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In Pictures: Space photos of the day: Female Astronauts

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How a humongous garbage patch in the Pacific breeds new bugs (+video)

The great Pacific garbage patch has created a new breeding ground for a marine insect, which in turn is changing Pacific ecosystems.
Plants flowering much faster as global temperatures rise (+video)

Scientists have been underestimating the effects of climate change on plant growth, according to a recent study.
Global News Blog
Italy goes big to save Venice as it sinks into the sea

A multibillion-dollar flood-prevention system will be put in place starting next year, a decade after the project began.
Lesson in UCLA error: Make sure that acceptance letter is for real.

UCLA has already apologized for mistakenly notifying 894 wait-listed college seniors that they'd been admitted. It's not the first or worst such case, and it won't be the last, say experts.
Global warming began in oceans 135 years ago, suggests study

A study of temperature recordings from the 1870s suggests that the oceans began warming more than 100 years ago, much earlier than previously believed.
Why James Cameron was forced to surface early

James Cameron described the Mariana Trench as "very lunar, a very desolate place, very isolated.” His six hour trip was cut in half by hydraulic problems.
Unique hybrid deep sea creatures discovered off Costa Rica

Scientists found a pair of underwater environments where previously unknown hybrid creatures existed.
Rick Santorum sweater vest: 'What not to wear' or sleeveless genius?

Rick Santorum's sleeveless sweater vest has taken on a life of its own this week, even garnishing its own Twitter account. Candidates' sartorial choices many times take on special significance.
Elusive Higgs boson particle running out of hiding places

Today's announcement was highly anticipated by both the physics community and the public, with speculation running rampant in the days leading up to it that the elusive particle may have finally been found.
Higgs boson 'God particle' close to capture, scientists say

Scientists are closer to capturing the elusive Higgs boson 'God particle,' the missing piece of the governing theory of the universe's tiniest building blocks.
Uncanny Valley: Will we ever learn to live with artificial humans?

How Japan's AKB48 has created a new level of artificial human – and what it tells us about the infamous Uncanny Valley.
Despite a nearly complete absence of popular demand for such a product, engineers develop smell-o-vision

Even though almost nobody has ever actually wanted a television that can be programmed to emit odors, a team at the University of California, San Diego, has gone ahead and made one anyway.
Difference Maker
Naomi Oreskes: fierce defender of climate change science – and scientists

Naomi Oreskes has become a leading voice in defense of the science underlying global warming and the scientists who are researching it.
In Pictures: Space photos of the day: Female Astronauts
Why the South China Sea is turning more turbulent

A US-China military rivalry may be behind China's recent aggressiveness in the South China Sea. On Sunday, Vietnam claims China cut the underwater cables of one of its survey ships.
How much does US-China trade hurt American workers? Slowly, a clearer picture.

A study published earlier this year suggests that imports in US-China trade have had a significant negative impact not just on factory workers but also on their communities.
Gang arrests a blow to Mexican cartels' reach north of the border

Project Southern Tempest netted 678 gang members connected to international drug syndicates. It's a sign that the US is trying to help in the war against Mexican cartels.
Jerry Brown's State of the State: Whom does he need to impress most?

In his State of the State address Monday, Jerry Brown needs to persuade undecided Californians and at least five Republican legislators that his tax-and-cut budget plan is the right one.
Why Nicaragua and Costa Rica are in a tense standoff over a remote swamp

Costa Rica and Nicaragua are at loggerheads over control of a remote island on the San Juan River. Google Maps and The Hague have been sucked into the dispute.
What does China want with south Texas? Hint: cleaner energy know-how

Drilling shale to capture oil and gas is a technology that China, which burns a lot of coal, is eager to learn. That's why it's a partner in a south Texas 'fracking' project.
Election 2010: What gets done if the GOP takes over Capitol Hill

GOP control of one or both houses of Congress after Election 2010 would be seen as a setback for President Obama. But history shows that divided government can work to a president's advantage.
In California midterm election's tight races, voter turnout is key

Voter turnout will be especially important for Democrats in the midterm elections. The higher the overall turnout, the more likely Democrats will benefit. Both parties are appealing energetically to independents and the undecided.
If Proposition 23 passes, will other greenhouse-gas laws fall?

California's 2008 law to limit greenhouse-gas emissions is seen as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's biggest achievement. If it is undone by Proposition 23, other similar laws could follow, experts say.
Meg Whitman vs. Jerry Brown: Can Tom Brokaw steer them toward substance?

Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown, candidates for California governor, will debate for the final time Tuesday, with Tom Brokaw moderating. The candidates have spent a lot of time dwelling on scandal recently.
For second Boxer-Fiorina debate, most of the pressure is off

California Senate candidates go head to head – but not face to face – Wednesday in their second debate. For the radio-only event, Carly Fiorina will be in L.A. Barbara Boxer will be in a D.C. studio.