Science

Scientists look for additional factors beyond climate change and El Nino in July heat wave

By Seth Borenstein, Associated Press

Researchers say by far the biggest cause of the recent extreme heat is human-caused climate change, with a smaller contribution from a natural El Nino. But some scientists are searching for an additional factor.

The race to rescue corals from a blistering marine heat wave

By Michael Childress, The Conversation

While corals can recover from mass bleaching events like this, long periods of high heat can leave them weak and vulnerable to disease that can ultimately kill them.

Millions struggle to pay AC bills amid increasing heat waves. Federal aid reaches only a fraction

By Jesse Bedayn, Associated Press

While President Joe Biden has invested billions into federal programs that subsidize the poorest Americans' energy costs, the help reaches only a fraction of the most vulnerable during the sweltering summer months.

New Zealand is partnering with BlackRock in aim to reach 100 percent renewable electricity

By Nick Perry, Associated Press

The government said it was helping BlackRock launch a $1.2 billion fund to ramp up investments in wind and solar generation, as well as battery storage.

For insects that glow, artificial light is killing the vibe

By Bella Isaacs-Thomas

Recent research shows how artificial light can disrupt courtship among glow-worms and fireflies that rely on bioluminescence to find mates.

Astronauts get first look at the Artemis II spacecraft that will fly them around the moon

By Associated Press

The U.S.-Canadian crew inspected the capsule during a visit to Kennedy Space Center late Monday and Tuesday. NASA plans to send the four around the moon and back late next year.

European scientists officially declare July as record-breaking hottest month ever recorded

By Seth Borenstein, Associated Press

Now that last month's sizzling numbers are all in, the European climate monitoring organization made it official: July 2023 was Earth's hottest month on record by a wide margin.

Moms lose more sleep than dads during the school year, researchers find

By Todd Jones, Benjamin Cowan, Jeff Swigert, The Conversation

Parents spend more time actively engaged with their kids – such as helping with homework or reading together – during the school year than during summer. But the difference is almost three times greater for moms than for dads.

Analysis: Why your home might feel hotter than the thermostat says, and tips for cooling it down

By Jonathan Bean, The Conversation

Thermostats don’t tell the whole truth about heat, particularly in older homes.

FDA approves first postpartum depression pill

By Matthew Perrone, Associated Press

The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug, called Zurzuvae, for adults experiencing severe depression related to childbirth or pregnancy. It's taken once a day for 14 days.