Research shows AI can boost creativity for some, but at a cost Amateur writers using AI tools produced stories that were deemed more creative, but the research suggests the creativity of the group overall went down. Geoff Brumfiel
AI brings soaring emissions for Google and Microsoft, a major contributor to climate change The tech giants both report surges in greenhouse gas emissions as they double-down on adding artificial intelligence to all of their products. Dara Kerr
How to live without plastics for a month, according to the founder of a global movement Plastic Free July is upon us! Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, founder of Plastic Free July, encourages people to take the challenge with friends, start small and keep a “plastic free kit” on hand. Claire Murashima
Marathon Oil reaches a $241 million settlement with EPA for environmental violations The federal government announced a settlement with Marathon Oil for alleged air quality violations at the company's oil and gas operations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota. The Associated Press
This week in science: swimming lions, the 'glass' skin craze and a rotten egg planet NPR's Short Wave brings stories of lion brothers making a record-breaking swim in Uganda, the skincare trend among pre-teens that is worrying dermatologists, and a planet that smells like rotten eggs. Regina Barber
A study found toxic metals in popular tampon brands. Here's what experts advise A first-of-its-kind study found lead, arsenic and other heavy metals in various tampon brands, but didn't link them to harmful health effects. Experts explain why it matters — and what to watch for. Rachel Treisman
‘Absolutely incredible’: Man rowing solo across Atlantic is surrounded by whales The appearance of hundreds of whales was amazing, rower Tom Waddington said. But when one slammed into his boat, "suddenly it turned from David Attenborough into Moby Dick. And I was really scared." Bill Chappell
A 3D reconstruction of the woolly mammoth genome might help revive the extinct species With a skin sample from a 52,000-year-old woolly mammoth, scientists are gaining new insights into what made the animals tick. The findings could also help controversial de-extinction efforts. Rob Stein
Why do cats scratch furniture? A new study found answers A new study identifies why cats scratch the furniture and what you can do to curb that behavior. Hosts
Shark attacks are incredibly rare. But if you spot one in the water, here's what to do At least six people were injured in shark attacks in the U.S. since the July Fourth weekend. Such attacks are actually rare, but if you do encounter one, experts say to stay calm and move away slowly. Joe Hernandez
