Humans

Science

Ethiopian Monkey Study Offers Clues Into How Human Speech Evolved

4:59pm April 18, 2016

by Gregory Warner

A new study of the speech patterns of gelada monkeys in the Ethiopian Highlands suggests that linguistically humans aren't as unique as we think. So why has it taken us thousands of years to realize that? NPR has the story of how we listen to noises we don't understand.

Your Brain On LSD Looks A Lot Like A Baby's

10:22am April 17, 2016

For the first time, scientists have scanned the brains of subjects taking LSD, and found that the LSD state mimics that of infants. NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with researcher Robin Carhart-Harris.

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The Human Body's Complicated Relationship With Fungi

1:27pm April 16, 2016

by Bret Stetka

Among the microbes that live in us and on us, bacteria have gotten most of the attention. Now scientists are exploring the fungi and their effects on health.

After eggs of the whipworm are swallowed, they hatch in the small intestine. Though troublesome for most, they might help some people feel better.

When Parasites Could Be The Treatment Instead Of The Illness

6:23pm April 14, 2016

by Madeline K. Sofia

A man's worm treatment in Thailand led researchers to test parasites for inflammatory bowel disease. Their ultimate goal is a remedy that would mimic what the worms do — without an infection.

Ian Burkhart prepares for a training session in Columbus, Ohio. To move muscles in Burkhart's hand, the system relies on electrodes implanted in his brain, a computer interface attached to his skull, and electrical stimulators wrapped around his forearm.

Technology Helps A Paralyzed Man Transform Thought Into Movement

8:40pm April 13, 2016

by Jon Hamilton

An implant and wires that reroute nerve signals from a man's brain to his hand allow him to grasp and lift objects, after much practice. But easy, wireless signaling from the brain is still the goal.

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At the Iowa State University Beef Nutrition Farm, the cattle eat carefully formulated rations. Researchers there are trying to test new types of animal feed.

Taking Cues From Human Nutrition To Reduce Antibiotic Use In Livestock

7:38pm April 13, 2016

by Amy Mayer

Researchers are trying to figure out whether probiotics — the stuff we like to eat in yogurt to keep our guts healthy — could also help pigs, cows and chickens thrive.

One version of the Fitbit, a popular fitness tracker.

A Fitbit Saved His Life? Well, Maybe

4:56pm April 11, 2016

by Alison Kodjak

A man shows up in the emergency room with a speedy, irregular heartbeat, but can't say when it first went awry. No problem. The ER doctors just checked the phone records of his fitness tracker.

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Zhenan Bao, a chemical engineer at Stanford University, is working to invent an artificial skin from plastic that can sense, heal and power itself. The thin plastic sheets are made with built-in pressure sensors.

Just Like Human Skin, This Plastic Sheet Can Sense And Heal

3:46pm April 11, 2016

by Joe Palca

Human skin has properties that are hard to mimic, but a Stanford engineer is working to create a type of artificial skin that can sense, heal and generate its own power.

Seven years ago, Johns Hopkins Hospital collaborated with Baltimore's Safe Streets program to bring violence prevention workers into the hospital to meet with the injured and settle conflicts. Now, the health department in Baltimore is trying to revive th

Baltimore Sees Hospitals As Key To Breaking A Cycle Of Violence

6:35pm April 08, 2016

by Andrea Hsu

The city's health department wants to send ex-offenders who are trained to be "violence interrupters" to hospitals to talk with victims. Chicago has found such a program prevents repeat injuries.

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Steve Julian, a radio host with KPCC in Los Angeles, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer last November. He and his wife, Felicia Friesema, turned to social media for solace, support and the space to process their heartbreaking journey.

Online Comfort For Real-World Cancer Can Be Surprisingly Sweet

10:10am April 08, 2016

Steve Julian is a morning anchor for KPCC-FM in Los Angeles, a playwright and a former cop. His communities are legion, and all cared deeply when he got his terminal diagnosis. How best to reach out?