The secrets of cork: So much more than a bottle stopper
The sound of a bottle popping may be a familiar harbinger of good, but the humble material behind the pop has more uses than you might imagine.
ClimateWatch: Climate Change News & Features
Arctic tundra becoming a source of carbon dioxide emissions, NOAA warns
The Arctic tundra has historically helped reduce global emissions. But rising temperatures and wildfires in the region are changing that, scientists say.
Floods and landslides in Indonesia kill at least 20 people
Torrential rain unleashed flooding and landslides on Indonesia's Sumatra island, killing 20 people and leaving at least two others missing.
Emperor penguin found on Australian beach released at sea after 20 days of care
The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia was released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach.
How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Bomb cyclone batters Northwest, causing widespread power outages
A major storm swept across the northwestern U.S., battering the region with strong winds and rain, causing widespread power outages and downing trees that killed at least two people.
Parts of Great Barrier Reef dying at record rate, alarmed researchers say
Parts of the Great Barrer Reef have suffered the highest coral mortality on record, Australian researchers say, and they fear the rest of it has suffered a similar fate.
Scientists say biggest coral in the world discovered in the Pacific
Scientists say they've discovered a "mega coral" three times bigger than the previous record holder - so huge they initially thought it was a shipwreck.
Trump officials likely to reverse drilling waste "methane fee" EPA is imposing
Oil and natural gas companies will have to pay a federal fee if they emit methane above certain levels under a rule being finalized by the Biden administration that incoming Trump officials are likely to reverse.
Hungry and far from home, an emperor penguin comes ashore in Australia
Rescuers are trying to rehabilitate an emperor penguin that came ashore some 2,000 miles from its natural habitat, and what comes next is "still being worked through."
COP29 climate summit begins. Will it be the last for the U.S.?
As delegates from nearly 200 countries gather for a major international summit on climate change, they're confronting a new era of uncertainty for the U.S. under a second Trump administration.
Severe droughts threaten sustainable catch of the Amazon's giant fish
In Brazil´s Amazonas state, almost 6,000 riverine dwellers authorized to fish have reported a significant drop in production and rising costs.
Research vessel to scan seafloor for flood victims in Spain
Spain is sending a marine research vessel to scan the seafloor off Valencia's coast in hopes of finding vehicles and people missing after devastating flash floods.
European agency says 2024 is "virtually certain" to be warmest year on record
Climate scientists working at the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service have announced that 2024 is "virtually certain" to be the warmest year on record.
Finalist for Prince William's Earthshot Prize already brightening lives
See how one of the 15 finalists for Prince William's 2024 Earthshot Prize Awards is already helping people live their dreams.
Spain's flooding nightmare goes on as heavy rain hits Barcelona
The flash flood-inducing rains that killed more than 210 people in Spain's Valencia region have moved north, snarling air and rail traffic in Barcelona.
Maps, satellite images reveal Spain flood impact as death toll hits 205
"Entire houses have disappeared," says a local mayor in Spain's flood-battered Valencia region. "We don't know if there were people inside."
The Climate Election: How climate will impact your bills, health and more
The next president could have a big impact on climate change policies. Here are 11 ways the issue could impact your health, bills, natural disaster recovery and more.
Death toll from historic flooding in Spain soars to at least 158
Floods sparked by torrential rain in Spain's Valencia region have left at least 158 people dead and others missing amid mud-caked debris.
Flash flooding in Spain leaves dozens dead
Spanish authorities say dozens of people have died in flash flooding that is the worst natural disaster to hit the European nation in recent memory.
World "miles short" of emissions goals to curb climate change, U.N. says
Greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere reached record highs in 2023, the U.N. warned, with countries falling "miles short" of what is needed to curb devastating global warming.
Climate groups working to mobilize early voters and track new climate voters
Some groups are hoping they can persuade enough of climate-focused voters to go the polls to make a difference around the margins in battleground states in the 2024 election.
Global climate disaster inevitable if action not taken soon, U.N. warns
The U.N. said that the world is now in "climate crunch time" as greenhouse gases have hit "unprecedented levels."
Hurricane Helene's damage in North Carolina estimated at record $53 billion
The catastrophic flooding and destruction caused by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina likely caused at least a record $53 billion in damages and recovery needs, state officials say.
Maps show NOAA's winter outlook
NOAA has released its seasonal outlook for the 2024-25 winter months, which predicts the U.S. will slowly transition into a La Niña pattern.
Science
Science
Study finds young people most at risk of heat
A new Columbia University Climate School study discovered that young people may be most at risk of heat-related deaths. CBS News environmental correspondent David Schechter reports.
Climate change could bring more snow in some areas
Experts predict climate change could actually make snow worse in some areas of the U.S. Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds of the U.S. is seeing less snowfall than in the 1970s. CBS News national climate correspondent Dave Malkoff explains how.
Wisdom, the world's oldest-known wild bird, lays an egg at 74
Wisdom the Laysan albatross was first tagged by researchers in 1956. Since then, she's believed to have raised as many as 30 chicks.
When should consumers buy electric cars?
President-elect Donald Trump indicated that once in office, he plans on ending the consumer tax credit for electric vehicle purchases. Business Insider autos senior reporter Nora Naughton joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the potential impact and when consumers should buy.
Starbucks plastic cup investigation
CBS News tracked plastic cups meant to be recycled by Starbucks and found that most of those did not end up at recycling facilities. CBS News' David Schechter breaks down the investigation's findings.
NASA shows off image of U.S. military's abandoned "city under the ice"
Scientists now have a clearer picture of Camp Century, an abandoned U.S. military base long hidden under the ice in Greenland, thanks to a NASA research team's good luck.
Divided U.N. negotiations for plastic treaty
Negotiators are far apart as the United Nations tries to work out the world's first treaty to curb plastic pollution. Issues creating roadblocks include limiting new manufacturing of plastic and the potential phasing out of some chemicals. For more on the talks, CBS News was joined by Erin Simon, vice president and head of plastic waste and business for the World Wildlife Fund in the U.S.
Honolulu hopes to identify long-unclaimed bodies with advanced DNA testing
Forensic pathologists hope advanced DNA testing technology will enable them to attach names to all the unidentified people at the Honolulu Medical Examiner's Office.
Dishing up space food
At the Johnson Space Food Systems Laboratory in Houston, NASA scientists develop dishes – freeze-dried, heat-stabilized, or irradiated – to serve on the International Space Station. Correspondent David Pogue checks out what's on the menu in Earth orbit.
How are U.S. winters permanently changing?
This winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted above-average temperatures throughout the U.S. because of a "slowly developing" La Niña pattern. CBS News Sacramento meteorologist Tracy Humphrey reports on the changing winter conditions.
Emperor penguin found on Australian beach released at sea after 20 days of care
The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia was released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach.
Iceland volcano flares in region's 7th eruption in one year
A volcano erupted in southern Iceland, near the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon spa, marking the region's seventh eruption in a year.
How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Restoring forests decimated by wildfires
Large wildfires fueled by climate change have destroyed tens of millions of acres of forests in the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Jonathan Vigliotti explores a major effort underway to restore those forests.
Giraffes need endangered species protection, U.S. officials say
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed new protections for giraffes, saying their populations are threatened by poaching, habitat loss and climate change.
U.S.
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Biden administration overdraft rule caps bank and credit union fees at $5
The rule closes a loophole that exempted overdraft fees from lending laws, but is expected to face challenges.
Canadian official threatens to cut U.S. energy supplies in response to tariffs
Canada could halt oil and gas imports to the U.S. if Donald Trump imposes steep new tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford warns.
AI company says its chatbots will change interactions with teen users
Character.AI users can create original chatbots or interact with existing bots. Two lawsuits allege those bots harmed teen users.
Stanley recalls 2.6 million mugs after reports of burns from loose lids
Stanley is recalling 2.6 million steel travel mugs sold in the U.S. after multiple complaints from consumers.
Men freed after convictions tossed in case involving discredited detective
Dominique Moore ad Cedric Warren had their convictions overturned in a 2009 double homicide whose investigation was overseen by a discredited police detective.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Biden administration overdraft rule caps bank and credit union fees at $5
The rule closes a loophole that exempted overdraft fees from lending laws, but is expected to face challenges.
An inside look at UPS as holiday shipping deadlines near
CBS News correspondent Nancy Chen tagged along at a UPS training facility with a driver amid the holiday season rush.
Canadian official threatens to cut U.S. energy supplies in response to tariffs
Canada could halt oil and gas imports to the U.S. if Donald Trump imposes steep new tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford warns.
AI company says its chatbots will change interactions with teen users
Character.AI users can create original chatbots or interact with existing bots. Two lawsuits allege those bots harmed teen users.
Stanley recalls 2.6 million mugs after reports of burns from loose lids
Stanley is recalling 2.6 million steel travel mugs sold in the U.S. after multiple complaints from consumers.
Politics
More Politics
Biden administration overdraft rule caps bank and credit union fees at $5
The rule closes a loophole that exempted overdraft fees from lending laws, but is expected to face challenges.
Illinois man pleads not guilty to assaulting Rep. Nancy Mace
Rep. Nancy Mace wrote in a social media post that she would need a brace for her wrist and ice for her arm — but that she would be "fine just as soon as the pain and soreness subside."
Ex-FBI informant pleads guilty to lying about the Bidens
A California man who was charged with lying to the FBI about fake criminal allegations against President Biden and his son Hunter is pleading guilty.
Time magazine names its 2024 Person of the Year
The short list for Time's 2024 Person of the Year included Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Kate Middleton, Elon Musk and Benjamin Netanyahu.
Biden commutes about 1,500 sentences, most ever in single day
"These actions represent the largest single-day grant of clemency in modern history," the White House said.
HealthWatch
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U.K. indefinitely bans puberty blockers for people under 18
An emergency ban on hormones used to suppress puberty in transgender young people in the U.K. has been extended indefinitely, the government said.
Tennessee hospital was destroyed by Helene — others face risk
Flash flooding from Hurricane Helene trapped dozens of people on the rooftop of Unicoi County Hospital.
Bidens host women's health conference to focus on health care gender gap
President Biden and first lady Jill Biden highlighted the progress made in the first year of their White House initiative.
MadeGood granola bars recalled because they could contain metal
Recalled MadeGood granola bars were sold across the U.S. and internationally, according to food maker.
U.S. overdose deaths fell nearly 17% in 1-year period, CDC says
Members of the Biden White House celebrated the report but said there's still more work to be done to further reduce overdose deaths.
World
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Woman arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle meth disguised as presents
A Canadian woman had over 20 pounds of methamphetamine disguised as Christmas presents in her carry-on duffel bag, New Zealand's customs agency said.
Canadian official threatens to cut U.S. energy supplies in response to tariffs
Canada could halt oil and gas imports to the U.S. if Donald Trump imposes steep new tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford warns.
Teen chess prodigy becomes youngest world champion
The usually shy and reserved teen burst into tears after nearly three weeks and 14 games of intense battle against his opponent.
U.K. indefinitely bans puberty blockers for people under 18
An emergency ban on hormones used to suppress puberty in transgender young people in the U.K. has been extended indefinitely, the government said.
Judge shot dead outside courthouse in Acapulco
The judge's murder comes two days after assailants in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz shot to death a federal congressman.
Entertainment
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Teen chess prodigy becomes youngest world champion
The usually shy and reserved teen burst into tears after nearly three weeks and 14 games of intense battle against his opponent.
Liz Feldman, Linda Cardellini on "No Good Deed"
"Dead to Me" Creator Liz Feldman and Actor Linda Cardellini reunite in the new Netflix series "No Good Deed." They discuss how scrolling on Zillow inspired the series about buyers competing for their dream home and how Feldman wrote the role of Margo specifically for Cardellini.
Dua Lipa on upcoming performance
Pop superstar Dua Lipa closes out a milestone year with "An Evening with Dua Lipa," a special performance featuring a 53-piece orchestra. The show airs Sunday on CBS and Paramount+.
Linda Cardellini on "No Good Deed"
Linda Cardellini stars in the new Netflix series "No Good Deed" alongside Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano. The Emmy nominee plays Margo, a social climber competing to buy a coveted Los Angeles home.
Kennedy Center honoree Arturo Sandoval
Jazz legend Arturo Sandoval was honored this month by the Kennedy Center for his contributions to American culture through the performing arts. He shared how jazz played a pivotal role in saving his life and helping him escape Cuba to pursue his American Dream.
Technology
More Technology
AI company says its chatbots will change interactions with teen users
Character.AI users can create original chatbots or interact with existing bots. Two lawsuits allege those bots harmed teen users.
Is Facebook down? Here's what to know about reports of outages.
Users reported problems accessing many of Meta's social media services, including Facebook, Instagram and Messenger.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Apple iOS 18.2 launches today. Here is what's new.
Apple rolls out much-awaited Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.2 software update.
"Mornings Memory": The rise of ultrasounds
Ultrasounds, now routine in monitoring pregnancies, were a groundbreaking addition to prenatal care just over 40 years ago. Today's "Mornings Memory" looks back at their rise.
Science
More Science
Science
Study finds young people most at risk of heat
A new Columbia University Climate School study discovered that young people may be most at risk of heat-related deaths. CBS News environmental correspondent David Schechter reports.
Climate change could bring more snow in some areas
Experts predict climate change could actually make snow worse in some areas of the U.S. Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds of the U.S. is seeing less snowfall than in the 1970s. CBS News national climate correspondent Dave Malkoff explains how.
Wisdom, the world's oldest-known wild bird, lays an egg at 74
Wisdom the Laysan albatross was first tagged by researchers in 1956. Since then, she's believed to have raised as many as 30 chicks.
When should consumers buy electric cars?
President-elect Donald Trump indicated that once in office, he plans on ending the consumer tax credit for electric vehicle purchases. Business Insider autos senior reporter Nora Naughton joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the potential impact and when consumers should buy.
Starbucks plastic cup investigation
CBS News tracked plastic cups meant to be recycled by Starbucks and found that most of those did not end up at recycling facilities. CBS News' David Schechter breaks down the investigation's findings.
Crime
More Crime
Woman arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle meth disguised as presents
A Canadian woman had over 20 pounds of methamphetamine disguised as Christmas presents in her carry-on duffel bag, New Zealand's customs agency said.
Illinois man pleads not guilty to assaulting Rep. Nancy Mace
Rep. Nancy Mace wrote in a social media post that she would need a brace for her wrist and ice for her arm — but that she would be "fine just as soon as the pain and soreness subside."
Forensic evidence links suspect to CEO murder
Shell casings found at the scene where the UnitedHealthcare CEO was killed matched the 3D-printed gun found on the suspect, Luigi Mangione, when he was arrested, according to the NYPD. Police also said the suspect's fingerprints match fingerprints found on a water bottle and wrapper found outside of a Starbucks where surveillance video appears to show he was before the murder.
Judge shot dead outside courthouse in Acapulco
The judge's murder comes two days after assailants in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz shot to death a federal congressman.
Investigators make progress in CEO shooting case
The New York City Police Department said Wednesday that it has forensic evidence that places the suspect at the location where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot. Lilia Luciano has the latest.
Space
More Space
Learning from the Ingenuity helicopter's crash landing on Mars
Engineers now say they understand the most likely cause of the Ingenuity helicopter's crash landing on Mars earlier this year.
Emily Calandrelli talks Blue Origin mission
Emily Calandrelli joins "CBS Mornings Plus" after recently becoming the 100th woman ever in space. She and her Blue Origin crewmates traveled over 62 miles above sea level during their mission last month.
Why you shouldn't wait for the Geminid meteor shower peak this year
The Geminid meteor shower this year is set to peak at almost the same time as December's full moon, which could make for challenging viewing conditions.
NASA's Artemis moon mission delayed yet again
NASA's next two Artemis moon missions have been pushed back once again, with the first lunar landing in more than a half-century not scheduled to take place until at least mid-2027. NASA said the delay is partly so that it can address issues with the Orion spacecraft's heat shield.
NASA delays next 2 Artemis moon missions to address heat shield, other issues
Heat shield damage seen during the first Artemis test flight is now understood, NASA says, but more time is needed to implement fixes.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Retired FBI official on Wray stepping down
Chris Piehota is a retired FBI executive assistant director and the author of "Wanted: The FBI I Once Knew." He joined CBS News to discuss the decision by Christopher Wray to step down at the end of President Biden's term.
Inside the online response to CEO's murder
The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has sparked a polarized response online with many expressing anger and frustration about the health insurance industry and the challenges Americans face when it comes to their health care. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann has more.
Liz Feldman, Linda Cardellini on "No Good Deed"
"Dead to Me" Creator Liz Feldman and Actor Linda Cardellini reunite in the new Netflix series "No Good Deed." They discuss how scrolling on Zillow inspired the series about buyers competing for their dream home and how Feldman wrote the role of Margo specifically for Cardellini.
A preview of the 125th Army-Navy game
The Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen meet for the 125th time this Saturday in one of football's most celebrated rivalries. Rich DeMarco and Joe Miller, play-by-play announcers for the teams, weigh in on the tradition and excitement.
Details on mysterious drones over New Jersey
There are far more questions than answers about the mysterious drones that have been spotted over New Jersey in recent weeks. The Pentagon said Wednesday they don't appear to be coming from overseas, but many state and local officials are on high alert. CBS News correspondent Tom Hanson has more.