nature

Though not the same as actually jumping into the waves, a virtual reality program like this one that let a headset-wearing patient "swim with dolphins" was enough of an immersive distraction to significantly reduce pain, a study found.

Got Pain? A Virtual Swim With Dolphins May Help Melt It Away

8:05am August 19, 2019

by Allison Aubrey

A recent study found virtual reality experiences were better at easing pain than watching televised nature scenes. Immersive distraction seems key to the success, scientists say.

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Bangladeshi commuters use boats to cross the Buriganga River in the capital Dhaka in 2018. In July, Bangladesh's top court granted all the country's rivers the same legal rights as humans.

Should Rivers Have Same Legal Rights As Humans? A Growing Number Of Voices Say Yes

8:02am August 03, 2019

by Ashley Westerman

"Environmental personhood" was once considered a fringe issue, but several countries have granted rivers within their borders legal person status. Bangladesh became the latest in July.

Governor Authorizes New State Park And Trails

10:50am July 24, 2019

by Neal Charnoff

Governor Roy Cooper has signed bills authorizing a new North Carolina state park near Asheville. Three new state trails are also included in the legislation.

A child takes in the sights under blooming Japanese cherry trees at the Bispebjerg Cemetery in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Greener Childhood Associated With Happier Adulthood

5:03pm February 25, 2019

by Jonathan Lambert

Research suggests the more of your childhood that is spent surrounded by green spaces, the lower your risk of developing mental illness in adulthood, whether in the city or the country.

Student Journalists

Finding Our Lost Connection With Nature - Jeffrey Mittelstadt

9:11am June 26, 2018

by Suvesh Bhusal

Jeff is the founder and President of WildSides.

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Jeffrey Mittelstadt and Camper Kemina Gilstrap

Student Journalists

The Sides Of The Red Wolf Conflict - Jeffrey Mittelstadt

8:53am June 26, 2018

by Kemina Gilstrap

Jeff is the founder and President of WildSides.

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Clare Kelley practices "forest bathing" along the edge of an urban forest on Roosevelt Island, in the middle of the Potomac River. In contrast to hiking, forest bathing is less directed, melding mindfulness and nature immersion to improve health.

Forest Bathing: A Retreat To Nature Can Boost Immunity And Mood

3:22pm July 17, 2017

by Allison Aubrey

If hiking is about a destination, forest bathing is about an immersion of the senses into the natural world. It's a wellness trend, and studies suggest several health benefits.

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Environment

Carolina Curious: Can 'The Vine That Ate The South' Be Contained?

9:30am February 28, 2017

by Bethany Chafin

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Human Interest

The Importance Of Connecting With Nature: Linda Kinney

11:30am February 16, 2017

by Jude Grayer

Linda Kinney works in the education division of the North Carolina Zoo and sits down with Radio Camper, Jude Grayer, about her job and the outdoors.

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Escaping artificial light even for a winter weekend can reset sleep patterns for the better, researchers say. One good place to do it: Heliotrope Ridge near Mount Baker in Washington state.

Not Getting Enough Sleep? Camping In February Might Help

2:04pm February 02, 2017

by Angus Chen

Living most of life indoors can get your body clock out of phase. A fairly painless way to synch it is to spend a weekend camping, researchers say. Even the dim light of winter will do.