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Science

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


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131 million in U.S. live in areas with unhealthy pollution levels, lung association finds

The report also found that people in the United States experienced more “very unhealthy” or “hazardous” air quality days than any time in the survey’s history. 
Image: People walk in Central Park as smoke from wildfires in Canada cause hazy conditions in New York on June 7, 2023.
Image: People walk in Central Park as smoke from wildfires in Canada cause hazy conditions in New York on June 7, 2023.

New tools from NOAA and CDC show people their risk from heat as another hot summer looms

The tools are part of a broader initiative to prepare the U.S. for extreme heat, following the planet's warmest year on record.
Giselle Berastegui and her brother Tony drink water in Phoenix during a heat wave
Giselle Berastegui and her brother Tony drink water in Phoenix during a heat wave

Europe is the fastest-warming continent, at nearly twice the average rate, report says

The latest 5-year averages show that temperatures in Europe are running 2.3 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, compared to 1.3 degrees higher globally.
Heat wave in Spain's Galicia Region
Heat wave in Spain's Galicia Region

Biden is marking Earth Day by announcing $7 billion in federal solar power grants

Bidenis working to energize young voters for his re-election campaign.
Nicholas Hartnett, owner of Pure Power Solar, carries a panel as he and Brian Hoeppner install a solar array on the roof of a home in Frankfort, Ky., on July 17, 2023.
Nicholas Hartnett, owner of Pure Power Solar, carries a panel as he and Brian Hoeppner install a solar array on the roof of a home in Frankfort, Ky., on July 17, 2023.

Tall flowers, dead shrubs, ephemeral lake: Death Valley has become a picture of climate whiplash

After ping-ponging between severe drought and record rainfall, the famed California desert is offering up strange scenes.
Wildflowers bloom in Panamint Springs in Death Valley National Park on Nov. 10, 2023.
Wildflowers bloom in Panamint Springs in Death Valley National Park on Nov. 10, 2023.

Scientists push new paradigm of animal consciousness, saying even insects may be sentient

Far more animals than previously thought likely have consciousness, top scientists say in a new declaration — including fish, lobsters and octopus.
Tropical Fish
Tropical Fish

Dubai clears up after epic rains swamp glitzy desert city

The rains were the heaviest experienced by the Gulf state in the 75 years that records have been kept. They brought much of the country to a standstill and caused significant damage.
Image: Dubai Cleans Up After Heavy Rains And Flooding
Image: Dubai Cleans Up After Heavy Rains And Flooding
9d ago

Tsunami alert issued after volcano erupts in Indonesia, with thousands told to evacuate

The Ruang volcano has had at least five large eruptions in the last 24 hours.
Mount Ruang spews hot lava and smoke
Mount Ruang spews hot lava and smoke

UAE government says cloud seeding didn’t take place before Dubai floods

The National Center of Meteorology in the United Arab Emirates said it tracked the recent storm but didn't target any clouds for seeding ahead of the heavy rains.
Aftermath following floods caused by heavy rains in Dubai
Aftermath following floods caused by heavy rains in Dubai
10d ago

Record floods hit Dubai after up to 10 inches of rain

Flights into Dubai International Airport were temporarily diverted as a result of the storms, which appeared to inundate the tarmac.
An SUV passes through standing flood water in Dubai
An SUV passes through standing flood water in Dubai
10d ago

Object that crashed into Florida home came from space station, NASA confirms

The 1.6-pound piece of debris tore through the roof and two floors of a house in Naples.
Recovered stanchion from the NASA flight support equipment used to mount International Space Station batteries on a cargo pallet. The stanchion survived re-entry through Earth’s atmosphere on March 8, 2024, and impacted a home in Naples, Fla.
Recovered stanchion from the NASA flight support equipment used to mount International Space Station batteries on a cargo pallet. The stanchion survived re-entry through Earth’s atmosphere on March 8, 2024, and impacted a home in Naples, Fla.

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