Building a better brain through music, dance and poetry
Art can make the brain's wiring stronger, more flexible and ready to learn, say the authors of a new book, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us.
Science
Why deforestation means less rain in tropical forests
A new study finds deforestation reduces rainfall in tropical rainforests, which has grave consequences for agriculture, drought and climate resilience.
Scientists create an eco-friendly paint that mimics nature
NPR's Scott Detrow speaks to Debashis Chanda about his groundbreaking research on structural paint, featured in WIRED magazine.
6 things to know about heat pumps, a climate solution in a box
Sales of super-efficient electric heat pumps are rising in the U.S. But what are heat pumps? And why do some call them a key climate solution?
Grief and tangled politics were at the heart of Kentucky's fight over new trans law
This week, GOP lawmakers overruled Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear's veto and passed a sweeping law limiting the rights of transgender youth across the state, both at school and in their personal lives.
A beetle species found on a former California governor's ranch has been named for him
A rare species of beetle has been named after former California Gov. Jerry Brown after scientists found one on his ranch.
After 50 years, a Florida aquarium plans to return Lolita the orca to her home waters
The 57-year-old orca was captured over 50 years ago at the age of 4 from the Pacific coast near Seattle. She retired last spring from performing in exhibition shows.
There's a second outbreak of Marburg virus in Africa. Climate change could be a factor
The first outbreak this year was in Equatorial Guinea, which has seen 20 deaths already. Now there are cases reported in Tanzania as well for this infectious disease with a high fatality rate.
These cockroaches tweaked their mating rituals after adapting to pest control
The German cockroach evolved to live only in human environments. This roach is very good at adapting to pest control methods — even if it means changing its mating rituals.
Imagine a T-rex — now think about its mouth. Did you imagine scary teeth?
Research suggests that contrary to popular belief, the T-rex did not have rows of exposed teeth — it had lips that covered those teeth. Some scientists disagree and insist that the T-rex is lipless.