Science

A map visualizing frequent fires in the U.S. in the years before European colonization.

Wildfire Risk Is Growing Everywhere, Even As More Americans Move Into Harm's Way

5:00am August 10, 2021

There's a history of wildfire across America, a threat made worse by the warming climate. And more people are moving to fire-prone areas without realizing the danger.

Controlled burns, like this one in Lassen Volcanic National Park, reduce the risk of extreme fires by clearing flammable brush.

With Extreme Fires Burning, Forest Service Stops 'Good Fires' Too

9:54pm August 09, 2021

by Lauren Sommer

Controlled burns help reduce wildfire risk by clearing out overgrown vegetation. The U.S. Forest Service is suspending them, concerning fire scientists.

A reconstruction drawing of the Suontaka grave from 1,000 years ago and that is now thought to be the final resting place of a nonbinary warrior.

Science

1,000-Year-Old Remains May Be Of A Highly Respected Nonbinary Warrior, Study Finds

7:07pm August 09, 2021

by Xcaret Nuñez

Researchers using DNA analysis say a body buried in feminine clothing and with a sword was neither strictly male or female. The grave shows the high status of some nonbinary people in their community.

It's not a known side effect, but some people are experiencing changes to their menstrual cycles after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Reports have led some researchers to take a closer look at the possible connection.

Why Reports Of Menstrual Changes After COVID Vaccine Are Tough To Study

5:16pm August 09, 2021

by Geoff Brumfiel

Some people have reported getting a lighter or heavier period after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Cause for concern? Doctors say no. Could it be a temporary side effect? That's harder to determine.

Triantha occidentalis, with its dainty white flowers appears innocuous, but its sticky stem helps the plant trap and make a meal of tiny insects.

This Sweet White Flower Is Actually A Sneaky Carnivore, Scientists Discover

5:00pm August 09, 2021

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Carnivorous plants are rare, but now botanists say they've found one that's long been overlooked. It lives just outside Vancouver, British Columbia, and in other parts of the Pacific Northwest.

Climate Scientists Have Announced A Landmark Warning About The Future Of The Planet

4:44pm August 09, 2021

by Dan Charles

In a landmark report, the world's top climate scientists are warning that Earth is headed toward unprecedented warming. Preventing the worst effects will demand a U-turn away from use of fossil fuels.

Cars drive down the 110 Freeway toward downtown Los Angeles, California in April 2021. President Biden has pledged to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030.

What The U.S. Can Do About The Dire Climate Change Report

2:15pm August 09, 2021

by Rachel Treisman

Allison Crimmins, who heads the National Climate Assessment, says the U.N.'s landmark report confirms the need for "significant, sustained action" to reduce emissions.

People evacuate from a wildfire north of Athens, Greece, on Friday. A climate-driven heat wave helped create conditions for the fire to burn out of control. Scientists warn that humans are running out of time to curb greenhouse gas emissions and avoid cat

A Major Report Warns Climate Change Is Accelerating And Humans Must Cut Emissions Now

10:15am August 09, 2021

by Rebecca Hersher

The U.N. has released the most comprehensive global climate science report ever. It is unequivocal: Humans must stop burning fossil fuels or suffer catastrophic impacts.

At a news conference in Miami last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis insisted that the state's record spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations will be short-lived.

Florida Hospitals Are Filling Up As COVID-19 Cases Hit An All-Time High

11:15pm August 08, 2021

by Dustin Jones

Just shy of 24,000 coronavirus cases were reported in Florida on Friday, and its hospitals are feeling the pressure. Almost 44% of ICU beds in the state are occupied by COVID-19 patients.

COVID-19 Will Be With Us For Some Time. What Might That Look Like?

4:54pm August 08, 2021

NPR's Sarah McCammon speaks with Dr. Matt McCarthy, author of Superbugs: The Race to Stop an Epidemic, about the threat of new COVID-19 variants and the recent rise in cases throughout the country.