Science

Quasar with black hole at its center may be brightest object in the universe, astronomers say

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

This distant quasar shines 500 trillion times brighter than our sun, and its black hole is more than 17 billion times more immense than our sun.

How a new space race could be harming the Earth's atmosphere

By John Yang, Harry Zahn

According to data from the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, 2023 was a record year for launching satellites, probes, landers and more into space. But scientists worry those plumes of exhaust trailing behind rockets could be scattering harmful…

Continue watching

Japan successfully sends new H3 rocket into orbit in key test after last year's failed debut

By Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press

Japan's flagship H3 rocket reached orbit and released two small observation satellites in a key second test following a failed debut launch last year, buoying hope for the country in the global space race.

Tech giants sign voluntary accord to combat election deepfakes generated with AI

By Matt O'Brien, Ali Swenson, Associated Press

The accord is largely symbolic, but targets increasingly realistic AI-generated images, audio and video "that deceptively fake or alter the appearance, voice, or actions of political candidates, election officials, and other key stakeholders in a democratic election.”…

How winter weather can affect your drinking water

By Hannah Grabenstein

Boil water advisories are common in the U.S. and rarely a cause for concern, but they aren’t necessarily straightforward. Here's why cities might instruct residents to boil water, how to keep your drinking water safe, and why climate change might…

Analysis from Japan's lunar spacecraft could shed light on moon's origin

By Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press

A Japan space agency official says an unmanned spacecraft that landed on the moon last month has captured and transmitted data analyzing 10 lunar rocks, a greater-than-expected achievement.

Landmark report details how human activities can disrupt animal migrations

By Bella Isaacs-Thomas

Habitat destruction, pollution, unsustainable hunting and fishing, and climate change are among the ways people are disrupting routes migratory species traverse each year, pushing some to the brink of extinction.

These pansies are evolving to rely less on pollinators. Here's why that may spell trouble

By Bella Isaacs-Thomas

Pollinator populations have plummeted across the globe. In their absence, research has shown that flowering plants can evolve to rely more heavily on themselves to reproduce.

PHOTOS: Icelandic volcano begins erupting again, spewing lava and cutting off heat and hot water

By Marco Di Marco, Associated Press

A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted Thursday for the third time since December, sending jets of lava into the sky.

Southern Californians recount harrowing mudslides during record-breaking winter storm

By Damian Dovarganes, Richard Vogel, Stefanie Dazio, Associated Press

A storm that parked itself over Southern California for days, unleashing historic downpours that caused hundreds of landslides, is moving out of the region after a final drenching.