Basic Research

NASA astronaut Frank Rubio breaks U.S. record for longest spaceflight

By Associated Press

NASA astronaut Frank Rubio now holds the record for the longest U.S. spaceflight. Rubio surpassed the U.S. record of 355 days on Monday at the International Space Station.

New report sheds light on environmental, financial costs of invasive species

By William Brangham, Andrew Corkery, Winston Wilde

Invasive species harm ecosystems around the world and cost the global economy $423 billion a year, according to a new report backed by the UN. A number of researchers believe that estimate may be just the tip of the iceberg.

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Climate scientist discusses this summer’s extreme weather and long-term trends

By William Brangham, Shoshana Dubnow, Jonah Anderson, Nana Adwoa Antwi-Boasiako

Extreme weather is hitting with catastrophic consequences. At least eight people died in Europe after severe storms, 31 people died from flooding in Brazil and more than 80 million Americans are living through blazing temperatures and yet another heat alert.

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The Great Salt Lake is rapidly shrinking and Utah has failed to stop it, a new lawsuit says

By Jesse Bedayn, Associated Press

Organizations including the Sierra Club and the Center for Biological Diversity say that upstream water has been diverted for decades to farmers growing alfalfa, hay and other crops, as well as new development and industry.

August caps deadly summer that broke global records for heat, meteorologists say

By Jamey Keaten, Seth Borenstein, Associated Press

The U.N. weather agency says Earth endured its hottest Northern Hemisphere summer ever measured with a record warm August capping a season of brutal and deadly temperatures.

Analysis: Why trash in space is a major problem with no clear fix

By Chris Impey, The Conversation

Treaties meant to ensure sustainability in space don’t currently regulate private companies, and not every country has signed on to an agreement for sustainable space exploration.

After successful moon landing, India launches a spacecraft to study the sun

By Ashok Sharma, Aijaz Hussain, Associated Press

India launched its first space mission to study the sun on Saturday, less than two weeks after a successful uncrewed landing near the south polar region of the moon.

Loch Ness monster search party uses new tools to look for an old cryptid

By Bella Isaacs-Thomas

The “quest” was the largest Loch Ness monster hunting expedition in half a century, according to the organizations that co-led the event.

PHOTOS: Blue supermoon beams around the world

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

The closest full moon of the year is dazzling stargazers on Wednesday night.

Native nations on front lines of climate change share knowledge and find support at intensive camps

By Hallie Golden, Associated Press

Tribes suffer some of the most severe impacts of climate change in the U.S. but often have the fewest resources to respond. This makes the intensive camps an important training ground and community-building space.