gas companies aren’t doing enough to reduce the release of methane, a potent source of planet-heating emissions.

Biden picks geneticist as science adviser, elevates position to Cabinet

By Seth Borenstein, Associated Press

Lander was one of the leaders in mapping the human genome. This is the first time a president's science adviser will serve on the Cabinet and Lander will be the first life scientist in the post.

Blue Origin launches capsule to space with astronaut perks

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

A spokeswoman says the company is getting close to flying passengers, but did not say when that might occur.

Mars digger bites the dust after 2 years on red planet

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

Scientists in Germany spent two years trying to get their heat probe deep into the Martian crust. But the device on NASA's InSight lander couldn't gain enough friction in the clumpy red dirt to hammer down.

At-home COVID test availability is growing. Can it help turn the tide?

By Fedor Kossakovski

At-home testing aims to solve some of the hurdles that have hindered efforts in the U.S., but not all tests are equal nor are they all useful for the same situations.

Recovered Midwestern bird soars off endangered species list

By John Flesher, Associated Press

Federal officials said Tuesday that 35 years of legal protection and habitat restoration efforts had brought the tern back from the brink of extinction.

50 countries vow to protect 30 percent of land and sea by 2030

By Sylvie Corbet, Associated Press

At least 50 countries have committed to protect 30 percent of the planet, including land and sea, over the decade in efforts to halt species extinction and address climate change issues.

WHO experts arriving in China Thursday for coronavirus origins probe

By Associated Press

China says a group of experts from the World Health Organization is due to arrive Thursday for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.