NPR News: These song sparrows like to keep their playlists fresh

These song sparrows like to keep their playlists fresh
Song sparrows have a wide repertoire of tunes — and seem to be judicious about not repeating a certain song too often. Rather than sing the same playlist every time, they hit shuffle.

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Science - February 1, 2022 at 04:18AM - These song sparrows like to keep their playlists fresh

NPR News: How a hyperactive cell in the brain might trigger Alzheimer's disease

How a hyperactive cell in the brain might trigger Alzheimer's disease
Microglia are amoeba-like cells that scour the brain for injuries and invaders. But sometimes the usually helpful cells go into overdrive and damage the brain, researchers say.

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Science - January 30, 2022 at 07:00PM - How a hyperactive cell in the brain might trigger Alzheimer's disease

NPR News: A second version of omicron is spreading. Here's why scientists are on alert

A second version of omicron is spreading. Here's why scientists are on alert
It's a sibling of the first omicron variant that swept the world. Is it more contagious? Does it cause severe disease? Will it keep current omicron surges going? Researchers are looking for answers.

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Science - January 28, 2022 at 05:19AM - A second version of omicron is spreading. Here's why scientists are on alert

NPR News: A second version of omicron is spreading. Here's why scientists are on alert

A second version of omicron is spreading. Here's why scientists are on alert
It's a sibling of the first omicron variant that swept the world. Is it more contagious? Does it cause severe disease? Will it keep current omicron surges going? Researchers are looking for answers.

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Science - January 28, 2022 at 05:19AM - A second version of omicron is spreading. Here's why scientists are on alert

NPR News: Encore: Freshly made plutonium from outer space found on ocean floor

Encore: Freshly made plutonium from outer space found on ocean floor
Common chemical elements are created in stars like our sun. But heavy elements, like iron, are thought to form in massive stars that explode and spew material — though it might be more complicated.

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Science - January 28, 2022 at 05:17AM - Encore: Freshly made plutonium from outer space found on ocean floor

NPR News: NIH is 'largely finished' moving its former research chimps to a sanctuary

NIH is 'largely finished' moving its former research chimps to a sanctuary
All chimps managed by the National Institutes of Health that are currently eligible to go to a sanctuary have been moved there, but animal welfare advocates say more should be allowed to go.

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Science - January 27, 2022 at 05:00PM - NIH is 'largely finished' moving its former research chimps to a sanctuary

NPR News: Gas stoves leak climate-warming methane even when they're off

Gas stoves leak climate-warming methane even when they're off
A new study finds tiny leaks from loose fittings added up to more emissions than when stoves were in use. The impact on climate change amounts to the same effect as a half-million cars.

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Science - January 27, 2022 at 03:01PM - Gas stoves leak climate-warming methane even when they're off

NPR News: Patient who refused COVID vaccine was denied a heart transplant

Patient who refused COVID vaccine was denied a heart transplant
Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston said the COVID-19 vaccine is one of several immunizations required by most U.S. transplant programs.

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Science - January 27, 2022 at 08:55AM - Patient who refused COVID vaccine was denied a heart transplant

NPR News: Patient who refused COVID vaccine was denied a heart transplant

Patient who refused COVID vaccine was denied a heart transplant
Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston said the COVID-19 vaccine is one of several immunizations required by most U.S. transplant programs.

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Science - January 27, 2022 at 08:55AM - Patient who refused COVID vaccine was denied a heart transplant

NPR News: The brain science behind deciding to drink when you're thirsty is pretty complicated

The brain science behind deciding to drink when you're thirsty is pretty complicated
It feels simple: When we're thirsty, we drink. But the brain science explaining that simple decision turns out to be very complicated.

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Science - January 27, 2022 at 04:25AM - The brain science behind deciding to drink when you're thirsty is pretty complicated

NPR News: The FDA limits the use of some monoclonal antibodies treatments

The FDA limits the use of some monoclonal antibodies treatments
The Food and Drug Administration is curbing the use of two out of three monoclonal antibody treatments because new data shows they aren't effective against the omicron variant.

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Science - January 27, 2022 at 12:28AM - The FDA limits the use of some monoclonal antibodies treatments

NPR News: Satellite images show the aftermath of Tonga volcano's eruption

Satellite images show the aftermath of Tonga volcano's eruption
The images show populated areas in the archipelago with heavily damaged or destroyed buildings and homes and at least one island covered with ash.

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Science - January 26, 2022 at 07:00PM - Satellite images show the aftermath of Tonga volcano's eruption

NPR News: New York's mask mandate temporarily restored by appeals judge

New York's mask mandate temporarily restored by appeals judge
Monday's ruling that overturned the mandate caused confusion, with some school administrators quickly announcing masks would be optional and others continuing to enforce wearing them.

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Science - January 26, 2022 at 07:31AM - New York's mask mandate temporarily restored by appeals judge

NPR News: Shark bites surged in 2021, rebounding from a drop earlier in the pandemic

Shark bites surged in 2021, rebounding from a drop earlier in the pandemic
Still, the Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File says the high number of shark bites and deaths last year was on par with long-term averages.

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Science - January 26, 2022 at 01:23AM - Shark bites surged in 2021, rebounding from a drop earlier in the pandemic

NPR News: Internet to Tonga's main island cut by volcano could be restored in 2 weeks

Internet to Tonga's main island cut by volcano could be restored in 2 weeks
A second, domestic fiber-optic cable that connects Tonga's smaller islands to the main island could prove much more difficult to repair.

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Science - January 25, 2022 at 10:54AM - Internet to Tonga's main island cut by volcano could be restored in 2 weeks

NPR News: James Webb telescope reaches its final destination in space, a million miles away

James Webb telescope reaches its final destination in space, a million miles away
The $10 billion telescope is nearly ready to begin capturing images that scientists hope will help uncover the mysteries of the universe. And help scope out other possible habitable planets.

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Science - January 25, 2022 at 08:06AM - James Webb telescope reaches its final destination in space, a million miles away

NPR News: How colleges are dealing with high COVID case counts on campus

How colleges are dealing with high COVID case counts on campus
Despite the omicron surge, college students are starting the spring semester on campus – and administrators are bracing for the worst.

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Science - January 23, 2022 at 06:02PM - How colleges are dealing with high COVID case counts on campus

NPR News: Simone Biles has a rival — a tiny bark beetle (but it can't stick the landing)

Simone Biles has a rival — a tiny bark beetle (but it can't stick the landing)
A team of researchers has discovered the gymnastic ability of bark beetle larvae. Scientists recently recorded the larvae performing the twisting leap for the first time.

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Science - January 23, 2022 at 05:01PM - Simone Biles has a rival — a tiny bark beetle (but it can't stick the landing)

NPR News: A prehistoric eruption has helped recalibrate our timeline of human origins in Africa

A prehistoric eruption has helped recalibrate our timeline of human origins in Africa
Some of the oldest human remains ever unearthed are the Omo 1 bones found in Ethiopia. For decades, their precise age has been debated, but a new study may have the answer.

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Science - January 22, 2022 at 05:00PM - A prehistoric eruption has helped recalibrate our timeline of human origins in Africa

NPR News: Coronavirus FAQ: What's the risk of catching omicron outdoors?

Coronavirus FAQ: What's the risk of catching omicron outdoors?
Previous versions of the coronavirus didn't transmit as easily outdoors thanks to airflow that dispersed viral particles. But what about the highly transmissible omicron variant?

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Science - January 22, 2022 at 02:54AM - Coronavirus FAQ: What's the risk of catching omicron outdoors?

NPR News: Could the world become too warm to hold Winter Olympics?

Could the world become too warm to hold Winter Olympics?
If nations don't address high greenhouse gas emissions, by the 2080s, all but one of the 21 cities that previously hosted the Winter Games would be able to do so again, a new study has found.

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Science - January 22, 2022 at 04:27AM - Could the world become too warm to hold Winter Olympics?

NPR News: Coronavirus FAQ: What's the risk of catching omicron outdoors?

Coronavirus FAQ: What's the risk of catching omicron outdoors?
Previous versions of the coronavirus didn't transmit as easily outdoors thanks to airflow that dispersed viral particles. But what about the highly transmissible omicron variant?

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Science - January 22, 2022 at 02:54AM - Coronavirus FAQ: What's the risk of catching omicron outdoors?

NPR News: Nuclear-test monitor calls Tonga volcano blast "biggest thing that we've ever seen"

Nuclear-test monitor calls Tonga volcano blast "biggest thing that we've ever seen"
A station to detect nuclear weapons tests picked up the volcanic eruption in Tonga in Antarctica. Some experts say blast could be more than 50 megatons, while NASA estimates 10 megatons.

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Science - January 21, 2022 at 05:00PM - Nuclear-test monitor calls Tonga volcano blast "biggest thing that we've ever seen"

NPR News: Japan is ramping up COVID-19 restrictions as omicron cases surge

Japan is ramping up COVID-19 restrictions as omicron cases surge
While many Japanese adults are fully vaccinated, few have gotten a booster shot, which has been a vital protection from the highly contagious omicron variant.

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Science - January 21, 2022 at 01:16PM - Japan is ramping up COVID-19 restrictions as omicron cases surge

NPR News: Why humans are losing the race against superbugs

Why humans are losing the race against superbugs
A new report in The Lancet finds that in 2019, antibiotic resistant bacteria killed 1.2 million people — more than were killed by malaria or HIV/AIDS. The problem is mounting in lower income nations.

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Science - January 21, 2022 at 07:48AM - Why humans are losing the race against superbugs

NPR News: Archeologists launch first-ever 'dig' into life on the International Space Station

Archeologists launch first-ever 'dig' into life on the International Space Station
The project, a first of its kind, aims to study the social and cultural dimensions of living in space and how people adapt their behavior when they're living in a completely new environment.

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Science - January 20, 2022 at 07:00PM - Archeologists launch first-ever 'dig' into life on the International Space Station

NPR News: New Zealand will not impose lockdown when omicron hits

New Zealand will not impose lockdown when omicron hits
"This stage of the pandemic is different to what we have dealt with before. Omicron is more transmissible," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

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Science - January 20, 2022 at 01:29PM - New Zealand will not impose lockdown when omicron hits

NPR News: Booster longevity: Data reveals how long a third shot protects

Booster longevity: Data reveals how long a third shot protects
Now researchers in the U.K. have the first estimates for how long a third shot of the Pfizer vaccine will last. The findings are mixed.

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Science - January 20, 2022 at 06:32AM - Booster longevity: Data reveals how long a third shot protects

NPR News: Booster longevity: Data reveals how long a third shot protects

Booster longevity: Data reveals how long a third shot protects
Now researchers in the U.K. have the first estimates for how long a third shot of the Pfizer vaccine will last. The findings are mixed.

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Science - January 20, 2022 at 06:32AM - Booster longevity: Data reveals how long a third shot protects

NPR News: Here's the latest research into the accuracy of at-home rapid COVID tests

Here's the latest research into the accuracy of at-home rapid COVID tests
As people use at-home rapid tests more and more, they're noticing some idiosyncrasies with the results. Here's the latest research examining the accuracy of these tests.

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Science - January 20, 2022 at 04:26AM - Here's the latest research into the accuracy of at-home rapid COVID tests

NPR News: New data shows how long protection may last from a COVID vaccine booster shot

New data shows how long protection may last from a COVID vaccine booster shot
Researchers now have the first data looking at how long that protection from a booster shot of the COVID vaccine will last and what the future of the vaccinations might be after the omicron surge.

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Science - January 20, 2022 at 04:26AM - New data shows how long protection may last from a COVID vaccine booster shot

NPR News: Encore: Ancient footprints mistakenly attributed to bears were made by early humans

Encore: Ancient footprints mistakenly attributed to bears were made by early humans
A new look at nearly 3.7 million-year-old fossil footprints uncovered in Tanzania shows that multiple species of early humans lived together at the same time.

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Science - January 19, 2022 at 05:00AM - Encore: Ancient footprints mistakenly attributed to bears were made by early humans

NPR News: NASA scientists estimate Tonga blast at 10 megatons

NASA scientists estimate Tonga blast at 10 megatons
Researchers who have been studying the volcano since 2015 say it was likely caused by seawater flowing into a chamber filled with magma.

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Science - January 19, 2022 at 02:27AM - NASA scientists estimate Tonga blast at 10 megatons

NPR News: Satellite photos show Tonga before and after huge undersea volcano eruption

Satellite photos show Tonga before and after huge undersea volcano eruption
Significant damage is being reported on the Pacific island of Tonga and thick ash on an airport runway is preventing aid from arriving.

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Science - January 18, 2022 at 04:59PM - Satellite photos show Tonga before and after huge undersea volcano eruption

NPR News: The US is divided over whether nuclear power is part of the green energy future

The US is divided over whether nuclear power is part of the green energy future
Nuclear power is emerging as an answer as states transition away from coal, oil and natural gas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stave off climate change.

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Science - January 18, 2022 at 01:52PM - The US is divided over whether nuclear power is part of the green energy future

NPR News: Sotheby's unveils 555.55-carat black diamond thought to come from outer space

Sotheby's unveils 555.55-carat black diamond thought to come from outer space
Black diamonds are extremely rare, and are found naturally only in Brazil and Central Africa. The cosmic origin theory of "The Enigma" is based on carbon isotopes and high hydrogen content.

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Science - January 18, 2022 at 09:00AM - Sotheby's unveils 555.55-carat black diamond thought to come from outer space

NPR News: Before you open the calorie counter, consider the role of diet culture

Before you open the calorie counter, consider the role of diet culture
Last year, half of all New Year's resolutions in the U.S. were based on fitness and nearly half were based on weight loss. NPR's Life Kit takes a look at diet culture.

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Science - January 16, 2022 at 04:55AM - Before you open the calorie counter, consider the role of diet culture

NPR News: For 50 years, 'The Gates Of Hell' crater has burned. Now officials want to put it out

For 50 years, 'The Gates Of Hell' crater has burned. Now officials want to put it out
NPR's Scott Simon speaks to George Kourounis, Royal Canadian Geographical Society's explorer-in-residence, about the possible closing of "The Gates of Hell," a natural gas field in Turkmenistan.

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Science - January 15, 2022 at 07:59PM - For 50 years, 'The Gates Of Hell' crater has burned. Now officials want to put it out

NPR News: The bald eagle population slowly recovers, but lead ammo hampers their resilience

The bald eagle population slowly recovers, but lead ammo hampers their resilience
Bald eagles, hailed an "American success story" were removed from the endangered species list in 2007. Now, researchers have found that lead ammunition has reduced their population growth.

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Science - January 15, 2022 at 03:18AM - The bald eagle population slowly recovers, but lead ammo hampers their resilience

NPR News: Fact check: The theory that SARS-CoV-2 is becoming milder

Fact check: The theory that SARS-CoV-2 is becoming milder
A look at the data that omicron is less severe. What does that mean for the future of SARS-CoV-2 — and the pandemic?

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Science - January 15, 2022 at 01:22AM - Fact check: The theory that SARS-CoV-2 is becoming milder

NPR News: Doctors and patients are facing tough choices because of the national blood crisis

Doctors and patients are facing tough choices because of the national blood crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a 62% drop in blood drives at schools and colleges, according to the American Red Cross.

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Science - January 14, 2022 at 08:54AM - Doctors and patients are facing tough choices because of the national blood crisis

NPR News: Scientists determine age of some of the oldest human bones

Scientists determine age of some of the oldest human bones
Some of the oldest human remains ever unearthed are the Omo One bones found in Ethiopia. For decades, their precise age has been debated, but a new study argues they're around 233,000 years old.

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Science - January 14, 2022 at 04:55AM - Scientists determine age of some of the oldest human bones

NPR News: Scientists think they've found a big, weird moon in a far-off star system

Scientists think they've found a big, weird moon in a far-off star system
Scientists have found many planets orbiting distant stars, but so far no proof that any have moons. Now, researchers have detected signs of a large exomoon orbiting a Jupiter-like world.

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Science - January 13, 2022 at 11:00PM - Scientists think they've found a big, weird moon in a far-off star system

NPR News: China is doubling down on its 'zero-tolerance' COVID policy ahead of the Olympics

China is doubling down on its 'zero-tolerance' COVID policy ahead of the Olympics
China is battling coronavirus outbreaks in six cities. More than 20 million people are in some form of lockdown.

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Science - January 13, 2022 at 03:13PM - China is doubling down on its 'zero-tolerance' COVID policy ahead of the Olympics

NPR News: Coronavirus FAQ: Why are some folks hacking home COVID tests by swabbing their throat?

Coronavirus FAQ: Why are some folks hacking home COVID tests by swabbing their throat?
The FDA-approved tests call for a nasal swab. Some doctors are tweeting that they're doing a throat swab, too — though they don't recommend this step to the public. Here's a look at the swab debate.

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Science - January 13, 2022 at 05:32AM - Coronavirus FAQ: Why are some folks hacking home COVID tests by swabbing their throat?

NPR News: Why omicron may cause less harm — and what it means for the future of the pandemic

Why omicron may cause less harm — and what it means for the future of the pandemic
There's growing evidence that omicron causes less severe disease than previous variants. Does that mean SARS-CoV-2 is evolving into a more mild virus? Will future surges be less deadly and disruptive?

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Science - January 13, 2022 at 04:41AM - Why omicron may cause less harm — and what it means for the future of the pandemic

NPR News: In Orlando, a mountain of coal ash evades EPA rules. It's not the only one.

In Orlando, a mountain of coal ash evades EPA rules. It's not the only one.
Environmentalists want Biden's Environmental Protection Agency to aggressively regulate huge piles of toxic coal ash across the nation. The waste has polluted groundwater in 39 states.

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Science - January 12, 2022 at 09:43PM - In Orlando, a mountain of coal ash evades EPA rules. It's not the only one.

NPR News: China's Tianjin orders more testing on 14 million after omicron reaches city

China's Tianjin orders more testing on 14 million after omicron reaches city
The city of Tianjin ordered a second round of COVID-19 testing on Wednesday in the city about an hour from Beijing, which is set to host the Winter Olympics from February 4th.

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Science - January 12, 2022 at 04:59PM - China's Tianjin orders more testing on 14 million after omicron reaches city

NPR News: Djokovic clarifies timeline before arriving in Australia as visa saga continues

Djokovic clarifies timeline before arriving in Australia as visa saga continues
Djokovic moved to clarify the timeline while he was infectious last month and about errors on the travel document he used to enter Australia to defend his Australian Open title.

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Science - January 12, 2022 at 12:26PM - Djokovic clarifies timeline before arriving in Australia as visa saga continues

NPR News: Medicare proposes covering expensive Alzheimer's drug for those in clinical trials

Medicare proposes covering expensive Alzheimer's drug for those in clinical trials
Aduhelm is the first treatment approved in the country to slow cognitive decline in those living with Alzheimer's. Doctors have refused to prescribe it, given the lack of data and evidence behind it.

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Science - January 12, 2022 at 07:55AM - Medicare proposes covering expensive Alzheimer's drug for those in clinical trials

NPR News: Israeli scientists have trained goldfish to drive, in a scene out of a Dr. Seuss book

Israeli scientists have trained goldfish to drive, in a scene out of a Dr. Seuss book
An experiment involving a robotic tank on wheels and six trained goldfish may offer insights into animals' ability to navigate unfamiliar environments.

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Science - January 11, 2022 at 11:55PM - Israeli scientists have trained goldfish to drive, in a scene out of a Dr. Seuss book

NPR News: As carbon removal gains traction, economists imagine a new market to save the planet

As carbon removal gains traction, economists imagine a new market to save the planet
Carbon removal went mainstream in 2021. But the technology is still light years away from making a real difference combating climate change. A group of economists wants to help change that.

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Science - January 11, 2022 at 06:30PM - As carbon removal gains traction, economists imagine a new market to save the planet

NPR News: Cyber risks add to climate threat, World Economic Forum warns

Cyber risks add to climate threat, World Economic Forum warns
Survey of 1,000 experts and leaders finds cybersecurity and space add to the existing challenges of climate change and the coronavirus pandemic.

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Science - January 11, 2022 at 05:42PM - Cyber risks add to climate threat, World Economic Forum warns

NPR News: Who gets to use NASA's James Webb Space Telescope? Astronomers work to fight bias

Who gets to use NASA's James Webb Space Telescope? Astronomers work to fight bias
With the James Webb Space Telescope safely deployed, many scientists want to use it. To minimize the effect of unconscious biases, they go through a process developed for the Hubble Space Telescope.

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Science - January 11, 2022 at 05:15PM - Who gets to use NASA's James Webb Space Telescope? Astronomers work to fight bias

NPR News: How to get insurance to pay for at-home COVID tests, according to the White House

How to get insurance to pay for at-home COVID tests, according to the White House
The Biden administration says Americans should be able to order COVID tests online later this month. Those who are eligible can get eight free over-the-counter at-home tests a month.

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Science - January 11, 2022 at 06:24AM - How to get insurance to pay for at-home COVID tests, according to the White House

NPR News: Doctors transplant a genetically modified pig heart into a human for the 1st time

Doctors transplant a genetically modified pig heart into a human for the 1st time
While it's too soon to know if the operation really will work, it marks a step in the decades-long quest to one day use animal organs for life-saving transplants.

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Science - January 11, 2022 at 04:48AM - Doctors transplant a genetically modified pig heart into a human for the 1st time

NPR News: U.S. greenhouse gas emissions jumped in 2021, a threat to climate goals

U.S. greenhouse gas emissions jumped in 2021, a threat to climate goals
The spike was attributed to a slew of causes, including behavior changes after COVID-19 vaccines became widely available, but environmental advocates say it's worrisome.

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Science - January 11, 2022 at 12:34AM - U.S. greenhouse gas emissions jumped in 2021, a threat to climate goals

NPR News: On COVID vaccinations, Pope says health care is a 'moral obligation'

On COVID vaccinations, Pope says health care is a 'moral obligation'
Francis says individuals have a responsibility to care for themselves "and this translates into respect for the health of those around us."

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Science - January 10, 2022 at 07:26PM - On COVID vaccinations, Pope says health care is a 'moral obligation'

NPR News: Rising sea levels threaten affordable housing

Rising sea levels threaten affordable housing
Lots of low-income and public housing is threatened by rising seas. Losing those units will make the affordable housing crisis even worse, and put more people at risk of homelessness.

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Science - January 10, 2022 at 05:09AM - Rising sea levels threaten affordable housing

NPR News: The role of tiny blood clots in long COVID

The role of tiny blood clots in long COVID
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with scientist Resia Pretorius of Stellenbosch University in South Africa about the key role of microclots in the diagnosis and treatment of long Covid.

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Science - January 10, 2022 at 05:09AM - The role of tiny blood clots in long COVID

NPR News: Scientists vacuum zoo animals' DNA out of the air

Scientists vacuum zoo animals' DNA out of the air
Researchers who detected that detecting environmental DNA, or eDNA, in two zoos say the technique could one day be used to look for endangered species in remote locations in the wild.

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Science - January 9, 2022 at 07:00PM - Scientists vacuum zoo animals' DNA out of the air

NPR News: NASA's James Webb telescope completes its final unfolding in space

NASA's James Webb telescope completes its final unfolding in space
Considered the most powerful telescope in space, the James Webb telescope has completed its deployment process. It will still be five months before NASA can start receiving its images.

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Science - January 9, 2022 at 12:38AM - NASA's James Webb telescope completes its final unfolding in space

NPR News: Tallest Galapagos volcano erupts, spewing lava and ash

Tallest Galapagos volcano erupts, spewing lava and ash
Ecuador's Emergency Operations Committee said the eruption on Isabela Island didn't represent a risk to humans or to native local species.

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Science - January 8, 2022 at 02:54PM - Tallest Galapagos volcano erupts, spewing lava and ash

NPR News: CDC is criticized for failing to communicate, promises to do better

CDC is criticized for failing to communicate, promises to do better
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention held only two telebriefings in 2021. That lack of transparency has prompted criticism — and a pledge from director Dr. Rochelle Walensky to be more open.

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Science - January 8, 2022 at 07:07AM - CDC is criticized for failing to communicate, promises to do better

NPR News: What crying baby mice could teach us about human speech

What crying baby mice could teach us about human speech
Scientists have found a cluster of rhythmic brain cells in newborn mice that may explain why spoken languages around the world share a common tempo.

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Science - January 7, 2022 at 11:45PM - What crying baby mice could teach us about human speech

NPR News: Ryan Phelan: How gene technology can save species on the brink of extinction

Ryan Phelan: How gene technology can save species on the brink of extinction
What if we could rescue endangered species before they disappear? Biotech entrepreneur Ryan Phelan explores how genetic engineering tools can save species that would otherwise go extinct.

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Science - January 7, 2022 at 09:27PM - Ryan Phelan: How gene technology can save species on the brink of extinction

NPR News: Nabiha Saklayen: Could lasers make stem cell therapy available to everyone?

Nabiha Saklayen: Could lasers make stem cell therapy available to everyone?
Stem cells have long been heralded as a potential tool to treat illnesses. Nabiha Saklayen explains how it's still early, but scientists are getting closer to turning this vision into a reality.

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Science - January 7, 2022 at 09:26PM - Nabiha Saklayen: Could lasers make stem cell therapy available to everyone?

NPR News: Jennifer Doudna: What does CRISPR mean for the future of human evolution?

Jennifer Doudna: What does CRISPR mean for the future of human evolution?
In 2011, biochemist Jennifer Doudna helped discover the genetic editing tool CRISPR. Today CRISPR is actively deployed in clinical trials with the potential to cure disease—and alter human evolution.

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Science - January 7, 2022 at 09:25PM - Jennifer Doudna: What does CRISPR mean for the future of human evolution?

NPR News: Making weather forecasts is hard. Getting people to understand them is even harder

Making weather forecasts is hard. Getting people to understand them is even harder
After nearly a decade, the director of the National Weather Service has stepped down. Getting the public to understand weather is just as important as the science that delivers the forecasts, he says.

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Science - January 7, 2022 at 05:45PM - Making weather forecasts is hard. Getting people to understand them is even harder

NPR News: What we know about the symptoms — and the severity — of the omicron variant

What we know about the symptoms — and the severity — of the omicron variant
Researchers are looking at data from U.S. cases to determine if the variant causes milder disease. Even if the answer is yes, they say, rates of hospitalization could be high during the surge.

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Science - January 7, 2022 at 05:09AM - What we know about the symptoms — and the severity — of the omicron variant

NPR News: COVID vaccines may briefly change your menstrual cycle, but you should still get one

COVID vaccines may briefly change your menstrual cycle, but you should still get one
The new research affirms what many individuals had reported. But it also shows the changes to the menstrual cycle are mostly minor and brief, more akin to a sore arm than a dangerous reaction.

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Science - January 7, 2022 at 05:00AM - COVID vaccines may briefly change your menstrual cycle, but you should still get one

NPR News: 'Vacuuming animal DNA out of air' may be a way to track wild endangered species

'Vacuuming animal DNA out of air' may be a way to track wild endangered species
Researchers sampled air from a zoological park and found DNA from nearby animals. They hope the work can be used to track endangered species in the wild.

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Science - January 7, 2022 at 04:56AM - 'Vacuuming animal DNA out of air' may be a way to track wild endangered species

NPR News: Is your dog bilingual? A new study suggests their brains can tell languages apart

Is your dog bilingual? A new study suggests their brains can tell languages apart
When brain researcher Laura Cuaya moved from Mexico to Hungary, she wanted to know if her two dogs would recognize the change in language. So she devised an experiment.

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Science - January 6, 2022 at 06:23PM - Is your dog bilingual? A new study suggests their brains can tell languages apart

NPR News: California extends its indoor mask mandate until February as omicron surge continues

California extends its indoor mask mandate until February as omicron surge continues
So far, nearly 80% of California residents have been vaccinated with at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. The extended statewide mask mandate is set to expire on Feb. 15.

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Science - January 6, 2022 at 11:01AM - California extends its indoor mask mandate until February as omicron surge continues

NPR News: Children as young as 12 should get Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccines, CDC advisers say

Children as young as 12 should get Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccines, CDC advisers say
If the CDC approves the advisory panel's recommendation, boosters for adolescents age 12-17 could be available as early as this week. The shots should be given five months after initial immunization.

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Science - January 6, 2022 at 07:32AM - Children as young as 12 should get Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccines, CDC advisers say

NPR News: GMO is out, "bioengineered" is in, as new U.S. food labeling rules take effect

GMO is out, "bioengineered" is in, as new U.S. food labeling rules take effect
A new national standard is meant to give consumers clarity about how their food was produced, but critics say the rules will introduce more confusion and don't go far enough.

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Science - January 6, 2022 at 12:55AM - GMO is out, "bioengineered" is in, as new U.S. food labeling rules take effect

NPR News: A Texas team comes up with a COVID vaccine that could be a global game changer

A Texas team comes up with a COVID vaccine that could be a global game changer
Peter Hotez and Maria Elena Bottazzi used an oldie-but- goodie technology to devise a vaccine that's easy to make — and relatively cheap. India has already ordered 300 million doses.

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Science - January 6, 2022 at 12:47AM - A Texas team comes up with a COVID vaccine that could be a global game changer

NPR News: The CDC resists pushback and says a test to get out of COVID isolation is not needed

The CDC resists pushback and says a test to get out of COVID isolation is not needed
Those who contracted COVID-19 can end their isolation after five days while continuing to wear a well-fitting mask for an additional five days, according to the agency.

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Science - January 5, 2022 at 08:25AM - The CDC resists pushback and says a test to get out of COVID isolation is not needed

NPR News: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope finishes deploying its sunshield amid cheers

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope finishes deploying its sunshield amid cheers
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope successfully finishing tensioning its massive sunshield on Tuesday, marking a critical step in the powerful observatory's zero-gravity deployment.

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Science - January 5, 2022 at 07:24AM - NASA's James Webb Space Telescope finishes deploying its sunshield amid cheers

NPR News: More than 1 million Americans were diagnosed with COVID over the long holiday weekend

More than 1 million Americans were diagnosed with COVID over the long holiday weekend
The U.S. hit a new record high for infections in a single day on Monday, with 1,082,549 new cases recorded. Hospitalizations are also on the rise, but not at the same rate.

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Science - January 5, 2022 at 01:32AM - More than 1 million Americans were diagnosed with COVID over the long holiday weekend

NPR News: Richard Leakey, whose discoveries helped prove mankind began in Africa, is dead at 77

Richard Leakey, whose discoveries helped prove mankind began in Africa, is dead at 77
Famed Kenyan conservationist and fossil hunter Richad Leakey has died at age 77. His discoveries helped prove Africa was the cradle of civilization.

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Science - January 4, 2022 at 04:35AM - Richard Leakey, whose discoveries helped prove mankind began in Africa, is dead at 77

NPR News: What the numbers tell us, or don't tell us, about the omicron surge

What the numbers tell us, or don't tell us, about the omicron surge
In the midst of record high COVID case numbers in the U.S., NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with biostatistician Natalie Dean about how to assess COVID metrics.

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Science - January 4, 2022 at 04:35AM - What the numbers tell us, or don't tell us, about the omicron surge

NPR News: Famed fossil hunter and conservationist Richard Leakey dies at 77

Famed fossil hunter and conservationist Richard Leakey dies at 77
Leakey made important contributions to our understanding of human origins through his fossil finds. He later gained fame for taking on poachers who threatened to wipe out Kenya's elephants and rhinos.

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Science - January 3, 2022 at 11:21PM - Famed fossil hunter and conservationist Richard Leakey dies at 77

NPR News: FDA authorizes a Pfizer booster shot for children ages 12 to 15

FDA authorizes a Pfizer booster shot for children ages 12 to 15
The agency also shortened the time between the completion of primary vaccination of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and a booster dose, down to five months from six.

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Science - January 3, 2022 at 10:01PM - FDA authorizes a Pfizer booster shot for children ages 12 to 15

NPR News: Quebec begins retail store closures amid new COVID-19 wave

Quebec begins retail store closures amid new COVID-19 wave
Quebec proceeded with the first of three planned closures of non-essential retail stores Sunday as the government tries to curb a new wave of COVID-19 driven by the highly infectious Omicron variant.

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Science - January 3, 2022 at 01:14PM - Quebec begins retail store closures amid new COVID-19 wave

NPR News: CDC could add a negative test to its new isolation guidelines, Fauci says

CDC could add a negative test to its new isolation guidelines, Fauci says
The CDC recently cut the number of days it recommends COVID-positive people remain in isolation from 10 days to five, but it didn't require a negative test to leave isolation.

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Science - January 3, 2022 at 04:35AM - CDC could add a negative test to its new isolation guidelines, Fauci says

NPR News: A pediatrician's advice to parents of kids under 5 on omicron, travel and daycare

A pediatrician's advice to parents of kids under 5 on omicron, travel and daycare
Amid the omicron surge there is understandable anxiety among parents, particularly for those with kids under 5. Pediatric infectious disease doctor Ibukun Kalu answers some of their questions.

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Science - January 2, 2022 at 05:00PM - A pediatrician's advice to parents of kids under 5 on omicron, travel and daycare