Latest Science News
US lowers cutoff for lead poisoning in young kids
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials have changed their definition of lead poisoning in young children — a move expected to more than double the number of kids with worrisome levels of the toxic metal in their blood. The more stringent standard announced Thursday by...
China offers few new climate targets ahead of UN conference
WASHINGTON (AP) — China is offering no significant new goals for reducing climate-changing emissions ahead of the UN climate summit set to start next week in Glasgow. China, the world's top emitter of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses that cause global...
Exxon CEO denies spreading disinformation on climate change
WASHINGTON (AP) — ExxonMobil’s chief executive said Thursday that his company “does not spread disinformation regarding climate change″ as he and other oil company chiefs countered congressional allegations the industry concealed evidence about the dangers of it. ...
Rhode Island test scores declined during pandemic
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island officials are blaming the pandemic for a steep drop in math and English language proficiency among the state's schoolchildren. Results from the Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System exam released Thursday show the percentage...
US companies announce plans for gene-edited strawberries
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho company that successfully brought genetically modified potatoes to the market announced an agreement Thursday to help a California-based plant breeding company grow strawberries they say will stay fresh longer and have a longer growing season. ...
Solar wing jammed on NASA spacecraft chasing asteroids
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA is debating whether to try to fix a jammed solar panel on its newly launched Lucy spacecraft, en route to explore an unprecedented number of asteroids. The problem cropped up shortly after the spacecraft's Oct. 16 liftoff on a 12-year...
Report: Dutch govt missing climate targets, must act faster
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch government must urgently take more action to rein in emissions of greenhouse gases, an independent advisory body said Thursday, warning that climate targets set by the government are currently “out of sight.” The report by the...
Study: 10 UNESCO forests emit more C02 than they soak up
GENEVA (AP) — Sites containing some of the world’s most treasured forests, including the Yosemite National Park and Indonesia's Sumatra rainforest, have been emitting more heat-trapping carbon dioxide than they have absorbed in recent years, a U.N.-backed report said. ...
Is it OK to go trick-or-treating during the pandemic?
NEW YORK (AP) — Is it OK to go trick-or-treating during the pandemic? It depends on the situation and your comfort level, but there are ways to minimize the risk of infection this Halloween. Whether you feel comfortable with your children...
'Thin' Pacific island teams at COP26 spark fears of inequity
NEW DELHI (AP) — Only four Pacific islands will be represented by their leaders at upcoming U.N. climate talks in Glasgow because of COVID-19 travel restrictions, with most island nations forced to send smaller teams. The development has sparked fears that the voices of...
