Everything Is Unprecedented. Welcome To Your Hotter Earth
Hurricanes, wildfires, heat waves and disease outbreaks are all a preview of our hotter future. Dramatically cutting greenhouse gas emissions would help.
Science
Millions Of Pounds Of Extra Pollution Were Released Before Hurricane Laura's Landfall
Hurricane Laura hit an area known for its refineries and chemical plants. They released millions of pounds of air pollution when they shut down, and many air monitors are not functioning.
What A Nasal Spray Vaccine Against COVID-19 Might Do Even Better Than A Shot
A vaccine against the coronavirus needs to keep people from getting very sick and dying. But preventing the spread of the disease is also important, and vaccines delivered by nasal spray may do that.
How Many Coronavirus Cases Are Happening In Schools? This Tracker Keeps Count
Alisha Morris, a Kansas theater teacher, created a database of COVID-19 cases in schools. Now maintained by the National Education Association, it shares data that some schools prefer to keep quiet.
Poor Neighborhoods Feel Brunt Of Rising Heat. Cities Are Mapping Them To Bring Relief
In 13 U.S. cities this summer, volunteers are capturing detailed measurements that will include the heat index people experience. Cities will use the new heat maps to help cool the hottest spots.
Historic Gulf Coast Hurricanes: How Does Laura Compare?
Hurricane Laura has been described as one of the most powerful storms to hit the Gulf Coast in decades. We take a look at other infamous storms to strike the region.
'Racial Inequality May Be As Deadly As COVID-19,' Analysis Finds
A century of U.S. statistics finds mortality rates and life expectancy were much worse for Black Americans during pre-pandemic years than they have been for white people during the COVID-19 crisis.
Water, Water, Every Where — And Now Scientists Know Where It Came From
Some unusual meteorites suggest that Earth got its water at its start, rather than forming dry and being watered by comets later on.
Where Did Earth's Water Come From?
Scientists have long debated whether the Earth's water was here when the planet formed or whether it arrived later. A study suggests much of the water originated in rocks from which Earth is built.
COVID-19 Vaccine May Pit Science Against Politics
New vaccines usually take years to get the approval of the Food and Drug Administration. But the Trump administration suggests the FDA may greenlight a coronavirus vaccine by the end of the year.