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Science

Before Humans Showed Up, Huge Animals Were The Norm

7:57am August 12, 2015

by Adam Cole

In Earth's history, there have been some incredibly large animals that look sort of like animals we have today, just a lot bigger. In North America, there was a sloth that was the size of an elephant.

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Rates of unintended pregnancy among young women in the military are about 50 percent higher than among young women in the general population, research suggests.

Women In Combat Zones Can Have Trouble Getting Contraceptives

9:14am August 11, 2015

by Michelle Andrews

Fifteen percent of active duty service members are women, and 97 percent of those women are of childbearing age. So why is it still tough for many to get refills of contraceptives when deployed?

It's not just teens who engage in sexy texting. About 82 percent of adults recently surveyed say they've sexted, too.

Could Sexting Help Your Relationship?

8:03am August 08, 2015

by Nadia Whitehead

Sexting can be risky for teens, research suggests, but is it bad for consenting adults? Researchers are starting to think the behavior may have its perks — both in and out of bed.

#NPRreads: Cecil's Zimbabwe And UCLA Tracks A Superbug

6:06pm August 07, 2015

by Carrie Johnson

Also this week, an in-depth look at Darren Wilson — the Ferguson, Mo., police officer who fatally shot Michael Brown.

Turning to over-the-counter supplements to get ripped can contribute to physical and psychological issues.

Men Looking To Get Ripped Are At Risk Of Abusing Legal Supplements

3:38pm August 07, 2015

by Ina Yang

We're not talking steroids here; we're talking about the stuff you can buy at the supermarket. They're not dangerous in themselves. But overuse can signal emotional or physical problems.

Sure, seeing a cockroach on your fries would turn you off eating them. But what about seeing a photo of a cockroach flash by before you see a photo of fries?

Disgust Diet: Can You Train Your Brain To Recoil At High-Calorie Foods?

3:04pm August 07, 2015

by Angus Chen

A psychologist says there could be a simple way to make calorie-packed foods like french fries or ice cream seem unappealing, even a bit disgusting. Others are less sure.

A New York study found that getting medical students together with dementia patients and their families at museums to view, discuss and create art for 90 minutes made the students better communicators.

Sharing Art Helps Medical Students Connect With Dementia Patients

8:17pm August 05, 2015

by Ina Yang

It's easy to spot what Alzheimer's patients have lost — memory, communication skills and more. But a study that sent medical students and dementia patients to art classes opened new vistas for all.

Could Your Child's Picky Eating Be A Sign Of Depression?

1:11pm August 05, 2015

by Richard Harris

Most young children who are extra choosy about what they'll eat eventually outgrow the habit. But research finds that in extreme cases, the pickiness may be linked to depression or social anxiety.

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Scientists are experimenting with ways of combating racism while we sleep

So You Flunked A Racism Test. Now What?

9:51am August 05, 2015

by Maanvi Singh

Scientists are working on ways to train our brains away from deeply held prejudices — including hacking your subconscious while you sleep.

It's the heat that straightens the hair. But too much, and hair can be permanently limp, or burned.

Straighten Your Hair Without Frying It? Engineers Are On The Case

9:51am August 05, 2015

by Ina Yang

Heat can turn curly locks into a sleek 'do — and can also damage hair permanently. Engineers at Purdue are figuring out how hot is just hot enough when it comes to wielding that flat iron.