Science

An aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, is seen in the sky in the early morning hours of Monday, April 24, 2023, near Washtucna, Wash.

Science

Stronger activity on the sun could bring more displays of the northern lights in 2024

5:00am November 09, 2023

by Ayana Archie

Scientists have updated their forecast for the current solar cycle, which usually lasts about 11 years. Solar activity is now expected to peak earlier and to be stronger than previously thought.

An epaulette shark pup that hatched from an apparent parthenogenesis is now on display at Brookfield Zoo, in a Chicago suburb.

No Daddy Shark in sight: Zoo greets a cute shark pup after apparent parthenogenesis

3:29pm November 07, 2023

by Bill Chappell

What if the song "Baby Shark" stopped after just two stanzas? There's no Daddy Shark in sight at a Chicago-area zoo where an epaulette shark pup hatched this summer.

People who practice cognitively enhanced tai chi, significantly improved their scores on memory tests.

Tai chi helps boost memory, study finds. One type seems most beneficial

5:13am November 06, 2023

by Allison Aubrey

Research shows that a daily dose of tai chi, the slow-moving meditative, martial art can boost our body and brain. A new study finds adding word games to tai chi doubles the increase in memory.

A team of wildlife officials collaborated with whale experts to free a humpback whale off the coast of Gustavus, Alaska last month.

How wildlife officials saved a humpback whale found 'hogtied' to a 300-pound crab pot

5:00am November 06, 2023

by Emily Olson

The juvenile whale was seen swimming in a clockwise circle, making unusual noises and trailing two buoys. A team of wildlife experts had to move fast, but with plenty of patience, to save its life.

Roland Griffiths' research showed how psychedelics can alleviate depression in people with terminal diseases.

This psychedelics researcher approached his death with calm and curiosity

5:23pm November 05, 2023

by Rachel Martin

Roland Griffiths spent the later stage of his career exploring the ways that psychedelic drugs, specifically psilocybin, could help patients with depression, addiction issues and even terminal cancer.

Science

Research finds female frogs play dead to avoid mating with males

8:01am November 05, 2023

by Ayesha Rascoe

In some species of frogs, the females play dead to avoid mating with aggressive males. Dr. Carolin Dittrich, behavior ecologist at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, tells us more.

Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to U.S. Congress was running for president in 1972 when she had a remarkable interaction with the pro-segregation George Wallace, then governor of Alabama. Her efforts to build bridges with him ultimately changed his point of view. She's pictured here giving a speech at Laney Community College during her presidential campaign.

Lessons from brain science — and history's peacemakers — for resolving conflicts

6:00am November 04, 2023

by Yuki Noguchi

Humans instinctually forge loyalties to groups to survive. Being aware of these impulses can help us deescalate arguments and find common ground. Some notable leaders in history show us how it's done.

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McMurdo Station is photographed from the air on Oct. 27, 2014.

Investigators will travel to Antarctica after claims of sexual assault at U.S. bases

5:07pm November 03, 2023

by Juliana Kim

Investigators with the National Science Foundation's watchdog office will travel to Antarctica to address years-long allegations of sexual misconduct at U.S. research bases.

Science

Hidden Brain host Shankar Vedantam previews 'Healing 2.0' and shares what's on his mind

7:00am November 03, 2023

by David Ford

This weekend begins a new five-part series on NPR’s Hidden Brain. The weekly podcast and radio program explores many of the unconscious patterns that drive our behavior.

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A worker inspects disposable gloves at a factory in Malaysia, a country that has been the top supplier of medical gloves to the U. S. and which is facing increasing competition from China.

More medical gloves are coming from China, as U.S. makers of protective gear struggle

5:15am November 03, 2023

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

The federal government has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to boost American production of medical gloves, but some companies say it's not enough when imported gloves have gotten cheaper.

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