Coral reef ecosystems support a quarter of all marine life on Earth, but they are slowly dying under the relentless stresses of overfishing, pollution, disease and climate change. As part of our ongoing series "Saving Species," William Brangham dives into the steps that scientists are taking to try to preserve the corals that remain. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Heman Bekele spent the last year developing a bar of soap that could treat skin cancer. It was the winning entry at the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge, considered one of the top science and engineering competitions for fifth through eighth graders. For our Weekend Spotlight, John Yang speaks with Bekele about his work. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Thursday, former Trump adviser Peter Navarro was sentenced to four months in federal prison for contempt of Congress, the U.S. economy is showing more signs of surprising resilience thanks to robust consumer spending and the Hamas-run health ministry reported an Israeli strike killed 20 people waiting for food in Gaza. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The number of brown and rainbow trout in some of Montana's best-known and most scenic fishing rivers is at historic lows. With experts at a loss to explain it, state agencies, fishermen, businesses and concerned citizens are all trying to find answers. Montana PBS's Joe Lesar reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

From takeout containers to water bottles, plastic seems unavoidable in our daily lives. Now, two new studies have found that we're eating and drinking more plastic than we might have realized. George Leonard, a co-author of one of the studies and chief scientist at Ocean Conservancy, joins John Yang to discuss the findings. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Sunday, Secretary of State Blinken continued his urgent mission to the Middle East as the Israel-Hamas war enters its fourth month, Defense Secretary Austin took responsibility for delays in disclosing his hospitalization, major winter storms dropped snow in the Northeast and the West, and a rocket launch Monday aims to land the first U.S. craft on the moon in more than 50 years. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

When President Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act into law 50 years ago, one of the first on the endangered list was the black-footed ferret, North America's rarest animal. Once thought to be extinct, they are making their way back thanks to the work of dedicated conservationists. John Yang reports on some of that work for our ongoing series, "Saving Species." PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

When arctic ground squirrels hibernate for the winter, they can lower their body temperatures to freezing levels and stay dormant for up to eight months. Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are studying how these animals survive on the edge of life and the clues they may hold to treating injuries and disease in humans. Alaska Public Media's Kavitha George reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Saturday, Vice President Harris pledged $3 billion at COP28 to a global fund to help poorer nations adapt to climate change, a protestor is in critical condition after setting themself on fire outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta, and record amounts of snow has dropped on much of Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

At COP28 on Saturday, 50 oil and gas companies -- including industry giants ExxonMobil, Shell and BP -- pledged to reduce methane emissions to "near zero" by 2030. At the same time, the Biden administration announced new rules to enforce major elements of the agreement in the U.S. Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, joins John Yang to discuss the importance of this deal. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Saturday, a pair of explosions destroyed the booster rocket and spacecraft of SpaceX's biggest rocket during a test launch in Texas, and Comcast joined the list of advertisers stepping away from Elon Musk's social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, over concerns about antisemetic content. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Mississippi River is a superhighway for American agricultural products, but a warm fall and extreme drought conditions have contributed to its water levels dropping to record lows. Special correspondent Megan Thompson reports from Missouri on what conditions along this vital commercial route mean for farmers who rely on it to get their crops to market. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

For Native American Heritage Month, as part of our "Hidden Histories" series, we bring you the story of John Herrington, a decorated naval officer and trailblazing astronaut. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

This week's Nobel Prize announcements are highlighting groundbreaking work once again in the sciences and medicine. William Brangham has a conversation with one of the year's winners in medicine, whose work led to a profound change in tackling the pandemic. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Cities across the U.S. broke thousands of heat records this summer, but in many of them, some areas were hotter than others. These areas are known as urban heat islands, which can mean higher energy bills and unsafe conditions for residents. Blair Waltman-Alexin of Austin PBS, in partnership with Austin Vida, reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

You may have heard about a NASA probe that successfully brought some samples from a deep-space asteroid back to Earth. It took four billion miles to get them, but researchers believe it will be worth it. You also may be wondering just why scientists want these samples from what's essentially a huge rock flying through space. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien explains. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Sunday, House negotiations to avoid a government shutdown enter their final week, France is ending its military presence in Niger, talks continued in the auto workers and Hollywood strikes, NASA retrieved its first asteroid samples from space, Ethiopian Tigist Assefa broke the women's world record at the Berlin Marathon, and Megan Rapinoe is playing her final game with the USWNT. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Astronomers around the world are calling for international agreements to limit the spread of satellite constellations in space, with warnings that light pollution at night from the satellites damages vital scientific work. In Britain, the government is also being urged to impose new planning regulations to reduce light pollution to stop the loss of the nation's dark skies. Malcolm Brabant reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Abandoned fishing gear, often called "ghost gear," is breaking down in our oceans and adding to the problems brought by plastics and microplastics. But there was a recent effort to get the United Nations to enforce tougher regulations, and a coalition announced new funding to remove some debris in the Gulf of Maine. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Next Saturday, the autumn equinox will mark the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. For some, though, the real start of fall is when the leaves change color. But scientists say climate change is affecting both the timing and intensity of fall foliage. John Yang speaks with Bill Keeton, a professor of forest ecology at the University of Vermont, to learn more. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Africa is the continent most vulnerable to climate change, despite being responsible for just 2 to 3 percent of global carbon emissions and receiving only 3 percent of funding committed to climate mitigation and adaptation. Caroline Kimeu, The Guardian's East Africa global development correspondent, joins Ali Rogin to discuss Africa's first climate summit held this week in Kenya and its outcomes. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Invasive species harm ecosystems around the world and cost the global economy $423 billion a year, according to a new report backed by the UN. A number of researchers believe that estimate may be just the tip of the iceberg. William Brangham speaks with one of the study's authors, Laura Meyerson of the University of Rhode Island, about the ways invasive species affect us. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

There has been an alarming number of near-miss collisions between airplanes according to an investigation by The New York Times. In a review of FAA reports and a NASA database, the Times found there were at least 46 close calls involving commercial flights in July and runway incursions are 25 percent higher than a decade ago. Geoff Bennett discussed more with aviation correspondent Miles O'Brien. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

While the world is focusing on the radioactive water released from the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan, the country is grappling with other big questions about its use of nuclear energy. Japan dramatically changed its attitudes after Fukushima melted down in 2011. But since then, it's faced its share of problems with other energy sources and prices. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Saturday, three U.S. Marines died in an aircraft crash in Australia, Florida is bracing for Tropical Storm Idalia heading toward the state, Russia confirmed that Yevgeny Prigozhin died in Wednesday's plane crash outside Moscow, and hundreds of volunteers and researchers converged in Scotland to search for signs of the mythical Loch Ness Monster. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The effects of climate change have been hard to miss across North America and Europe this summer: record heat, wildfires and warming oceans. There are also other, less obvious consequences that affect both the quantity and quality of food crops. Climate change scientist Jonas Jägermeyr joins John Yang to explain the relationship between climate change and global food supply. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Saturday, FIFA suspended Spain's soccer federation head Luis Rubiales for 90 days while it investigates his conduct at the Women's World Cup final, a new crew of astronauts launched for the International Space Station, thousands gathered at the Lincoln Memorial to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, and Bob Barker has died at the age of 99. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

It was a historic day for India as it became the fourth country to land on the moon. It comes after a failed attempt in 2019 and just days behind a failed Russian lunar landing. Prime Minister Modi watched alongside the team at the Indian Space Research Organization as the Chandrayaan-3 touched down in the moon's south polar region. Amna Nawaz and Miles O'Brien discussed the monumental moment. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Japan is expected to release treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant as soon as Thursday. The government and the utility operating the facility say it is safe and the release is being closely monitored, but nearby countries oppose the move. It's also a concern for Japanese fishermen. Miles O'Brien has his latest report in a series of stories with access to Fukushima. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Japan will soon begin the process of releasing radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean from the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant. As final preparations are being made, Science Correspondent Miles O'Brien has a rare look inside the facility. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Sunday, the Maui wildfire is now the deadliest in the U.S. in more than a century as search efforts continue and the death toll keeps rising, at least 21 people died in a mudslide and flash flood in western China, Russian shelling killed 7 people in Ukraine's southern Kherson region, and the annual Perseids meteor shower peaked overnight. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The extreme sport of freediving is growing in popularity and interest. A new Netflix documentary called "The Deepest Breath" goes inside the high-risk sport, following freedivers Alessia Zecchini and Stephen Keenan. Director Laura McGann joins John Yang to discuss the film. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

As temperature records fall all over the planet this summer, scientists are also increasingly concerned about what's happening to the sea ice around Antarctica. William Brangham reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Living in certain parts of a city can make the impacts of extreme heat worse. That's because of a phenomenon called the urban heat island effect. A recent report by the research group Climate Central showed that more than 40 million Americans live in these hot spots. William Brangham discussed what this means for those residents with Michael Mendez of the University of California, Irvine. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Right whales are a majestic sight to behold off the eastern coast of North America, but they are endangered and their numbers are shrinking. Many conservationists say fishing gear that causes entanglements is a big part of the problem. But lobster harvesters fear they may be driven out of business by pressure to change their practices even further. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Saturday, scientists say the first two weeks of July were the planet's hottest on human record as intense heat waves grip places around the globe, Ukraine says its drones hit an ammunition depot in Crimea after days of deadly Russian strikes on Ukrainian port cities, and the U.S. women's soccer team beat Vietnam 3-0 in its first game of the 2023 World Cup. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

After a recent spate of shark encounters, New York State is ramping up efforts to monitor the apex predator off the coast of Long Island. It comes as experts in Massachusetts are raising awareness about the surging population of great white sharks off Cape Cod. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The nation remains at the mercy of nature, but nature is showing no mercy with 100 degree heat stretching from the far West across the Deep South. It comes as a weekend deluge in the Northeast washed out roads and claimed lives. Geoff Bennett discussed the extreme heat in California with Wade Crowfoot, the secretary of the state's natural resources agency. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Wednesday marks a year since the world first started seeing spectacular images of the cosmos that were captured by the powerful James Webb Space Telescope. But getting those images is only part of the important work being done by the $10 billion telescope. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In New England, a storm for the ages has ravaged Vermont. There've been no reported deaths or injuries, but parts of the state capital are under water and property damage could reach the tens of millions of dollars. Geoff Bennett reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Tens of millions of people living in the Southwest are dealing with what the National Weather Service says it's one of the longest heat waves in modern record. That extreme heat is even more dangerous than some might realize. Geoff Bennett discussed that with Jeff Goodell, a climate journalist and author of "The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet." PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Extreme weather is making an impact from one end of the country to the other. Ferocious heat and heavy rains persisted Monday and millions of Americans were left to cope and clean up. Stephanie Sy reports on flooding in the eastern U.S. and discusses the streak of 110-plus-degree days in Phoenix with David Hondula. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Saturday, Ukraine marked 500 days since the start of Russia's invasion, Sudanese officials say at least 22 people died in an airstrike in Omdurman, a small business jet crash in Southern California killed at least 6 people, and more dangerous temperatures are forecast for much of the South and Southwest. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The latest legal battle over the Affordable Care Act centers on its mandate that private insurers cover preventive services, including drugs that prevent HIV infection. The retail price of those drugs can be as much as $6,000 for a 90-day supply, putting it out of reach for many who would benefit from it. The 19th News' health reporter Shefali Luthra joins John Yang to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

It has been a week of record-breaking heat around the world. The average global temperature on Wednesday hit 62.9 degrees Fahrenheit, matching the record-high set just on Tuesday. The grim milestones are the latest in a series of climate change driven extremes. Amna Nawaz discussed these events and what to take from them with Mike Flannigan of Thompson Rivers University. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

It's estimated there are fewer than 350 North Atlantic right whales remaining. They are dying faster than they can produce and it's largely due to human causes. With so few left, experts are closely monitoring for new offspring and working to keep the whale from extinction. Science Correspondent Miles O'Brien reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The search for the origin of COVID-19 has highlighted the risks of viruses transmitted by certain species of bats. In the wild, they can incubate and spread diseases to other animals and humans. Dr. Neil Vora, a physician with Conservation International, joins Ali Rogin to discuss the global health concerns posed by an increasing number of interactions between humans and bats. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Albert Einstein theorized that as heavy objects move through space and time, they create ripple effects in the fabric of our universe. Now an international team of scientists have detected new evidence of that. Researchers found new signs of gravitational waves that are affected by huge movements such as the collision of black holes. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien breaks it down. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In our news wrap Sunday, more than 40 million people are expected to experience dangerous heat in the southern U.S., and the Coast Guard announced that it ended search and rescue operations for the Titan submersible and is shifting its priority to recovering the vessel's remnants from the ocean floor. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed Thursday the missing submersible in the North Atlantic Ocean was destroyed in a "catastrophic implosion." Its debris was found on the ocean floor near the Titanic and all five people aboard were killed. William Brangham discussed the accident and what it could mean going forward with Jules Jaffe of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The search for the missing submersible in the North Atlantic Ocean intensified Wednesday. The day began with a surprise, reports of banging noises detected by sonar. The U.S. Coast Guard said it is still treating the mission as a search and rescue operation even as the supply of oxygen is likely dwindling for the five people aboard. Amna Nawaz reports. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Search operations are underway for a submersible that carries paying tourists to view the wreckage of the Titanic. The five-person craft is owned by OceanGate Expeditions and was reported overdue Sunday. It disappeared near where the Titanic went down in 1912 after hitting an iceberg. Geoff Bennett discussed the search effort with Kristin Romey of National Geographic. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders