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Science

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


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2d ago

Mexican startup illegally selling health drink from endangered totoaba fish, groups say

Groups are concerned the company could be selling totoaba that is illegally caught in the wild, where gillnet fishing is also killing the endangered vaquita porpoise.
View of dried swim bladders of totoaba fish at a traditional medicine shop in Guangzhou, China
View of dried swim bladders of totoaba fish at a traditional medicine shop in Guangzhou, China

Why scientists aren't sold on an idea to pipe ocean water to the Great Salt Lake

A study found that a seawater pipeline would cost $300 million a year in electricity to operate, underscoring why engineering solutions to climate change face scrutiny.
People wade in the waters of the Great Salt Lake at Antelope Island near Syracuse, Utah
People wade in the waters of the Great Salt Lake at Antelope Island near Syracuse, Utah
4d ago

Rescues, 'wet' homes and landslides: Atmospheric river storms pound Pacific Northwest

The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, which tracks atmospheric river storms closely, forecast this event as a 4 on its scale to 5 based on its intensity and duration. 
Flood waters in Snohomish County on Dec. 5, 2023.
Flood waters in Snohomish County on Dec. 5, 2023.

What's causing severe respiratory illnesses in dogs?

Veterinarians say there could be a number of reasons for the uptick in cases of atypical canine respiratory disease, including declines in vaccination rates.
dog canine cute
dog canine cute
6d ago

U.S. and India strengthen cooperation around space exploration

The U.S. and India will jointly launch a new Earth observation satellite in the first quarter of 2024, and NASA will train an Indian astronaut for an upcoming mission to the International Space Station.
Bill Nelson with Rakesh Sharma in India.
Bill Nelson with Rakesh Sharma in India.

Fossil fuel fight takes center stage at the COP28 climate summit

A “phase out” commitment would likely require a shift away from fossil fuels until their use is eliminated, while a “phase down” could indicate a reduction in their use — but not an absolute end.
Haze obscures the Dubai skyline including Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building on Dec. 4, 2023. The United Arab Emirates is choking under "alarmingly high" air pollution levels fed by its fossil fuel industry, Human Rights Watch warned on December 4, as the oil-rich country hosts the UN's COP28 climate talks in Dubai.
Haze obscures the Dubai skyline including Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building on Dec. 4, 2023. The United Arab Emirates is choking under "alarmingly high" air pollution levels fed by its fossil fuel industry, Human Rights Watch warned on December 4, as the oil-rich country hosts the UN's COP28 climate talks in Dubai.

COP28 president sparks outcry after he claims there's 'no science' behind fossil fuel phase out

Sultan Al-Jaber was seen as a controversial choice to lead COP28 discussions in Dubai given that he also works as the head of the state-run Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.
COP28 president Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber
COP28 president Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber

Methane agreement reached at COP28 climate conference panned by some environmental groups

The pledge, back by 49 oil and gas companies, aims to dramatically reduce methane leaks to “near zero” by 2030. Methane is a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
Emissions rise an oil refinery in the U.S.
Emissions rise an oil refinery in the U.S.

Biden administration looks to 'turbocharge' climate action with methane leak rules

The finalized standards will force oil and gas companies to monitor and address leaks of methane, a particularly potent greenhouse gas.
The Valero Houston refinery on Aug. 28, 2023 in Texas.
The Valero Houston refinery on Aug. 28, 2023 in Texas.

Does your commute give you high blood pressure? It might be the traffic pollution

A new study provides some evidence that suggests sitting in traffic could help trigger medical conditions such as heart attacks and strokes, though more research is needed to establish clear links.
Vehicles travel on a road shrouded in smog during a sandstorm warning in Beijing on April 13, 2023.
Vehicles travel on a road shrouded in smog during a sandstorm warning in Beijing on April 13, 2023.

U.N. establishes fund for developing nations affected by climate change

The U.S. pledged $17.5 million, while the United Arab Emirates pledged $100 million and the European Union promised $225 million.
Image: A man walks past flags of nations participating in the UNFCCC COP28 Climate Conference
Image: A man walks past flags of nations participating in the UNFCCC COP28 Climate Conference