Science

Science

Study sheds new light on the social evolution of primates

8:13am December 31, 2023

by Ari Daniel

For decades, researchers have said that our mammalian ancestors were solitary but a new analysis turns that thinking on its head, suggesting they were far more sociable than was previously thought.

An illustration of axial precession, which takes 26,000 years to complete.

Science

Checking your 2024 horoscope? Astronomy explains why your sign might have changed

5:00am December 31, 2023

by Regina G. Barber

Our view of the constellations has changed since they were first mapped thousands of years ago. That new perspective could also mess with your astrological horoscope in the new year.

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Smoke from wildfires turned the skies orange behind New York's Chrysler Building in June 2023. The smoke affected millions across the central and eastern U.S.

Wildfire smoke this year woke up places unaccustomed to its effects. Now what?

5:55pm December 29, 2023

by Alejandra Borunda

Wildfires worsened by climate change spewed smoke over much of North America this year. It's a new reality Americans haven't yet processed: how dangerous the smoke is for human health.

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This year in science: AI, James Webb Space Telescope research and climate change

6:14pm December 28, 2023

NPR's Short Wave hosts Geoff Brumfiel and Regina Barber wrap up of the year in AI, James Webb Space Telescope research and climate change.

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Palestinian children, having fled the Israeli bombing of the northern Gaza Strip in response to the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, are living in temporary shelters at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Global health groups say they are doing what they can to keep a lid on infectious diseases amid crowded, unsanitary conditions and a devastated health-care system.

Health workers struggle to prevent an infectious disease 'disaster in waiting' in Gaza

6:00pm December 26, 2023

Public health experts say conditions in war-torn Gaza are ripe for the spread of infectious disease. Health workers are struggling to spot and contain outbreaks, even as the health system teeters.

Exploding rockets and asteroid findings: This year in space news

5:26pm December 26, 2023

by Geoff Brumfiel

From Elon's giant rocket explosions to asteroid sample returns, we round up the news from a big year off-world.

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Chimpanzees and bonobos recognize photos of groupmates they haven't seen for more than 25 years, and respond even more enthusiastically to pictures of their friends, a new study finds.

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Apes remember long-lost friends and family they haven't seen in decades

2:35pm December 26, 2023

by Vanessa Romo

Researchers found that chimpanzees and bonobos were able to recognize photos of former groupmates after more than 25 years apart, according to a new study from Johns Hopkins University.

Science

What astronomers are learning from the James Webb Space Telescope

8:19am December 26, 2023

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

The telescope has revealed galaxies, stars and black holes that formed in the early universe. After its first full year of science operations, astronomers have much to ponder.

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This 10.0 mm (0.4 inches) monster snowflake holds the Guinness record for the largest snow crystal. A microscope was used to photograph it in four quadrants, which were later digitally recombined.

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Just how big can a snowflake get? It depends on what you mean by 'snowflake'

5:00am December 25, 2023

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

The Guinness World Record folks would have us believe in a 19th century snowflake more than a foot wide, but some scientists are skeptical.

Don't mope, have hope: Global stories from 2023 that inspire optimism and delight

7:37am December 24, 2023

by Gabriel Spitzer

We found joy in mail-order chicks, soothing lullabies, a celebration of long-lasting love, the magic touch that can calm a grumpy child (and even a stressed out adult) and beach day in Mogadishu.