Peppermint, evergreen, latkes on the griddle — all are signature smells of Christmas. NPR's Scott Simon talks with Mandy Aftel, author of Fragrant, about why we react so strongly to scents.
The electric eel creates its own electricity, sure, but Vanderbilt University professor Ken Catania tells NPR's Scott Simon what's shocking is how the eel uses it to remotely control prey.
The best and most easily-watched meteor shower of the year is happening this weekend. NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Jackie Faherty, an astronomer at the Carnegie Institution for Science.
It looked at winners of the Darwin Awards, given to people who die in such an idiotic manner their action ensures the species' long-term survival. Nearly 90 percent of the winners were male.
Kale's days as the superfood-du-jour may be numbered. Next up: Kalettes? It's a cross between kale and Brussels sprouts, and it's one of a few bewitching hybrid vegetables that could go big in 2015.
On the final day of the latest round of climate talks, rich and poor nations meeting in Lima, Peru, have yet to agree on the central issue of emissions targets.
The southern sea pup now known as Luna was found on a beach in California in October. She was transferred to the Shedd Aquarium, where a naming contest was held this month.
A study tracking grads from Washington state's schools found those who completed programs longer than a year had more pay and steadier work — especially in health care, technology and skilled labor.