Right whale population grows 4% but extinction remains a threat

BOOTHBAY HARBOR, Maine (AP) — One of the rarest species of whale in the world has increased slightly in population, encouraging conservationists to call on the federal government and the shipping and fishing industries to do more to bring the giant animals back from the brink of extinction. ...

Scientists show how sperm and egg come together like a key in a lock

How a sperm and an egg fuse together has long been a mystery. New research by scientists in Austria provides tantalizing clues, showing fertilization works like a lock and key across the animal kingdom, from fish to people. “We discovered this mechanism that’s...

PHOTO COLLECTION: Supermoon

La Nina could soon arrive. Here's what that means for winter weather

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center says there is a 60% chance that a weak La Nina event will develop this autumn and could last until March. La Nina is part of a natural climate cycle that can cause extreme weather across the planet —...

Moonlight may hamper views of the Orionid meteor shower, debris of Halley's comet

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Orionids — one of two annual meteor showers from Halley's comet — peak early Monday. A bright waning moon may make them difficult to spot. The Orionid meteor shower can be unpredictable. It shines like a fireworks display in some years, but is fairly slow...

Big Tech's energy needs mean nuclear power is getting a fresh look from electricity providers

NEW YORK (AP) — Nuclear power is garnering renewed attention amid growing demand for power and cleaner energy. The power source has seen a resurgence as nations focus on reducing emissions in an effort to combat climate change. At the same time, the technology sector's energy needs...

A brown dwarf discovered 30 years ago is actually twins circling each other

NEW YORK (AP) — A celestial object discovered decades ago is actually twins orbiting each other, a new study confirms. Scientists have puzzled over the object known as Gliese 229B, the first known brown dwarf discovered 30 years ago. Brown dwarfs are sometimes called failed stars...

October's supermoon pairs with a comet for a special nighttime spectacle

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — October's supermoon is the closest of the year and it's teaming up with a comet for a rare stargazing two-for-one. The third of four supermoons this year, it will be 222,055 miles (357,364 kilometers) away Wednesday night, making it seem even bigger and...

Missed out on the northern lights? Scientists expect more solar storms to produce auroras

NEW YORK (AP) — Expect to see more northern lights in unusual places as the sun continues to sizzle, space weather forecasters said Tuesday. Strong solar storms this year have triggered shimmering auroras much farther south than usual, filling skies with hues of pink, purple,...

Tubeworms, snails and other weird creatures found under the seafloor

NEW YORK (AP) — Scientists for the first time have uncovered an underworld of animal life thriving beneath the seafloor. An expedition to a volcanically active ridge in the Pacific off South America has revealed worms, snails, giant tubeworms and other strange creatures lurking...