Dec 31 A look at the top science stories and breakthroughs of 2023 By Nicola Jones, Knowable Magazine From good news to bad, from novel vaccines to insect invaders, this year left us with much to ponder. Knowable Magazine presents 12 newsworthy developments from 2023. Continue reading
Dec 27 Architects of the Endangered Species Act reflect on 50th anniversary of groundbreaking measure By Travis Loller, Associated Press The Act was so sweeping that, in retrospect, it was bound to become controversial, especially since it allowed species to be listed as endangered without consideration for the economic consequences. Continue reading
Dec 23 Watch 5:40 What sustainable aviation fuel means for the future of airline emissions By Ali Rogin, Winston Wilde Studies estimate that air travel accounts for about 4 percent of human-induced climate change, and the UN warns that airplane emissions will triple by 2050. The aviation industry’s quest to cut emissions recently took a step forward with the world’s… Continue watching
Dec 23 Analysis: How decorative glitter contributes to microplastic pollution By Kamran Mahroof, The Conversation Five reasons experts advise avoiding glitter, even on holiday cards or baubles. Continue reading
Dec 21 International astronaut to join future NASA moon landing mission By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press NASA has included international astronauts on trips to space for decades. A Canadian has been selected to fly around the moon a year or so from now with three U.S. astronauts. Continue reading
Dec 19 Biden administration moves to protect old-growth forests as climate change brings fires and pests By Matthew Brown, Associated Press The Biden administration is moving to conserve old-growth forests on national forests and limit logging as climate change amplifies the threats they face from wildfires, insects and disease. Continue reading
Dec 19 WATCH: Lava flows from erupting Fagradalsfjall volcano in southwestern Iceland By David Keyton, Marco Di Marco, Associated Press A volcano has erupted in southwestern Iceland, sending a flash of light into the evening sky and spewing semi-molten rock into the air in a spectacular show of the Earth's power in the land known for fire and ice. Continue reading
Dec 17 How light pollution can imperil migrating birds by luring them into cities By Carolyn S. Burt, Kyle Horton, The Conversation Migrating birds need stopover locations en route where they can rest and feed. A new study shows that artificial light draws them away from sites they would normally use and into risky zones. Continue reading
Dec 11 Watch 8:14 How physicians are preparing for climate change and extreme heat's impact on human health By William Brangham and Caleb Hellerman, Global Health Reporting Center As the U.N. climate conference nears its end, there's concern over whether countries can or will meet prior pledges to hold down global temperatures. If temperatures continue to climb, the impact on health could be profound and some doctors say… Continue watching
Dec 11 Asteroid to temporarily obscure Betelgeuse star in unique eclipse By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press The rare event will occur late Monday into early Tuesday. Weather permitting, it should be visible to millions of people along a narrow path stretching from central Asia and southern Europe to parts of Florida and Mexico. Continue reading