NPR News: Study sheds new light on the social evolution of primates

Study sheds new light on the social evolution of primates
For decades, researchers have said that our mammalian ancestors were solitary but a new analysis turns that thinking on its head, suggesting they were far more sociable than was previously thought.

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Science - December 31, 2023 at 08:12PM - Study sheds new light on the social evolution of primates

NPR News: Checking your 2024 horoscope? Astronomy explains why your sign might have changed

Checking your 2024 horoscope? Astronomy explains why your sign might have changed
Our view of the constellations has changed since they were first mapped thousands of years ago. That new perspective could also mess with your astrological horoscope in the new year.

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Science - December 31, 2023 at 05:00PM - Checking your 2024 horoscope? Astronomy explains why your sign might have changed

NPR News: Wildfire smoke this year woke up places unaccustomed to its effects. Now what?

Wildfire smoke this year woke up places unaccustomed to its effects. Now what?
Wildfires worsened by climate change spewed smoke over much of North America this year. It's a new reality Americans haven't yet processed: how dangerous the smoke is for human health.

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Science - December 29, 2023 at 05:00PM - Wildfire smoke this year woke up places unaccustomed to its effects. Now what?

NPR News: This year in science: AI, James Webb Space Telescope research and climate change

This year in science: AI, James Webb Space Telescope research and climate change
NPR's Short Wave hosts Geoff Brumfiel and Regina Barber wrap up of the year in AI, James Webb Space Telescope research and climate change.

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Science - December 29, 2023 at 06:14AM - This year in science: AI, James Webb Space Telescope research and climate change

NPR News: Exploding rockets and asteroid findings: This year in space news

Exploding rockets and asteroid findings: This year in space news
From Elon's giant rocket explosions to asteroid sample returns, we round up the news from a big year off-world.

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Science - December 27, 2023 at 05:26AM - Exploding rockets and asteroid findings: This year in space news

NPR News: Apes remember long-lost friends and family they haven't seen in decades

Apes remember long-lost friends and family they haven't seen in decades
Researchers found that chimpanzees and bonobos were able to recognize photos of former groupmates after more than 25 years apart, according to a new study from Johns Hopkins University.

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Science - December 27, 2023 at 02:35AM - Apes remember long-lost friends and family they haven't seen in decades

NPR News: Health workers struggle to prevent an infectious disease 'disaster in waiting' in Gaza

Health workers struggle to prevent an infectious disease 'disaster in waiting' in Gaza
Public health experts say conditions in war-torn Gaza are ripe for the spread of infectious disease. Health workers are struggling to spot and contain outbreaks, even as the health system teeters.

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Science - December 27, 2023 at 12:47AM - Health workers struggle to prevent an infectious disease 'disaster in waiting' in Gaza

NPR News: What astronomers are learning from the James Webb Space Telescope

What astronomers are learning from the James Webb Space Telescope
The telescope has revealed galaxies, stars and black holes that formed in the early universe. After its first full year of science operations, astronomers have much to ponder.

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Science - December 26, 2023 at 05:01PM - What astronomers are learning from the James Webb Space Telescope

NPR News: Just how big can a snowflake get? It depends on what you mean by 'snowflake'

Just how big can a snowflake get? It depends on what you mean by 'snowflake'
The Guinness World Record folks would have us believe in a 19th century snowflake more than a foot wide, but some scientists are skeptical.

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Science - December 25, 2023 at 05:00PM - Just how big can a snowflake get? It depends on what you mean by 'snowflake'

NPR News: Don't mope, have hope: Global stories from 2023 that inspire optimism and delight

Don't mope, have hope: Global stories from 2023 that inspire optimism and delight
We found joy in mail-order chicks, soothing lullabies, a celebration of long-lasting love, the magic touch that can calm a grumpy child (and even a stressed out adult) and beach day in Mogadishu.

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Science - December 24, 2023 at 07:37PM - Don't mope, have hope: Global stories from 2023 that inspire optimism and delight

NPR News: How the real-life Rudolphs get enough rest: Sleep while you chew!

How the real-life Rudolphs get enough rest: Sleep while you chew!
Scientists say reindeer seem to sleep while they chew, allowing them to forage all day in the summertime and still get enough sleep.

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Science - December 23, 2023 at 10:38PM - How the real-life Rudolphs get enough rest: Sleep while you chew!

NPR News: Scientists study emotional reactions to 2023 being the hottest year ever recorded

Scientists study emotional reactions to 2023 being the hottest year ever recorded
2023 was the hottest year ever recorded. That might make you feel sad, or angry. Or perhaps anxious, or guilty. Those feelings are normal, and you have a few options for how to react to them.

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Science - December 23, 2023 at 06:04AM - Scientists study emotional reactions to 2023 being the hottest year ever recorded

NPR News: What's going on in our brains when we experience nostalgia?

What's going on in our brains when we experience nostalgia?
What's going on in our brains and bodies when we experience waves of nostalgia in the holiday season? We talk to musician and neuroscientist Daniel Levitin about the medicine of music.

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Science - December 22, 2023 at 05:00PM - What's going on in our brains when we experience nostalgia?

NPR News: Science says declining social invites is OK. Here are 3 tips for doing it

Science says declining social invites is OK. Here are 3 tips for doing it
A new study has examined the potential ramifications of declining an invitation for a social outing, and found that people tend to overestimate just how much it matters.

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Science - December 21, 2023 at 07:56PM - Science says declining social invites is OK. Here are 3 tips for doing it

NPR News: Thank your ancestors if you're an early riser, say scientists

Thank your ancestors if you're an early riser, say scientists
Are you an early riser? If so, you might have Neanderthal ancestors.

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Science - December 20, 2023 at 05:04PM - Thank your ancestors if you're an early riser, say scientists

NPR News: Acts of generosity — like giving gifts — brings happiness, research shows

Acts of generosity — like giving gifts — brings happiness, research shows
Research shows that acts of generosity, like gift-giving, are contagious and increase happiness. Giving and receiving are also fundamental for good relationships.

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Science - December 20, 2023 at 06:01AM - Acts of generosity — like giving gifts — brings happiness, research shows

NPR News: Artificial intelligence can find your location in photos, worrying privacy experts

Artificial intelligence can find your location in photos, worrying privacy experts
Three Stanford graduate students built an AI tool that can find a location by looking at pictures. Civil rights advocates warn more advanced versions will further erode online privacy.

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Science - December 19, 2023 at 05:01PM - Artificial intelligence can find your location in photos, worrying privacy experts

NPR News: Giving gifts boosts happiness, research shows. So why do we feel frazzled?

Giving gifts boosts happiness, research shows. So why do we feel frazzled?
Researchers who told people to either buy themselves a gift or give one to a stranger, found those who gave to others felt a lot happier. Here's how to get the mood boost without the shopping stress.

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Science - December 18, 2023 at 05:00PM - Giving gifts boosts happiness, research shows. So why do we feel frazzled?

NPR News: Why declining social invites is OK

Why declining social invites is OK
NPR's Scott Detrow talks to West Virginia University marketing professor Julian Givi about his research on the social ramifications of turning down invites.

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Science - December 18, 2023 at 05:40AM - Why declining social invites is OK

NPR News: A powerful eruption on the sun disrupted radio signals on earth

A powerful eruption on the sun disrupted radio signals on earth
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks with heliophysicist India Jackson about Thursday's huge solar flare and how it affected the Earth.

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Science - December 17, 2023 at 07:52PM - A powerful eruption on the sun disrupted radio signals on earth

NPR News: What parents need to know before giving kids melatonin

What parents need to know before giving kids melatonin
Research shows nearly 1 in 5 school-age children are using melatonin to help them sleep. But these supplements are unregulated and pediatricians worry about their safety and the dose.

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Science - December 16, 2023 at 07:18PM - What parents need to know before giving kids melatonin

NPR News: This week in science: dunking birds, a hole in the sun and lack of emoji biodiversity

This week in science: dunking birds, a hole in the sun and lack of emoji biodiversity
NPR's Juana Summers talks with Regina Barber and Viet Le of Short Wave about parrots dunking food in water, a giant hole in the sun and the lifeforms neglected by emoji makers.

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Science - December 15, 2023 at 05:35AM - This week in science: dunking birds, a hole in the sun and lack of emoji biodiversity

NPR News: Israel is using an AI system to find targets in Gaza. Experts say it's just the start

Israel is using an AI system to find targets in Gaza. Experts say it's just the start
Israel's military says the system makes it more efficient and reduces collateral damage. Critics see a host of problems with the nation's use of AI, but other militaries will likely follow suit.

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Science - December 14, 2023 at 04:58PM - Israel is using an AI system to find targets in Gaza. Experts say it's just the start

NPR News: Your guide to Wednesday's Geminid meteor shower

Your guide to Wednesday's Geminid meteor shower
One of the best and most reliable meteor showers of the year peaks Wednesday night and Thursday morning. And with the moon only a sliver full, viewing conditions should be close to ideal.

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Science - December 14, 2023 at 02:20AM - Your guide to Wednesday's Geminid meteor shower

NPR News: The murderous creature you live with is a murderous creature, study confirms

The murderous creature you live with is a murderous creature, study confirms
More scientific evidence has surfaced to show that while mittens may be your sweet angel, letting her roam outside is also a big threat to biodiversity.

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Science - December 13, 2023 at 05:22AM - The murderous creature you live with is a murderous creature, study confirms

NPR News: Songbirds flex singing muscles every day to stay in shape, shows new study

Songbirds flex singing muscles every day to stay in shape, shows new study
A new study shows male zebra finches must sing every day to keep their vocal muscles in shape. Females prefer the songs of males that did their daily vocal workout.

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Science - December 13, 2023 at 04:32AM - Songbirds flex singing muscles every day to stay in shape, shows new study

NPR News: Arctic "report card" points to rapid and dramatic impacts of climate change

Arctic "report card" points to rapid and dramatic impacts of climate change
This past summer in the Arctic was the warmest since 1900, leading to early snowmelt and diminished sea ice.

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Science - December 13, 2023 at 01:42AM - Arctic "report card" points to rapid and dramatic impacts of climate change

NPR News: Huge Pliosaur skull unearthed on England's 'Jurassic Coast'

Huge Pliosaur skull unearthed on England's 'Jurassic Coast'
A scientist uncovered a huge Pliosaur on the coast of England. After months trying to extract it, a 6.5 foot long Pliosaur skull was recovered. The "T. Rex of the sea" could kill a human in one bite.

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Science - December 12, 2023 at 05:05PM - Huge Pliosaur skull unearthed on England's 'Jurassic Coast'

NPR News: Scientists have found the mostly intact skull of a giant, deadly sea reptile

Scientists have found the mostly intact skull of a giant, deadly sea reptile
The pliosaur, which existed millions of years ago, would chomp down with its 130 teeth in a bite far stronger than a crocodile's and had a third eye for locating prey.

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Science - December 11, 2023 at 11:34PM - Scientists have found the mostly intact skull of a giant, deadly sea reptile

NPR News: Houston, we have a tomato: ISS astronauts locate missing fruit (or vegetable)

Houston, we have a tomato: ISS astronauts locate missing fruit (or vegetable)
A missing tomato sparked a lighthearted mystery for the astronauts on board the International Space Station — and it's finally been solved after months of accusations and intrigue.

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Science - December 10, 2023 at 06:05PM - Houston, we have a tomato: ISS astronauts locate missing fruit (or vegetable)

NPR News: FDA approves first gene-editing treatment for human illness

FDA approves first gene-editing treatment for human illness
The Food and Drug Administration approved two genetic treatments for sickle cell disease, including one that uses gene-editing. The approvals offer hope for patients and signal a new medical era.

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Science - December 8, 2023 at 11:30PM - FDA approves first gene-editing treatment for human illness

NPR News: This African bird will lead you to honey, if you call to it in just the right way

This African bird will lead you to honey, if you call to it in just the right way
The wild honeyguide responds to distinct calls from local honey foragers. Says one researcher: The bird basically seems to be saying, "Hey, I'm here and I know where there's some honey, so follow me."

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Science - December 8, 2023 at 02:00AM - This African bird will lead you to honey, if you call to it in just the right way

NPR News: A fibrous path 'twixt heart and brain may make you swoon

A fibrous path 'twixt heart and brain may make you swoon
A newly discovered pathway between the heart and brain can cause fainting, at least in mice.

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Science - December 7, 2023 at 05:00PM - A fibrous path 'twixt heart and brain may make you swoon

NPR News: A little electric stimulation in just the right spot may bolster a damaged brain

A little electric stimulation in just the right spot may bolster a damaged brain
A small study found that electrically stimulating an area deep in the brain allowed people with severe traumatic brain injuries to complete a cognitive test more quickly.

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Science - December 6, 2023 at 05:00PM - A little electric stimulation in just the right spot may bolster a damaged brain

NPR News: Can a social media post change public opinion? Researchers weigh in

Can a social media post change public opinion? Researchers weigh in
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with researchers who've studied the relationship between social media posts and opinions.

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Science - December 6, 2023 at 04:53AM - Can a social media post change public opinion? Researchers weigh in

NPR News: Can anything stop the toxic smog of New Delhi?

Can anything stop the toxic smog of New Delhi?
It's, considered the world's most polluted megacity. The air is so bad that a new report estimates that on average each resident loses 12 years of life. Here's what they're doing about it.

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Science - December 6, 2023 at 01:38AM - Can anything stop the toxic smog of New Delhi?

NPR News: Big city mosquitoes are a big problem — and now a big target

Big city mosquitoes are a big problem — and now a big target
Africa's cities have become home to an invasive, malaria-carrying mosquito. New research suggests vulnerabilities that could be exploited to take on the disease-bearing insects.

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Science - December 5, 2023 at 07:04AM - Big city mosquitoes are a big problem — and now a big target

NPR News: Dolphins seem to be able to sense electric fields in the water

Dolphins seem to be able to sense electric fields in the water
Dolly and Donna, two dolphins at the Nuremberg Zoo in Germany, appear to be able to sense electric fields — an ability that might help them detect prey buried in sand or enhance their navigation.

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Science - December 5, 2023 at 05:55AM - Dolphins seem to be able to sense electric fields in the water

NPR News: A small study offers hope for people with traumatic brain injuries

A small study offers hope for people with traumatic brain injuries
A study suggests that deep brain stimulation can improve focus and attention in people recovering from a traumatic brain injury. This could offer a path for those living with debilitating impairments.

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Science - December 5, 2023 at 05:29AM - A small study offers hope for people with traumatic brain injuries

NPR News: Companies say they're closing in on nuclear fusion as an energy source. Will it work?

Companies say they're closing in on nuclear fusion as an energy source. Will it work?
For decades, government scientists have toiled away trying to make nuclear fusion work. Will commercial companies sprint to the finish?

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Science - December 4, 2023 at 05:04PM - Companies say they're closing in on nuclear fusion as an energy source. Will it work?

NPR News: The unsung heroes fighting against climate change? Fish in the 'twilight zone'

The unsung heroes fighting against climate change? Fish in the 'twilight zone'
Fish are responsible for capturing billions of tons of carbon dioxide each year. NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with Ken Buesseler of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute about how they do it.

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Science - December 3, 2023 at 08:04PM - The unsung heroes fighting against climate change? Fish in the 'twilight zone'

NPR News: Feeling alone? 5 tips to create connection and combat loneliness

Feeling alone? 5 tips to create connection and combat loneliness
We all feel lonely at some point, but long-term social isolation can damage our mental and physical health. A new book called Project UnLonely shows how creative expression can foster friendships.

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Science - December 3, 2023 at 07:00PM - Feeling alone? 5 tips to create connection and combat loneliness

NPR News: Wolves are returning to Colorado. But is it too crowded for them to thrive?

Wolves are returning to Colorado. But is it too crowded for them to thrive?
Colorado's booming urban population flipped the state from red to blue, allowing a referendum on reintroducing wolves to pass. But that growing population now may be too big for them to thrive.

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Science - December 2, 2023 at 11:21PM - Wolves are returning to Colorado. But is it too crowded for them to thrive?