Latest bit of research on planet's hot locations? (7)
I believe the answer is:
hearths
'hot locations?' is the definition.
'latest bit of research on planet's' is the wordplay.
'latest bit of' suggests the final letters.
'on' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'planet's' becomes 'earths' (Earth is an example).
The last letter of 'research' is 'h'.
'h'+'earths'='HEARTHS'
(Other definitions for hearths that I've seen before include "Firesides" , "Fireplace areas" .)