Science

New documentary details how governments use spyware to monitor citizens’ phones

By John Yang, Harry Zahn, Juliet Fuisz

This past week, the White House detailed the scope of a massive Chinese hacking campaign that reaped information from American cell phone networks. But an HBO original documentary, “Surveilled,” says some governments use commercial spyware to monitor their own citizens.

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Worried about the sugar in your cranberry sauce? A food scientist shares how to cook with fewer added sweeteners

By Rosemary Trout, The Conversation

Lots of the healthy raw ingredients used in holiday foods can end up overshadowed by sugar and starch, but with a few science-backed culinary tricks, you can make a delicious cranberry dish that’s Type 1 diabetes-friendly.

How a new fungi study could affect how we think about cognition

By Vivian Hoang

A species of wood-eating fungus didn’t need a brain to pass a cognitive test with flying colors, and researchers say this first-of-its-kind discovery could have broader implications.

WATCH: Icelandic volcano erupts for 7th time in a year

By David Keyton, Associated Press

Iceland, which sits above a volcanic hot spot in the North Atlantic, averages one eruption every four to five years.

When a bomb cyclone meets an atmospheric river, the result is like an out-of-control fire hose

By Chad Hecht, The Conversation

A powerful storm hitting the West Coast combines these weather phenomena for a wet week in many areas. But forecasting exactly which areas will get hit hardest is tough, as a meteorologist explains.

New study finds climate change is increasing the power of hurricanes

By Seth Borenstein, Associated Press

A new study says human-caused climate change made Atlantic hurricanes about 18 mph stronger in the last six years.

SpaceX launches Starship rocket, but abandons attempt to catch booster at launch site

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

Minutes after liftoff, mission managers called off catching the first-stage booster for unspecified reasons.

A ‘bomb cyclone’ is bearing down on the West Coast. Here’s what that means

By Patrick Whittle, Associated Press

A bomb cyclone is the rapid intensification of a cyclone in a short period of time, and it can happen during powerful storms such as the one northern California and the Pacific Northwest are preparing for this week.

‘Cut the theatrics.’ Climate negotiators urged to get down to business at COP29 in Baku

By Sibi Arasu, Melina Walling, Seth Borenstein, Associated Press

United Nations climate talks resumed Monday with negotiators urged to make progress on a stalled-out deal that could see developing countries get more money to spend on clean energy and adapting to climate-charged weather extremes.

PHOTOS: New Delhi chokes on air pollution 50 times the safe limit

By Manish Swarup, Rishi Lekhi, Associated Press

Authorities in India’s capital shut schools, halted construction and banned non-essential trucks from entering the city on Monday after air pollution shot up to its worst level this season.