Basic Research

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.

Fears rise over Japan's upcoming release of Fukushima nuclear wastewater

By Rebecca Bundhun

Japan could soon start releasing treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean. They’re running out of space to store the radiation-tainted water at the plant, which was damaged by the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, but…

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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.

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.

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.