NPR News: Q&A: What's Different About The Delta Variant

Q&A: What's Different About The Delta Variant
Health officials around the world are adjusting their plans for combatting the coronavirus in light of the more infectious Delta variant — and evidence that even vaccinated people can spread it.

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Science - August 1, 2021 at 03:50AM - Q&A: What's Different About The Delta Variant

NPR News: A Research Vessel Found SpongeBob Lookalikes A Mile Under The Ocean's Surface

A Research Vessel Found SpongeBob Lookalikes A Mile Under The Ocean's Surface
A photo of a real-life sponge and starfish hanging out together delighted the internet. "The reality is a little crueler than perhaps a cartoon would suggest," says the researcher who posted it.

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Science - July 31, 2021 at 05:00PM - A Research Vessel Found SpongeBob Lookalikes A Mile Under The Ocean's Surface

NPR News: As COVID Concern Grows In Kansas, So Does Confusion Over Who Is In Charge

As COVID Concern Grows In Kansas, So Does Confusion Over Who Is In Charge
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, has been hesitant to issue any statewide mandates without a ruling from the state Supreme Court on her powers. Counties aren't jumping at the opportunity either.

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Science - July 31, 2021 at 04:00PM - As COVID Concern Grows In Kansas, So Does Confusion Over Who Is In Charge

NPR News: Why Sweat Is A Human Superpower

Why Sweat Is A Human Superpower
Sweat is an 'evolutionary marvel,' says Sarah Everts. the author of The Joy of Sweat. In her new book, Everts delves into the science of perspiration and how this trait has enabled humans to thrive.

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Science - July 30, 2021 at 11:12PM - Why Sweat Is A Human Superpower

NPR News: New Study Links Rate Of Emissions To Extreme Weather

New Study Links Rate Of Emissions To Extreme Weather
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Dr. Jennifer Francis, an expert who studies disproportionate Earth warming, about the new study linking the rate of emissions to the likelihood of extreme heat.

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Science - July 30, 2021 at 03:21AM - New Study Links Rate Of Emissions To Extreme Weather

NPR News: Climate Change Is Driving Deadly Weather Disasters From Arizona To Mumbai

Climate Change Is Driving Deadly Weather Disasters From Arizona To Mumbai
There's been about two degrees Fahrenheit of warming so far worldwide. That may sound like a small number, but scientists say it's enough to make extreme weather events much more common.

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Science - July 29, 2021 at 11:07PM - Climate Change Is Driving Deadly Weather Disasters From Arizona To Mumbai

NPR News: Cutting Carbon Pollution Quickly Would Save Millions of Lives, Study Finds

Cutting Carbon Pollution Quickly Would Save Millions of Lives, Study Finds
Cutting carbon emissions to zero in the next 30 years would save about 74 million lives this century, a new analysis estimates.

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Science - July 29, 2021 at 04:00PM - Cutting Carbon Pollution Quickly Would Save Millions of Lives, Study Finds

NPR News: How An Altered Strand Of DNA Can Cause Malaria-Spreading Mosquitoes To Self-Destruct

How An Altered Strand Of DNA Can Cause Malaria-Spreading Mosquitoes To Self-Destruct
For the first time, scientists have shown that a new kind of genetic engineering can crash populations of malaria-spreading mosquitoes.

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Science - July 28, 2021 at 04:00PM - How An Altered Strand Of DNA Can Cause Malaria-Spreading Mosquitoes To Self-Destruct

NPR News: Tanzania's Dilemma: It's Not So Easy To Go From Vaccine Denier To Vaccine Embracer

Tanzania's Dilemma: It's Not So Easy To Go From Vaccine Denier To Vaccine Embracer
The African country, previously credited for high childhood vaccination rates, was 1 of 4 countries to reject COVID vaccines. Now they've done a 180. It's unclear if its citizens will go along.

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Science - July 28, 2021 at 04:21AM - Tanzania's Dilemma: It's Not So Easy To Go From Vaccine Denier To Vaccine Embracer

NPR News: Oh Flock! Clever Cockatoos Are More Culturally Complex Than We Thought

Oh Flock! Clever Cockatoos Are More Culturally Complex Than We Thought
Cockatoos in Sydney have become expert trash bin burglars. Scientists say birds in different neighborhoods have taught each other different techniques to open the bins, a sign of cultural complexity.

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Science - July 23, 2021 at 03:36AM - Oh Flock! Clever Cockatoos Are More Culturally Complex Than We Thought

NPR News: The Behavioral Economics Manifesto Gets Revised

The Behavioral Economics Manifesto Gets Revised
We speak with the Nobel Prize-winning founder of behavioral economics about the new — and last — version of his classic book, Nudge.

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Science - July 27, 2021 at 05:30PM - The Behavioral Economics Manifesto Gets Revised

NPR News: The Climate Change Link To More And Bigger Wildfires

The Climate Change Link To More And Bigger Wildfires
Researchers who study evidence of fires through the millennia say to expect more and bigger fires as the climate continues to warm. Fire season is already months longer than in the 1970s.

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Science - July 27, 2021 at 04:00PM - The Climate Change Link To More And Bigger Wildfires

NPR News: Who Will Pay To Protect Tech Giants From Rising Seas?

Who Will Pay To Protect Tech Giants From Rising Seas?
Coastal cities need billions of dollars to build defenses against sea level rise. Tensions are rising over where that funding will come from: taxpayers or private companies with waterfront property?

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Science - July 27, 2021 at 04:00PM - Who Will Pay To Protect Tech Giants From Rising Seas?

NPR News: Climate Scientists Meet As Floods, Fires, Droughts And Heat Waves Batter Countries

Climate Scientists Meet As Floods, Fires, Droughts And Heat Waves Batter Countries
Hundreds of scientists are meeting to finalize a landmark climate report. It's meant to guide the next decade of international climate policy, but it's unclear if politicians will act on it.

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Science - July 26, 2021 at 04:00PM - Climate Scientists Meet As Floods, Fires, Droughts And Heat Waves Batter Countries

NPR News: Montana Wildfire Fight Draws Help From Other States As Much Of The West Burns

Montana Wildfire Fight Draws Help From Other States As Much Of The West Burns
Crews from Utah and California are headed to Montana to lend support in the battle against the state's wildfires, even as blazes rage back home.

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Science - July 25, 2021 at 10:15AM - Montana Wildfire Fight Draws Help From Other States As Much Of The West Burns

NPR News: The Lambda Variant: What You Should Know And Why Experts Say Not To Panic

The Lambda Variant: What You Should Know And Why Experts Say Not To Panic
Cases of the variant have popped up in several states. But neither the WHO or CDC consider it a variant of concern, and the fast-spreading delta variant continues to dominate U.S. cases.

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Science - July 23, 2021 at 02:09AM - The Lambda Variant: What You Should Know And Why Experts Say Not To Panic

NPR News: China Has Rejected A WHO Plan For Further Investigation Into The Origins Of COVID-19

China Has Rejected A WHO Plan For Further Investigation Into The Origins Of COVID-19
Chinese officials say they cannot support a second phase of a study into the origins of the pandemic, including new investigation into the theory that the virus might have leaked from a Chinese lab.

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Science - July 22, 2021 at 08:44PM - China Has Rejected A WHO Plan For Further Investigation Into The Origins Of COVID-19

NPR News: Tips And Service With A Smile Drive Sexual Harassment In Restaurants, Study Finds

Tips And Service With A Smile Drive Sexual Harassment In Restaurants, Study Finds
The authors say their research is the first to empirically link tipping and forced friendliness to sexual harassment. More than 70% of female restaurant workers report being harassed.

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Science - July 22, 2021 at 05:00PM - Tips And Service With A Smile Drive Sexual Harassment In Restaurants, Study Finds

NPR News: The Western Wildfires Are Affecting People 3,000 Miles Away

The Western Wildfires Are Affecting People 3,000 Miles Away
Eastern states have been clouded in a smoky haze for days, and with the smoke comes poor air quality. People far away from the fires aren't ready for the breathing problems the smoke brings.

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Science - July 22, 2021 at 04:25AM - The Western Wildfires Are Affecting People 3,000 Miles Away

NPR News: As COVID-19 Cases Surge, Fauci Says 'We've Got To Do Much Better'

As COVID-19 Cases Surge, Fauci Says 'We've Got To Do Much Better'
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Dr. Anthony Fauci, NIAID director, about the rising COVID-19 infection rate, updating mask guidance, potential for booster shots and breakthrough infections.

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Science - July 22, 2021 at 03:38AM - As COVID-19 Cases Surge, Fauci Says 'We've Got To Do Much Better'

NPR News: Men's Spending Habits Result In More Carbon Emissions Than Women's, A Study Finds

Men's Spending Habits Result In More Carbon Emissions Than Women's, A Study Finds
Men spend their money on greenhouse gas-emitting goods and services, such as meat and fuel, at a much higher rate than women, Swedish researchers found.

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Science - July 21, 2021 at 11:52PM - Men's Spending Habits Result In More Carbon Emissions Than Women's, A Study Finds

NPR News: 2 Australian States Say Their Sharks Will No Longer 'Attack.' They Will Only 'Bite'

2 Australian States Say Their Sharks Will No Longer 'Attack.' They Will Only 'Bite'
Shark Week may never be the same: Two Australian states-- Queensland and New South Wales — have softened their tone when it comes to the language of reporting shark attacks.

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Science - July 21, 2021 at 11:27PM - 2 Australian States Say Their Sharks Will No Longer 'Attack.' They Will Only 'Bite'

NPR News: U.S. Life Expectancy Fell By 1.5 Years In 2020, The Biggest Drop Since WW II

U.S. Life Expectancy Fell By 1.5 Years In 2020, The Biggest Drop Since WW II
The CDC says COVID-19 was the largest factor, along with drug overdoses, homicides, diabetes and chronic liver disease. The decline was even greater for Hispanic men than other groups.

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Science - July 21, 2021 at 11:01AM - U.S. Life Expectancy Fell By 1.5 Years In 2020, The Biggest Drop Since WW II

NPR News: 'Who Wants A Skittle?' And Other Things Overheard On Jeff Bezos' Trip To Space

'Who Wants A Skittle?' And Other Things Overheard On Jeff Bezos' Trip To Space
From, "Woo-hoo!" to "Who wants a Skittle?" here's what Jeff Bezos and his crew said on their 10-minute Blue Origin flight to the edge of space.

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Science - July 20, 2021 at 11:44PM - 'Who Wants A Skittle?' And Other Things Overheard On Jeff Bezos' Trip To Space

NPR News: New Data Leads To Rethinking (Once More) Where The Pandemic Actually Began

New Data Leads To Rethinking (Once More) Where The Pandemic Actually Began
One of the scientists who signed a recent letter calling for more investigation of the lab leak origin theory says new data have come to light. And that information has changed his thinking.

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Science - July 20, 2021 at 03:39AM - New Data Leads To Rethinking (Once More) Where The Pandemic Actually Began

NPR News: New Analysis Reveals Fresh Clues About The Origins Of COVID-19

New Analysis Reveals Fresh Clues About The Origins Of COVID-19
New analyses of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic suggests the pandemic may have been spreading from inside the Huanan Seafood Market two months before doctors detected the first cases.

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Science - July 20, 2021 at 03:18AM - New Analysis Reveals Fresh Clues About The Origins Of COVID-19

NPR News: How To Heat-Proof Your Summer Workout

How To Heat-Proof Your Summer Workout
With much of the U.S. already sweltering this summer, even avid runners, hikers and bikers are wilting. We've got 10 strategies from experts on how to enjoy hot weather exercise without keeling over.

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Science - July 19, 2021 at 04:00PM - How To Heat-Proof Your Summer Workout

NPR News: Vaccinated U.K. Health Secretary Tests Positive For COVID-19

Vaccinated U.K. Health Secretary Tests Positive For COVID-19
Sajid Javid tested positive two days before the United Kingdom is set to reopen following months of lockdowns. Cases, driven by the delta variant, are up sharply in the U.K.

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Science - July 18, 2021 at 01:02AM - Vaccinated U.K. Health Secretary Tests Positive For COVID-19

NPR News: One Of The Deadliest U.S. Accidental Structural Collapses Happened 40 Years Ago Today

One Of The Deadliest U.S. Accidental Structural Collapses Happened 40 Years Ago Today
The condo building failure in Surfside, Fla., is reminiscent of the July 17, 1981, collapse of two elevated walkways at the Kansas City, Mo., Hyatt Regency that killed 114 people and injured over 200.

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Science - July 17, 2021 at 06:00PM - One Of The Deadliest U.S. Accidental Structural Collapses Happened 40 Years Ago Today

NPR News: Parts Of The Amazon Rainforest Are Now Releasing More Carbon Than They Absorb

Parts Of The Amazon Rainforest Are Now Releasing More Carbon Than They Absorb
New research published in the journal Nature suggests that mass deforestation and fire have dramatically undercut the Amazon's ability to absorb heat-trapping carbon emissions.

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Science - July 16, 2021 at 02:34AM - Parts Of The Amazon Rainforest Are Now Releasing More Carbon Than They Absorb

NPR News: There's Not A Cloud In The Sky, But Your House Could Still Be Underwater

There's Not A Cloud In The Sky, But Your House Could Still Be Underwater
Coastal areas are seeing a steady increase in high tide flooding. Scientists warn the problem is accelerating as the Earth gets hotter. And a little wobble in the Moon's orbit isn't helping.

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Science - July 16, 2021 at 12:00AM - There's Not A Cloud In The Sky, But Your House Could Still Be Underwater

NPR News: A Study Predicts Record Flooding In The 2030s, And It's Partly Because Of The Moon

A Study Predicts Record Flooding In The 2030s, And It's Partly Because Of The Moon
Researchers say high tide flooding in U.S. coastal regions will become more frequent in the mid-2030s because of climate change, amplified by a routine wobble in the moon's orbit.

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Science - July 15, 2021 at 04:12AM - A Study Predicts Record Flooding In The 2030s, And It's Partly Because Of The Moon

NPR News: Europe Has An Ambitious New Climate Plan That Imagines A Dramatic Cut In Emissions

Europe Has An Ambitious New Climate Plan That Imagines A Dramatic Cut In Emissions
A sweeping proposal unveiled by the European Union on Wednesday would look to cut emissions of the gases that cause global warming by 55% by the end of this decade.

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Science - July 14, 2021 at 10:35PM - Europe Has An Ambitious New Climate Plan That Imagines A Dramatic Cut In Emissions

NPR News: At Least 600 Tons Of Dead Fish Have Washed Up Along Tampa Bay's Shore

At Least 600 Tons Of Dead Fish Have Washed Up Along Tampa Bay's Shore
The hordes of fish were killed by a red tide, a large "bloom" of toxic algae that appears on Florida's Gulf Coast about once a year. Experts say the bloom shouldn't be happening right now.

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Science - July 14, 2021 at 02:18AM - At Least 600 Tons Of Dead Fish Have Washed Up Along Tampa Bay's Shore

NPR News: Why Clearing Brazil's Forests For Farming Can Make It Harder To Grow Crops

Why Clearing Brazil's Forests For Farming Can Make It Harder To Grow Crops
Clearing natural forests in Brazil in order to grow crops like soybeans has actually made it harder to grow those crops. That's because deforestation makes the weather hotter and drier.

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Science - July 13, 2021 at 10:02PM - Why Clearing Brazil's Forests For Farming Can Make It Harder To Grow Crops

NPR News: It's Summer, And That Means The Mysterious Return Of Glacier Ice Worms

It's Summer, And That Means The Mysterious Return Of Glacier Ice Worms
On mountaintop glaciers of Alaska, Washington and Oregon, billions of tiny black worms are tunneling upward, to the barren, icy surface. What lures them, and how do they survive the frozen depths?

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Science - July 13, 2021 at 04:07PM - It's Summer, And That Means The Mysterious Return Of Glacier Ice Worms

NPR News: The Best Of Bats: Favorite Pieces From The NPR Archive

The Best Of Bats: Favorite Pieces From The NPR Archive
We are marking 50 years of NPR with a look back at stories from the archive. For this collection, we take a look at our best stories on bats.

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Science - July 13, 2021 at 01:02AM - The Best Of Bats: Favorite Pieces From The NPR Archive

NPR News: Richard Branson Has Completed A Historic Trip To The Edge Of Space On Virgin Galactic

Richard Branson Has Completed A Historic Trip To The Edge Of Space On Virgin Galactic
Sir Richard Branson and a crew of three others grazed the edge of space Sunday morning in a rocket built by the British billionaire's company, Virgin Galactic.

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Science - July 11, 2021 at 11:05PM - Richard Branson Has Completed A Historic Trip To The Edge Of Space On Virgin Galactic

NPR News: You Can Learn A Thing Or Two From Dinosaur Poop

You Can Learn A Thing Or Two From Dinosaur Poop
There's a lot to be learned from fossilized dinosaur dung. Paleontologist Martin Qvarnstrom and entomologist Emmanuel Arriaga-Varela detail some of their discoveries.

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Science - July 11, 2021 at 06:53PM - You Can Learn A Thing Or Two From Dinosaur Poop

NPR News: Insect Experts Will Change The Name Of The 'Gypsy Moth' And 'Gypsy Ant'

Insect Experts Will Change The Name Of The 'Gypsy Moth' And 'Gypsy Ant'
The Entomological Society of America says the common names for the two insects include a pejorative for Roma people. It's part of a wider effort to replace names that are inappropriate or offensive.

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Science - July 10, 2021 at 11:05PM - Insect Experts Will Change The Name Of The 'Gypsy Moth' And 'Gypsy Ant'

NPR News: Heat Wave Killed 1 Billion Sea Creatures And Scientists Fear It Could Even Be Worse

Heat Wave Killed 1 Billion Sea Creatures And Scientists Fear It Could Even Be Worse
An estimated 1 billion sea creatures, mostly mussels, died in the heat wave last week along Vancouver's shorelines. But the marine biologist taking count worries the actual number will be much higher.

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Science - July 10, 2021 at 03:40AM - Heat Wave Killed 1 Billion Sea Creatures And Scientists Fear It Could Even Be Worse

NPR News: Some Swarms Of Fireflies Will Synchronize Their Flashes. Here's How

Some Swarms Of Fireflies Will Synchronize Their Flashes. Here's How
Scientists investigated the phenomenon of fireflies flashing in sync — and found that the insects may coordinate their strobing by watching others in the group.

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Science - July 9, 2021 at 05:26AM - Some Swarms Of Fireflies Will Synchronize Their Flashes. Here's How

NPR News: Colder Climates Meant Bigger Bodies For Ancient Humans

Colder Climates Meant Bigger Bodies For Ancient Humans
Human ancestors got steadily larger over the last 1 million years. Our relatives living in colder places developed bigger bodies, a new study finds.

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Science - July 9, 2021 at 01:36AM - Colder Climates Meant Bigger Bodies For Ancient Humans

NPR News: Delta Is Now The Dominant Coronavirus Variant In The U.S.

Delta Is Now The Dominant Coronavirus Variant In The U.S.
The CDC just released new estimates showing the highly contagious delta variant now accounts for 51.7% of cases in the U.S. In some parts of the country, the strain is responsible for 80% of cases.

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Science - July 7, 2021 at 07:23AM - Delta Is Now The Dominant Coronavirus Variant In The U.S.

NPR News: A 51,000-Year-Old Bone Carving Supports Neanderthals' Creativity

A 51,000-Year-Old Bone Carving Supports Neanderthals' Creativity
Scientists have discovered a giant deer toe bone, engraved by Neanderthals — a hint that our ancient cousins had conceptual imagination.

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Science - July 7, 2021 at 03:34AM - A 51,000-Year-Old Bone Carving Supports Neanderthals' Creativity

NPR News: The Food Industry May Be Finally Paying Attention To Its Weakness To Cyberattacks

The Food Industry May Be Finally Paying Attention To Its Weakness To Cyberattacks
A ransomware attack that shut down several big beef plants is raising concerns about cybersecurity at food companies. Critics say industry consolidation makes the food supply chain more vulnerable.

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Science - July 5, 2021 at 05:00PM - The Food Industry May Be Finally Paying Attention To Its Weakness To Cyberattacks

NPR News: New Study Finds Bull Sharks Form Social Relationships

New Study Finds Bull Sharks Form Social Relationships
A new study asserts that bull sharks have relationships, if not friends and enemies. Shark expert Juerg Bunnschweiler explains.

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Science - July 3, 2021 at 06:52PM - New Study Finds Bull Sharks Form Social Relationships

NPR News: You Could Save A Child From Drowning This Summer. Here's How

You Could Save A Child From Drowning This Summer. Here's How
A swimmer of any skill level might need your help, and preventing a drowning takes closer supervision of the kids than you might think. The distress signs can be subtle and quick.

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Science - July 3, 2021 at 06:00PM - You Could Save A Child From Drowning This Summer. Here's How

NPR News: The Devastating Drought Across The West Could Mean An Increase In Farmer Suicides

The Devastating Drought Across The West Could Mean An Increase In Farmer Suicides
A Colorado analysis found farmer suicide rates rise in tandem with increased drought. Experts say a big challenge is that there are few counsellors and many guns in rural areas.

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Science - July 2, 2021 at 10:48PM - The Devastating Drought Across The West Could Mean An Increase In Farmer Suicides

NPR News: Structural Engineer Who Investigated 9/11 Looks For Answers In Surfside Collapse

Structural Engineer Who Investigated 9/11 Looks For Answers In Surfside Collapse
NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with Allyn Kilsheimer, a renowned structural engineer, about the factors that could have led to the collapse of a condominium in Surfside, Fla.

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Science - July 2, 2021 at 03:24AM - Structural Engineer Who Investigated 9/11 Looks For Answers In Surfside Collapse