A kid in Guatemala had a dream. Today she's a disease detective
Neudy Rojop made a girlhood pledge. When family members fell ill, she says she decided to become a nurse "so I could change my community for good."
Science
The hunt is on to discover a COVID vaccine that wouldn't require freezers for storage
The mRNA shots against COVID were a game-changer but the shots need ultra-cold freezers that are unavailable in many low-income countries. Now the hunt is on for innovations to solve this problem.
An activist group is spreading misinformation to stop solar projects in rural America
An NPR/Floodlight investigation found that a longtime Republican insider is stoking solar opposition by spreading bad information about health and environmental risks. Her influence is growing.
Did an F-22 shoot down an Illinois hobby group's small radio balloon?
A military spokesperson tells NPR that it's their understanding that the FBI has spoken to the hobbyist group in question.
A new, experimental approach to male birth control immobilizes sperm
For decades researchers have struggled to find a contraceptive methods for males. A new fast-acting compound shows promise — assuming it turns out to work as well in men as in mice.
Militaries have sought to use spy balloons for centuries. The real enemy is the wind
The U.S. government suspects that China's surveillance balloon may have blown off course. It wouldn't be the first time.
The Marburg outbreak in Equatorial Guinea is a concern — and a chance for progress
Marburg virus is hard to detect early on--and goes on to kill about half its victims. Researchers hope to work quickly during this outbreak to make progress on emerging vaccines and treatments.
Japan recounted its islands. Now geographers say there may be 7,000 more of them
Japan conducted a recount of its islands amid criticism that the data was old and inaccurate. Geographers took another look and the number of islands is expected to more than double.
Newly released footage of a 1986 Titanic dive reveals the ship's haunting interior
The Titanic's rust-caked bow, an officer's cabin and a promenade window are part of the never-before-seen footage of the shipwreck site, which continues to slowly vanish 12,500 feet below the waves.
The earthquake in Turkey and Syria offers lessons and reminders for disaster response
Even as rescuers rush to arrive, it's often locals who can best offer immediate help, experts say. And they say governments in devastated areas often fail to realize the scope and respond immediately.