Warming oceans hit coral reefs with 4th massive bleaching event, NOAA says
Coral reefs around the globe are experiencing a massive bleaching event for the fourth time, turning them ghostly white, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, said Monday. The bleaching could impact global economies, ecosystems and livelihoods, according to…
Polish abortion opponents march against steps to liberalize strict law
WARSAW — Thousands of Polish opponents of abortion marched Sunday in Warsaw to protest recent steps by the new government to liberalize the predominantly Catholic nation’s strict laws and allow termination of pregnancy until the 12th week. Many participants in…
With bird flu spreading to more farm animals, are milk, eggs safe?
A bird flu outbreak in U.S. dairy cows has grown to affect more than two dozen herds in eight states, just weeks after the nation’s largest egg producer found the virus in its chickens. Health officials stress that the risk…
Study: Mexico produces tons of illicit fentanyl, can’t get enough for medical use
MEXICO CITY — A report released by the Mexican government Friday says the country is facing a dire shortage of fentanyl for medical use, even as Mexican cartels pump out tons of the illicit narcotic. The paradox was reported in…
Poliovirus resurgence sparks concerns in Pakistan
Islamabad — The recent detection of poliovirus in sewage water samples collected across 30 districts in Pakistan has reignited concerns about a potential surge in polio cases. Among those deeply troubled is Musal Khan, a polio survivor who navigates life…
Swarms of drones can be managed by a single person
The U.S. military says large groups of drones and ground robots can be managed by just one person without added stress to the operator. As VOA’s Julie Taboh reports, the technologies may be beneficial for civilian uses, too. VOA footage…
Scientists struggle to protect infant corals from hungry fish
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — South Florida researchers trying to prevent predatory fish from devouring laboratory-grown coral are grasping at biodegradable straws in an effort to restore what some call the rainforest of the sea. Scientists around the world have been…
UN climate chief warns humanity has 2 years ‘to save the world’
The head of the United Nations’ climate agency says humanity only has two years left “to save the world,” and is calling for dramatic changes to curb heat-trapping emissions and financial decisions that prioritize the climate. In comments Wednesday, U.N….
Biden administration imposes first-ever national drinking water limits on toxic PFAS
The Biden administration on Wednesday finalized strict limits on certain so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water that will require utilities to reduce them to the lowest level they can be reliably measured. Officials say this will reduce exposure for 100…
Peter Higgs, physicist who proposed the existence of the ‘God particle,’ dies at 94
LONDON — Nobel prize-winning physicist Peter Higgs, who proposed the existence of the so-called “God particle” that helped explain how matter formed after the Big Bang, has died at age 94, the University of Edinburgh said Tuesday. The university, where…