PBS News Hour - Science

Fall temperatures are finally cooling off much of the United States, but this past summer was yet another reminder that the climate is changing. Stephanie Sy reports on how some cities are considering whether residents should have a right to air conditioning. It's part of our series, Tipping Point. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Researchers say they have the most conclusive proof of Thomas Jefferson's paternity of Sally Hemings' children. A strand of hair found in Jefferson's Bible launched an investigation involving DNA scientists, historians, genealogists and descendants of both Jefferson and Hemings. The story of that investigation and what it reveals is told in Richard Kurin's new book, "History by a Hair." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

For years, mifepristone and similar drugs have been used to treat uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Now researchers are exploring whether these drugs could have other uses in women's health, including preventing some cancers. But the politics and restrictions surrounding these drugs could affect the research. Special correspondent Sarah Varney reports for our series, Beyond Abortion. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

For more than 25 years, mifepristone has been approved for abortion in the U.S. But mifepristone and a similar drug have also been proven to treat conditions like uterine fibroids and endometriosis. As anti-abortion groups lobby to further restrict these drugs, Special correspondent Sarah Varney and producer Rachel Wellford take a look at these treatments. It's for our series, Beyond Abortion. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

An innovative treatment is helping injured penguins get back on their feet in Chile. Stephanie Sy reports on these special suits.

PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

If we are lucky enough to live full lives and form meaningful relationships, chances are, we will also experience loss, and with it, grief. As common as grief is, it's also mysterious. Horizons guest moderator Ali Rogin explores the science of grief with Liz Gleeson and Dr. George Slavich. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

This week, Democratic representatives introduced a resolution to block the Trump administration's new civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia. The deal paves the way for the U.S. to help Saudi Arabia build a nuclear power program for peaceful purposes. But critics fear it doesn't have sufficient safeguards and could allow Saudi Arabia to pursue nuclear weapons. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

OpenAI announced it had discovered six new instances of "concerning or unexpected" behavior by its artificial intelligence models. It follows repeated warnings about how rapid advances in AI threaten to outpace the ability to develop the tech safely. One of those warnings came from Jacob Coxon, a former researcher at Anthropic and OpenAI. Coxon joined Geoff Bennett to discuss his concerns. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In our news wrap Thursday, a federal judge ordered that Kennedy Center officials provide a 30-day notice before making any significant physical changes to the building, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is welcoming a proposal that could see his country join the European Union as the bloc's first associate member and NASA discovered a massive, new crater on the Moon. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In our news wrap Tuesday, Senate Democrats blocked a bill that would have introduced sweeping regulations for cryptocurrencies saying it needs stronger safeguards to prevent the president and other officials from profiting while in office, Kash Patel defended his handling of the FBI during a nearly five-hour Senate hearing and the U.S. military has confirmed it has weapons in space. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy