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Science

The latest science news, photos and videos covering space, the environment, human development and more.

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Wildfire-prone California will allow property insurers to factor future climate risks into pricing

Unlike other states, California does not let insurance companies consider future risks when deciding how much to charge for an insurance policy.
Woodbridge firefighter Joe Zurilgen passes a burning home as the Kincade Fire rages in Healdsburg, Calif.,
Woodbridge firefighter Joe Zurilgen passes a burning home as the Kincade Fire rages in Healdsburg, Calif.,
2d ago

NASA spacecraft delivering biggest sample yet from an asteroid

A NASA spacecraft will fly by Earth on Sunday and drop off what is expected to be at least a cupful of rubble it grabbed from the asteroid Bennu, closing out a seven-year quest.
The asteroid Bennu seen from the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft.
The asteroid Bennu seen from the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft.

California is engaged in the world’s largest dam removal project in hopes of letting nature rebound

A national push to "rewild" looks to restore natural environments that might help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Iron Gate Dam
Iron Gate Dam

The unexpected places where extreme weather threatens homeowners' pocketbooks

As climate disasters drive home insurers to exit markets, many Americans already face rising premiums and lowered home values. Tens of millions more could join them.
A car is stranded in Virginia Beach intersection after Hurricane Matthew
A car is stranded in Virginia Beach intersection after Hurricane Matthew

Wildfires are destroying decades of clean air efforts

Wildfire smoke made an imprint on pollution trends in three-quarters of all U.S. states, according to research published in the journal Nature.
GUNNISON, COLORADO - JULY 26: A plane drops retardant as smoke billows and flames rise from the Lowline fire on July 26, 2023 near Gunnison, Colorado. The US Forest Service said the fire was started by lightning and has forced evacuations in the area.
GUNNISON, COLORADO - JULY 26: A plane drops retardant as smoke billows and flames rise from the Lowline fire on July 26, 2023 near Gunnison, Colorado. The US Forest Service said the fire was started by lightning and has forced evacuations in the area.

Sponsor an ocean? Tiny island nation of Niue has a novel plan to protect its slice of the Pacific

Individuals or companies can pay $148 to protect 1 square kilometer of ocean from threats such as illegal fishing and plastic waste for a period of 20 years.
The coastline in Tamakautoga, Niue
The coastline in Tamakautoga, Niue

Northern lights put on a show across parts of Canada and U.S.

The auroras seen overnight Monday owed to an eruption known as a coronal mass ejection that occurred Saturday on the sun.
Northern lights seen from Chisago County, looking north across North Center Lake near Lindstrom.
Northern lights seen from Chisago County, looking north across North Center Lake near Lindstrom.

California lawsuit says oil giants deceived public on climate, seeks funds for storm damage

The American Petroleum Institute, an industry group also named in the lawsuit, said climate policy should be debated in Congress, not the courtroom.
Image: Exxon Mobil Oil Refinery Baton Rouge
Image: Exxon Mobil Oil Refinery Baton Rouge

Sea explorers make first detailed search of shipwrecks from Battle of Midway

The site is the final resting place for hundreds of sailors on both sides of the conflict.
USS Yorktown lists heavily to port after being struck by bombs and torpedoes during the Battle of Midway in June 1942.
USS Yorktown lists heavily to port after being struck by bombs and torpedoes during the Battle of Midway in June 1942.

Days and days and days of heat, from the people who lived it

In the U.S., a slew of heat records have been toppled this summer. Some places saw temperatures exceed 110F for weeks on end.
Photo illustration of a man pouring a gallon of water over his head and a melting sun.
Photo illustration of a man pouring a gallon of water over his head and a melting sun.

NASA releases report on UFOs and says more science and less stigma are needed to understand them

In its 33-page report, an independent team commissioned by NASA cautioned that the negative perception surrounding UFOs poses an obstacle to collecting data.
Bill Nelson speaks at the NASA Headquarters
Bill Nelson speaks at the NASA Headquarters