Latest Science News

European Space Agency adds 5 new astronauts in only fourth class since 1978. Over 20,000 applied

Apr. 23, 2024 08:05 AM EDT

COLOGNE, Germany (AP) — For the past year, five fit, academically superior men and women have been spun in centrifuges, submerged for hours, deprived temporarily of oxygen, taught to camp in the snow, and schooled in physiology, anatomy, astronomy, meteorology, robotics, and Russian. ...

US advances review of Nevada lithium mine amid concerns over endangered wildflower

Apr. 23, 2024 00:07 AM EDT

RENO, Nev. (AP) — The Biden administration has taken a significant step in its expedited environmental review of what could become the third lithium mine in the U.S., amid anticipated legal challenges from conservationists over the threat they say it poses to an endangered Nevada wildflower. ...

In Vietnam, farmers reduce methane emissions by changing how they grow rice

Apr. 22, 2024 22:16 PM EDT

LONG AN, Vietnam (AP) — There is one thing that distinguishes 60-year-old Vo Van Van’s rice fields from a mosaic of thousands of other emerald fields across Long An province in southern Vietnam’s Mekong Delta: It isn’t entirely flooded. That and the giant drone, its wingspan...

When red-hot isn't enough: New government heat risk tool sets magenta as most dangerous level

Apr. 22, 2024 16:29 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Forget about red hot. A new color-coded heat warning system relies on magenta to alert Americans to the most dangerous conditions they may see this summer. The National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday — Earth Day —...

Prehistoric lake sturgeon is not endangered, US says despite calls from conservationists

Apr. 22, 2024 10:04 AM EDT

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Lake sturgeon don't need Endangered Species Act protections, federal wildlife officials announced Monday, saying that stocking programs have helped the prehistoric fish return to areas where they had vanished. The decision ends the Arizona-based Center of...

Next UN climate talks are critical to plot aid for poorer nations, says incoming president

Apr. 19, 2024 13:44 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The man who will run United Nations climate talks this November views the negotiations as a key link in international efforts to curb global warming. The conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, must build on last year's successful agreement to transition away from fossil...

Indonesians leave homes near erupting volcano and airport closes due to ash danger

Apr. 19, 2024 02:26 AM EDT

MANADO, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian authorities closed an airport and residents left homes near an erupting volcano Thursday due to the dangers of spreading ash, falling rocks, hot volcanic clouds and the possibility of a tsunami. Mount Ruang on the northern side of Sulawesi Island...

UN approves an updated cholera vaccine that could help fight a surge in cases

Apr. 18, 2024 23:59 PM EDT

The World Health Organization has approved a version of a widely used cholera vaccine that could help address a surge in cases that has depleted the global vaccine stockpile and left poorer countries scrambling to contain epidemics. WHO authorized the vaccine, made by EuBiologics,...

This ancient snake in India might have been longer than a school bus and weighed a ton

Apr. 18, 2024 17:15 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — A ancient giant snake in India might have been longer than a school bus and weighed a ton, researchers reported Thursday. Fossils found near a coal mine revealed a snake that stretched an estimated 36 feet (11 meters) to 50 feet (15 meters). It's comparable to the...

The Lyrid meteor shower peaks this weekend, but it may be hard to see it

Apr. 18, 2024 09:31 AM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Lyrid meteor shower is underway. But with a nearly full moon in the sky during the peak, it might be tough to see clearly. The Lyrids occur every year in mid-to-late April. This year's peak activity happens Sunday into Monday, with 10 to 20 meteors expected...