Asteroid headed toward Earth? NASA simulation explores how the nation might respond
NASA and other federal agencies recently did a tabletop simulation of an Earth-threatening asteroid to see how they'd handle it
Science
New rules will protect California workers from dangerous heat indoors
California joins just two other states that have heat regulations in place meant to keep millions of people who work in facilities like warehouses, restaurants or refineries safe.
We're in for a brutal hurricane season, according to predictions
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a record number of hurricanes this season, which began on June 1 and runs through Nov. They're forecasting anywhere from 17 to 25 storms in the Atlantic basin, including at least four major hurricanes. Scientists think this storm activity could be due to strong winds, warmer ocean temperatures and a scientific mystery unfolding in the Atlantic.
Questions about hurricanes or other weather disasters? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to consider it for a future episode!
Questions about hurricanes or other weather disasters? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to consider it for a future episode!
Summer solstice came early this year
NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly talks with Jackie Faherty, an astronomer at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, about why summer solstice came so early this year and what it signifies.
How Hurricane Maria transformed a society of macaques
Hurricane Maria, which tore through Puerto Rico in 2017, also devastated a tiny nearby island that's home to hundreds of monkeys. All that destruction seems to have transformed the monkeys' society.
Eight young people are suing Alaska to stop a major natural gas project
A group of young Alaskans is suing the state to halt a high-profile natural gas project. They argue fossil fuel development will worsen climate change, which is already threatening their communities.
NASA has delayed the undocking of Boeing's Starliner capsule until next week
Managers are still troubleshooting a number of thruster issues and helium leaks on the capsule's first crewed flight test.
Poisoned trees gave a wealthy couple a killer view — and united residents in outrage
A politically connected Missouri couple allegedly poisoned their neighbor's trees to secure their million-dollar view of Camden Harbor in Maine. The incident was unearthed by the victim herself.
After 41 years, a missing woman has been identified. Police want to know how she died
The mom whose remains were discovered in 1983 in what's now Lake Forest, Calif., was positively identified Friday by authorities as Maritza Glean Grimmett, says the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
What 'Inside Out 2' got right about anxiety, per a psychologist
Pixar's new movie, Inside Out 2 came out Friday. It's the sequel to the 2015 movie Inside Out, which follows the life of 11-year-old Riley and her family as they move to San Francisco. In Inside Out 2, Riley is 13 and thriving in her new city. She has friends and is a star on her hockey team. But when puberty hits one night, four new emotions come into play: Envy, Ennui, Embarrassment and most of all, Anxiety.
Clinical psychologist and Inside Out 2 consultant Lisa Damour says the movie is surprisingly accurate when it comes to experiencing anxiety and puberty. Plus, she offers some guidance to help make the most of our anxiety.
Have other pop culture science you want us to decode? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to consider it for a future episode!
Clinical psychologist and Inside Out 2 consultant Lisa Damour says the movie is surprisingly accurate when it comes to experiencing anxiety and puberty. Plus, she offers some guidance to help make the most of our anxiety.
Have other pop culture science you want us to decode? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to consider it for a future episode!