Science

Scientists say pea-size organoids of human brain tissue may offer a way to study the biological beginnings of a wide range of brain conditions, including autism, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

After Months In A Dish, Lab-Grown Minibrains Start Making 'Brain Waves'

5:21pm August 29, 2019

by Jon Hamilton

Researchers say clusters of human brain cells grown in the lab can spontaneously generate electrical patterns similar to the brain waves of a 6-month-old fetus.

Consumer groups are urging the USDA to change labeling rules for processed meats.

Duped In The Deli Aisle? 'No Nitrates Added' Labels Are Often Misleading

10:43am August 29, 2019

by Allison Aubrey

Consumer groups are urging the USDA to change labeling rules for processed meats. They argue that "uncured" and "no nitrates added" labels may falsely lead people to believe these meats are healthier.

Science

A Story Of Nazi Uranium

5:07am August 29, 2019

by Geoff Brumfiel

A cube of uranium from a Nazi nuclear reactor has turned up in Maryland. Now two researchers are trying to figure out how it got there and what happened to similar artifacts.

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Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old Swedish climate activist, arrived in New York Wednesday aboard a boat rather than a plane to emphasize the need to reduce carbon-emission damage to the planet.

Teen Climate Activist Greta Thunberg Arrives In New York After Sailing The Atlantic

8:14pm August 28, 2019

by Jeff Brady

The 16-year-old Swedish activist chose sailing over flying to attend a United Nations climate summit. She's inspired young people around the world to protest for more climate action.

A sign warns beachgoers about sharks in the water at Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet, Mass.

Sand, Sunscreen And ... Sharks! Cape Cod Beach Towns Do More To Keep People Safe

4:20pm August 28, 2019

by Sarah Mizes-Tan

One year after a young man died in a shark attack, Cape Cod beach towns are adding emergency services and high-tech detection. An influx of great whites followed a rebound in the seal population.

In The Vagina Bible, gynecologist Jen Gunter dispels myths about the female body.

'Vagina Bible' Tackles Health And Politics In A Guide To Female Physiology

6:05pm August 27, 2019

by Mara Gordon

Frustrated with online marketing sites that peddle needless "health aids" and fears, gynecologist and columnist Jen Gunter aims to dispel myths about the female body and restore power to patients.

Extreme Weather Making Some Spiders Aggressive

3:55pm August 27, 2019

by Eddie Garcia

Researchers have found that extreme weather events like Hurricanes Florence and Michael have a

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A Newer, Faster Way To Detect Norovirus In Water Supplies

2:02pm August 27, 2019

by Joe Palca

Norovirus sickens tens of millions of people each year. They get the disease from contaminated food or water. Engineers have developed a rapid, inexpensive test to detect the virus in water supplies.

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Among patients age 12 and older in a study of people with mild, persistent asthma, more than half did just as well, or better, on a placebo as they did on a steroid inhaler used twice per day to prevent symptoms.

Study Questions Mainstay Treatment For Mild Asthma

6:25am August 26, 2019

by April Dembosky

Many of the 26 million Americans with asthma use a low-dose steroid inhaler daily to prevent symptoms. But a recent study raises questions about this strategy for people with mild, persistent asthma.

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Science

Getting Coral To Reproduce

8:46am August 25, 2019

NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Florida Aquarium's lead coral scientist Keri O'Neil about getting stone coral to repeatedly reproduce in a lab setting. This could help save global coral populations.