Science

As El Nino subsides, July ends 13-month streak of global heat records

By Alexa St. John, Associated Press

Human-caused climate change drives extreme weather events that are wreaking havoc around the globe, with several examples just in recent weeks, and experts warn against relief as El Nino winds down.

Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak early Monday. Here’s how to watch

By Christina Larson, Associated Press

The annual Perseid meteor shower, active since July, peaks before dawn Monday. It's one of the brightest and most easily viewed showers of the year, experts say.

Astronauts may switch from Boeing Starliner to SpaceX for a ride back to Earth, NASA says

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

Amid lingering uncertainty over the safety of Boeing’s new Starliner capsule, chances are increasing that what should have been a quick trip to the International Space Station may turn into an eight-month stay for two NASA astronauts if they have…

The Great Barrier Reef waters were the warmest in 400 years over the past decade, Australian study finds

By Suman Naishadham, Associated Press

The scientists warned that the reef likely won't survive if planetary warming isn't stopped.

LISTEN: NASA holds briefing after delaying SpaceX launch to solve Boeing Starliner crew troubles

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

Tuesday marks the two-month point at the space station for Starliner's two test pilots, who should have been back by mid-June.

Fossils suggest ancestors of Indonesian ‘hobbits’ were even shorter

By Adithi Ramakrishnan, Associated Press

Researchers have debated how the hobbits — named Homo floresiensis — evolved to be so small and where they fall in the human evolutionary story.

Why 2024’s destructive tornado season was one of the most active on record

By William Gallus, The Conversation

Spring 2024 was menacing for large parts of the United States, with a tornado nearly every day in May. A meteorologist explains what created the perfect conditions for these violent storms.

Scientists are piecing together the puzzle of long COVID. Here’s what to know

By Ziyad Al-Aly, The Conversation

A new study finds the risks of developing long COVID declined over the first two years of the pandemic. But unvaccinated adults were more than twice as likely to get long COVID compared with those who were vaccinated.

Blood test for colon cancer gets U.S. regulator approval

By Matthew Perrone, Associated Press

The test isn't a replacement for colonoscopies, but provides a noninvasive approach to screening.

Galapagos Islands and many unique creatures threatened by warming ocean waters

By Alie Skowronski, Associated Press

The warming from climate change in recent years has meant more pressure on the sea lions, marine iguanas and many other species of the Galapagos Islands.