Research shows AI can boost creativity for some, but at a cost
Amateur writers using AI tools produced stories that were deemed more creative, but the research suggests the creativity of the group overall went down.
Science
AI brings soaring emissions for Google and Microsoft, a major contributor to climate change
The tech giants both report surges in greenhouse gas emissions as they double-down on adding artificial intelligence to all of their products.
Teens are following skincare trends on TikTok. Some dermatologists are wary
TikTok is fuel for many trends, including a skin care craze among teens, pre-teens — okay, and us. The "glass skin" trend calls for a multi-step routine, often involving pricey products. It's all in pursuit of dewy, seemingly poreless, glowing complexion – like glass. But some dermatologists say these attempts can backfire, irritating, burning and even peeling sensitive pre-teen skin. As teens and tweens have become major consumers of skin care products, dermatologists are seeing more of these cases and are cautioning against these elaborate routines.
Want more science behind what's going viral? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.
Want more science behind what's going viral? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.
This week in science: swimming lions, the 'glass' skin craze and a rotten egg planet
NPR's Short Wave brings stories of lion brothers making a record-breaking swim in Uganda, the skincare trend among pre-teens that is worrying dermatologists, and a planet that smells like rotten eggs.
A 3D reconstruction of the woolly mammoth genome might help revive the extinct species
With a skin sample from a 52,000-year-old woolly mammoth, scientists are gaining new insights into what made the animals tick. The findings could also help controversial de-extinction efforts.
Why your cat scratches furniture – and how to get it to stop
A new study identifies why cats scratch the furniture and what you can do to curb that behavior.
Marathon Oil reaches a $241 million settlement with EPA for environmental violations
The federal government announced a settlement with Marathon Oil for alleged air quality violations at the company's oil and gas operations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota.
A study found toxic metals in popular tampon brands. Here's what experts advise
A first-of-its-kind study found lead, arsenic and other heavy metals in various tampon brands, but didn't link them to harmful health effects. Experts explain why it matters — and what to watch for.
‘Absolutely incredible’: Man rowing solo across Atlantic is surrounded by whales
The appearance of hundreds of whales was amazing, rower Tom Waddington said. But when one slammed into his boat, "suddenly it turned from David Attenborough into Moby Dick. And I was really scared."
Shark attacks are incredibly rare. But if you spot one in the water, here's what to do
At least six people were injured in shark attacks in the U.S. since the July Fourth weekend. Such attacks are actually rare, but if you do encounter one, experts say to stay calm and move away slowly.