PBS News Hour - Science

Delegates at the United Nations have agreed on a historic international treaty to protect biodiversity on the high seas, a deal years in the making. The agreement is critical to reaching another U.N. goal: protecting 30 percent of the ocean by 2030. Liz Karan with the Pew Charitable Trusts joins John Yang to discuss the negotiations. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

This Women's History Month, we're highlighting stories of women whose accomplishments have often not received widespread attention. Today, we learn about NASA astronaut Ellen Ochoa, who became the first Hispanic woman to go to space in 1993. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Thanks to some unusual sunspot activity, the northern lights are putting on a show much farther south than usual, giving more people chances to catch a glimpse. From Norway to Scotland to Alaska, we look at some spectacular sights captured recently in the night skies. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

It's almost official. Soy, almond and other plant-based drinks that call themselves milk can keep using that name, at least according to new draft guidelines released by the FDA last week. Stephanie Sy explores the debate. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Scientists researching the aftermath of California wildfires say they are finding evidence that climate change is accelerating the risk of disease spreading from animals to humans. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In last week's State of the Union, President Biden reaffirmed his administration's commitment to get more electric vehicles in American driveways. It's estimated that half of all new vehicle sales will be EVs by 2030, but the industry still faces infrastructure hurdles, policy challenges and public misconceptions. Forbes senior transportation editor Alan Ohnsman joins William Brangham to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Drew Lanham refers to himself as a 'rare bird.' The ornithologist, naturalist and writer says he believes conservation efforts must be a blending of rigorous science and evocative art. Lanham is among the new class of MacArthur Fellows, an honor often called 'The Genius Award.' Jeffrey Brown traveled to South Carolina to speak with Lanham for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Artificial intelligence has the potential to dramatically alter how we gather information, communicate and work. Experts are also raising questions about how it will affect governance and what it will mean for the future of our democracy. Bruce Schneier, a fellow at Harvard University's Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, joins William Brangham to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

This was an important week in the battle out west over water use. Seven states along the Colorado River basin were supposed to reach a collective agreement on how to use less water from an ever-shrinking river, but they failed to do so. William Brangham spoke with Rhett Larson for our series on water issues, Tipping Point. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Wednesday marks 20 years since the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated on its way home. The tragedy not only killed all seven astronauts on board but also was the beginning of the end for the space shuttle program and changed how we explore space now. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien spoke with retired astronaut and Senator Mark Kelly about the Columbia disaster. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders