Science

Cats like to play fetch like dogs. The game is rooted in both species’ hunting instincts

By Mikel Delgado, Judith Stella, The Conversation

Many people have seen dogs fetch, but cats like to get into the game too. Despite their very different hunting and play styles, fetching appears to combine elements of predatory and social behavior for both species.

Boeing Starliner returns to Earth without anyone aboard, leaving crew at space station

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

Six hours after departing the International Space Station, Starliner parachuted into New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range, descending on autopilot through the desert darkness.

The hottest summer on record could lead to our warmest year ever measured. Again.

By Seth Borenstein, Associated Press

Summer 2024 sweltered to Earth's hottest on record, making it even more likely that this year will end up as the warmest humanity has measured, European climate service Copernicus reported Friday.

The world is producing 57 million tons of plastic pollution per year, new study finds

By Seth Borenstein, Associated Press

Researchers say the world creates 57 million tons of plastic pollution every year — enough to fill New York City’s Central Park as high as the Empire State Building — and spreads it from the deepest oceans to the highest…

After losing his sight, this scientist created a unique nature walk for the other senses

By Kori Suzuki, Carolyne Corelis, KPBS Public Media

In Southern California's Tijuana River Estuary, a blind scientist is leading a tour that encourages visitors to experience nature a little differently. He introduces visitors to the native plants with an emphasis on the other four senses besides sight. This…

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Endless summer? Phoenix swelters in 100-plus degree temps for 100 straight days

By David Brandt, Associated Press

It doesn't look like a break is coming any time soon.

FAA grounds SpaceX after one of its rockets falls over in flames during landing

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

The Federal Aviation Administration grounded SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets and ordered an investigation following the predawn accident off the Florida coast. No injuries or public damage were reported.

Yes, corn can sweat. And it may be why hot Midwestern summers are getting more humid

By Melina Walling, Associated Press

Corn sweat is the process by which corn plants release moisture into the air to stay cool, and it brings the Midwest a surge in humidity every summer. Now, climate change and evolving agriculture are making the phenomenon even stickier.

Why NASA is turning to SpaceX to bring Boeing Starliner astronauts home

By Amna Nawaz, Azhar Merchant

NASA's initial launch with the Boeing Starliner capsule has not worked out well. The space agency announced this weekend it has finally decided the two astronauts stuck at the International Space Station will come back on a SpaceX Dragon capsule…

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A nova explosion may soon be visible in the night sky. Here’s where and when to look

By Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation

Keep an eye on the sky for the second half of 2024 and you might be able to witness a rare astronomical event. A space scientist explains how nova events work and where to look.