Basic Research

UN chief warns of 'point of no return' on climate change

By Aritz Parra, Frank Jordans, Associated Press

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Sunday that the world’s efforts to stop climate change have been “utterly inadequate” so far and there is a danger global warming could pass the “point of no return.”…

Sumatran rhino extinct in Malaysia as lone survivor dies

By Associated Press

The Sumatran rhinoceros has become extinct in Malaysia, after the last of the species in the country succumbed to cancer on Saturday.

Emperor Penguins could march to extinction if nations fail to halt climate change

By Stephanie Jenouvrier, The Conversation

Emperor Penguins could virtually disappear by the year 2100 due to loss of Antarctic sea ice. But a new study shows a more aggressive global climate policy can halt the penguins’ march to extinction.

WATCH: Mercury parades between Earth and the sun

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

The solar system's smallest, innermost planet will resemble a tiny black dot Monday. The rare celestial show begins at 7:35 a.m. EST.

Genetic genealogy can help solve cold cases. It can also accuse the wrong person.

By Nsikan Akpan

For law enforcement, the case for using genetic genealogy is strong. But it's not foolproof.

California wildfires signal the arrival of a planetary fire age

By Stephen Pyne

The Earth may be entering an era in which natural and human-generated fire together are reshaping the planet.

Cradle of modern human life found in Botswana...maybe

By Nsikan Akpan

The motherland of all motherlands has been genetically pinpointed in northern Botswana, but is it truly the source of modern humans?…

How more organic farming could worsen global warming

By Courtney Vinopal

Organic agriculture is billed as better for the environment, but a wholesale shift to this farming practice could increase net greenhouse gas emissions, a new study reports.

WATCH: NASA conducts 1st all-female spacewalk

As NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir completed the job with wrenches, screwdrivers and power-grip tools, it marked the first time in a half-century of spacewalking that men weren't part of the action.

Scientists discover big storms can create 'stormquakes'

By Seth Borenstein, Associated Press

A stormquake is more an oddity than something that can hurt you, because no one is standing on the sea floor during a hurricane, said Wenyuan Fan, a Florida State University seismologist who was the study's lead author.