Science A hunter in Alaska is found dead after being mauled by a bear The 50-year-old had been reported overdue from a deer hunting trip. At least 30,000 brown bears are estimated to be in Alaska and mainly live along the southern coast. Chandelis Duster
Science How parrot plumage gets its dazzling reds and yellows Parrots are unique among birds in how they produce the pigmentation that makes their vibrant feathering. It turns out a single enzyme calibrates the reds and yellows of a parrot’s brilliance. Ari Daniel Play AudioListen 5 mins
Environment Unprecedented flooding in Spain kills at least 158 people Crews in Spain searched for bodies in stranded cars and sodden buildings as people tried to salvage what they could from homes following monstrous flash floods. The Associated Press
Science Meet America's secret team of nuclear first responders For 50 years, a secretive group of government workers has been preparing for the worst. Here's a rare look inside the team that's ready to respond to a nuclear incident anywhere, anytime. Geoff Brumfiel
Science Centuries-old remains found in a well may be man from Norse saga An old Norse story tells of a king's man being tossed down a well in 1197. An archeologist teamed up with an evolutionary genomicist to study DNA of a skeleton found in that well. Ari Daniel Play AudioListen 4 mins
Science An Indiana teen died in 1866. How did her skull end up in an Illinois house's walls? DNA tests identified a skull found during home renovations in 1978 as that of an Indiana teen who died after childbirth in 1866. Authorities say Esther Granger was likely the victim of grave robbing. Rachel Treisman
Science NASA's Crew-8 mission members return to Earth on SpaceX capsule Three NASA astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut splashed down off the Florida coast early Friday, capping a nearly eight-month science and research mission to the International Space Station. Chandelis Duster
Environment North Carolina government calculates Hurricane Helene damages, needs at least $53B The estimate includes damages and potential investments to prevent similar destruction in future storms. The Associated Press
Science When Steamboat goes WHOOSH, scientists look for answers What triggers geysers to go off is still not well understood. A new paper shows that one small earthquake likely triggered an eruption of the world's tallest active geyser, Steamboat. Nell Greenfieldboyce
Environment To save nature, world leaders aim to turn words into action at biodiversity summit The United Nations effort to achieve “harmony” with the natural world kicks off in Colombia this week. Recent reports show there's a lot of work to do to achieve that goal. Nate Rott
