A man is caught attempting to smuggle 100 live snakes into China in his pants
The man's bizarre smuggling attempt included many non-native species of snakes stuffed into his pants, according to China's customs authority.
Science
Tips on how to keep animals comfortable and healthy during heat waves
NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to Dr. Sandra Faeh of the American Veterinary Medical Association, about how to keep pets healthy during extreme heat, and warning signs to look for.
Astronomers spot a mysterious black hole nestled in a cluster of stars
A report from Nature shows that astronomers may have found a medium-sized black hole, a kind they've long looked for.
These monkeys were 'notoriously competitive' until Hurricane Maria wrecked their home
Rhesus macaques on Cayo Santiago are known for being intolerant, hierarchical and aggressive. After 2017's Hurricane Maria destroyed their home, the monkeys' society underwent surprising changes.
Like humans, these ants can perform leg amputations to save lives
Some ants herd aphids. Some farm fungi. And now, scientists have realized that when an ant injures its leg, it sometimes will turn to a buddy to perform a lifesaving limb amputation. Not only that — some ants have probably been amputating limbs longer than humans! Today, thanks to the reporting of ant enthusiast and science correspondent Nell Greenfieldboyce, we behold the medical prowess of the ant.
Want to hear more cool stories about the tiny critters among us? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to know!
Want to hear more cool stories about the tiny critters among us? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to know!
The physics of launching into space -- and crashing back down
Humans are traveling farther into space than ever before. We look at the physics of launch – how to send something up and how it can come crashing back down.
The invisible substance that structures our universe
The universe is so much bigger than what people can see. Visible matter — the ground, the Sun, the screen you're reading this on — makes up only about 4 or 5 percent of our known universe. Dark matter makes up much more of the universe. It's all around us even though we can't see it. So what is it? What's it made out of? How do we even know it exists? Host Emily Kwong and Rebecca Ramirez try to find out with the help of astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan.
This episode is part of our series Space Camp, all about the weird and mysterious depths of our universe. Check out the full series: https://www.npr.org/spacecamp.
Our team would love to hear your episode ideas. Email us at shortwave@npr.org.
This episode is part of our series Space Camp, all about the weird and mysterious depths of our universe. Check out the full series: https://www.npr.org/spacecamp.
Our team would love to hear your episode ideas. Email us at shortwave@npr.org.
Mosquitos kill more people than any other creature, the CDC warns
The CDC considers mosquitoes to be the most dangerous animals on earth because of infectious disease transmission. They spread diseases like malaria, dengue and yellow fever.
Researcher use new statistical tools on previous data about attractiveness
A new study finds that people tend to partner up with people of similar attractiveness.
Cats on leashes ... yes, it's a thing
For some cats, leashed walks "can certainly create environmental enrichment, get them some more exercise," says veterinarian Grace Cater. Other cats? Not so much.