Agricultural research funding has dropped, impacting the fight against climate change
Steep cuts in federal funds for agriculture research over the last 20 years threatens farming's fight against climate change.
Science
Most Americans say overturning Roe was politically motivated, NPR/Ipsos poll finds
An NPR/Ipsos poll finds that most Americans say Supreme Court justices are guided more by their politics than the law, and that lawmakers aren't deciding abortion policy based on public sentiment.
A deadly disease is threating honeybees, but a new vaccine could help
A first of its kind vaccine for honeybees is close to coming to market to fight a disease that currently means burning infected hives. It's a little extra help as bees try to deal with climate change.
Nearly 6-pound 'Toadzilla' found in Australia breaks the record for largest toad
Cane toads are notorious pests in Australia, colonizing habitats and poisoning other wildlife. Park rangers euthanized the 5.95-pound animal, whose body will be donated to the Queensland Museum.
Study shows heavy stones may give big leaps in water — plus real-world implications
Researchers have studied the physics behind heavy stones skipping across the surface of water. They say these findings could be applied to real-world problems like de-icing airplanes.
What makes that song swing? At last, physicists unravel a jazz mystery
For nearly a century, jazz musicians have debated what gives songs that propulsive, groovy feel that makes you want to move with the music. The secret may lie in subtle nuances in a soloist's timing.
Is music an exclusively human thing? A new study says no
Charles Darwin once speculated that all animals may share the ability to perceive melody and rhythm. Although the evidence is slim, there are a few studies that support Darwin's idea.
An astronaut tells NPR what life is like on the ISS
Short Wave's scientist in residence Regina Barber talks with NASA astronaut Josh Cassada about daily life on the International Space Station.
Social isolation linked to an increased risk of dementia, new study finds
Socially isolated older adults have a 27% higher chance of developing dementia, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins. The findings suggest that simple interventions could be meaningful.
Why architectural marvels from Ancient Rome are still standing
NPR's Scott Simon talks to Admir Masic, professor of civil and environmental engineering at MIT, about what made concrete used by Ancient Romans so incredibly durable.