Science

What the new Artemis moon program represents for NASA's future

4:44pm August 10, 2023

by Brendan Byrne

Four astronauts have met the spacecraft that will take them to the moon in NASA's new program, Artemis. The program represents a turning point in where NASA is heading and how it's getting there.

This week in science: Sneaky fish, shouting into space and waves getting taller

4:22pm August 10, 2023

NPR's Juana Summers talks with Regina Barber and Berly McCoy of the Short Wave podcast about stealthy fish, a recent communication hiccup with Voyager 2 and why waves are getting taller in California.

Science

Researchers use fossils to determine ancient marine reptile's eating technique

6:22am August 10, 2023

The reptile lived in oceans between 247 million and 249 million years ago. It was as big as a whale, with a dolphin's narrow snout, no teeth and a jaw that it could sort of un-hinge while feeding.

A statewide survey of California's bumblebees hopes to help conserve them

5:41pm August 09, 2023

NPR's Ailsa Chang searches coastal California for wild bumblebees with conservation biologist Leif Richardson, one of the leaders of the California Bumble Bee Atlas.

A precisely timed pulse to a brain area just behind the ear can help reduce memory deficits in patients suffering moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries.

When a brain injury impairs memory, a pulse of electricity may help

5:00am August 09, 2023

by Jon Hamilton

A severe traumatic brain injury can make it hard to remember recent events or conversations. But a form of brain stimulation appears to ease this memory deficit.

The Jim Bridger coal plant in Point of Rocks, Wyo., powers more than a million homes across six Western states. Under proposed federal rules many coal plants would have to dramatically reduce carbon dioxide emissions in coming years.

Utility group calls for changes to proposed EPA climate rules

5:58pm August 08, 2023

by Jeff Brady

Utilities argue proposed EPA power plant rules are too strict and environmental groups argue they should reduce climate pollution even more.

A tiny bit of electricity can help some people with a traumatic brain injury

4:43pm August 08, 2023

by Jon Hamilton

Research shows that a tiny pulse of electricity can improve memory in people who've had a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury.

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Postpartum depression affects up to 1 in 7 women. The first pill to treat it is expected to become available later this year, after the FDA approved it on Friday.

What we know — and don't know — about the FDA-approved postpartum depression pill

3:06pm August 08, 2023

by Rachel Treisman

Postpartum depression affects as many as 1 in 7 women in the U.S., though there are just two treatments approved for it. Experts say the newest could be a game-changer — depending on its price tag.

Protesters march outside the White House to call attention to those who have long COVID.

A new clue to the reason some people come down with long COVID

11:56am August 08, 2023

by Max Barnhart

Researchers have found a link between the FOXP4 gene and the occurrence of what's known as long COVID. The finding could lead to a better understanding of a condition that affects millions.

Research from Alabama's Mobile Bay help oyster reef restoration elsewhere

7:22am August 08, 2023

by Guy Busby

Researchers in Alabama are trying to toughen up baby oysters so they can better withstand predators. It's all part of an effort to restore oyster reefs around the world.

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