Science

U.S. lets autonomous vehicle bypass human-driver safety rules

By Tom Krisher, Associated Press

For the first time, the U.S. government has approved a company's request to deploy a self-driving vehicle that doesn't meet safety standards that apply to cars and trucks driven by humans.

Factory farms provide abundant food, but environment suffers

By John Flesher, Associated Press

An industry once based on small, independent farms is evolving into large operations housing thousands of animals under one roof. The change is helping make beef, poultry and pork more affordable. But animal waste from the mega-farms has fouled waters.

NASA’s record-setting Koch returns safely from space

By Vladimir Isachenkov, Associated Press

Christina Koch wrapped up a 328-day mission on her first flight into space, providing researchers the opportunity to observe the effects of long-duration spaceflight on a woman.

YouTube, Venmo demand AI firm stop taking facial data from sites

By Matt O'Brien, Associated Press

The companies have been sending cease-and-desist letters to New York-based Clearview AI, which works with law enforcement agencies.

Australian bushfires prompt conversation about land management practices

By Miles O'Brien

Bushfires are still burning in parts of Australia. So far this season, they have claimed the lives of more than 30 people and destroyed tens of millions of acres of land. The ensuing toll on forest and wildlife has prompted…

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Scientists dive into ‘Midnight Zone’ to study dark ocean

By James Brooks, Associated Press

A team of scientists is preparing to dive deep into the depths of the Indian Ocean into a “Midnight Zone” where light barely reaches, but life still thrives.

‘King tides’ documented globally show risks of climate change

By Gillian Flaccus, Associated Press

Volunteers from New Zealand to the United States are helping scientists document what will happen to coastal communities as climate change melts the polar ice caps and sea levels rise.

As forests burn around the world, drinking water is at risk

By Tammy Webber

Australia's wildfires have illuminated a growing global concern over water quality. That's because forests, grasslands and other natural areas that supply drinking water to millions of people are increasingly vulnerable to fire in a hotter, drier world.

How China’s novel coronavirus outbreak is disrupting the global supply chain

The spread of novel coronavirus in China has focused great attention on public health in that country and around the world. But the outbreak is also having a major economic impact, with quarantines imposed, flights suspended and factories shuttered. William…

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BP oil spill cash rebuilds eroded Louisiana pelican island

By Janet McConnaughey, Associated Press

A Louisiana island that provides critical nesting habitat for pelicans and other seabirds is being restored to nearly its former size after decades of erosion and a crippling 2010 oil spill.