Science

After helping prevent extinctions for 50 years, the Endangered Species Act itself may be at risk

Opposition has grown from industry and landowner groups who say it hampers economic growth and property rights. Supporters are fighting back, saying the law is more important than ever.

Winter waves off of California are getting higher as the climate changes, research finds

By Julie Watson, Associated Press

The research shows average winter wave heights have grown by as much as a foot since 1970, when global warming is believed to have started accelerating.

Climate change is hitting close to home for nearly 2 out of 3 Americans, poll finds

By Bella Isaacs-Thomas

Despite longstanding political polarization on the issue, experts say there's still room to find common ground.

New species of ancient whale found in Peru may be heaviest animal ever, scientists say

By Maddie Burakoff, Associated Press

A new species of ancient whale might be the heaviest animal ever found. Scientists reported Wednesday that the creature could challenge the blue whale's title as the heaviest animal to live on Earth.

Massive wildfire threatens iconic Joshua trees despite progress taming the flames

By Ty O'Neil, Stefanie Dazio, Rio Yamat, Associated Press

Firefighters aided by rain fought to contain a massive blaze that swept through the California desert into Nevada and are threatening the region's famous spiky trees.

Beijing records heaviest rainfall in 140 years, severe flooding and 21 deaths

By Andy Wong, Huizhong Wu, Associated Press

China's capital has recorded its heaviest rainfall in at least 140 years over the past few days.

80 percent of humans on Earth had hotter July due to climate change, scientists find

By Seth Borenstein, Associated Press

A new quick study finds that human-caused global warming made July hotter for four out of five people on Earth.

Who was Henrietta Lacks? Here's how HeLa cells became essential to medical research

By Ivan Martinez, The Conversation

On Aug. 1, 2023, over 70 years after doctors took Lacks’ cells without her consent or knowledge, her family reached a settlement with biotech company Thermo Fisher.

Blue blood from horseshoe crabs is needed for medicine, but a declining bird species relies on the crabs to eat

By Patrick Whittle, Associated Press

The animals are drained of some of their blood and returned to the environment, yet some inevitably die. Regulators say recent revisions to the guidelines for handling the animals should keep more alive through the process.