The Downside Of Cheaper Gas: More Accident Fatalities
Falling gasoline prices are a benefit to motorists — but those lower prices come with a hidden cost: increased traffic fatalities.
Research News
Researchers Create Artificial Organs That Fit In Your Hand
Scientists are growing mock organs made of human cells to better study diseases and help test drugs. Researchers at Johns Hopkins are working on a gut-on-a-chip.
Mistaken Identities Plague Lab Work With Human Cells
A line of immortal cells, supposedly from a breast cancer patient, turned out to be from a type of skin cancer. The mix-up wasn't discovered until experiments around the world had been contaminated.
Taking On Racial Profiling With Data
A year ago, Phillip Atiba Goff, president of UCLA's Center for Policing Equity, started working with police departments to build a database on racial profiling. NPR's Arun Rath talks with him about its progress.
To Stop Teen Drinking Parties, Fine The Parents
For some teenagers, parties with alcohol are almost a rite of passage. Surveys show the vast majority of parents in these homes know the alcohol is flowing. Cities are now cracking down on the adults.
A Drug Might Heal Spinal Injuries By Sparking Nerve Growth
A neurologist's unorthodox thinking led to an experimental drug that allows trapped nerve fibers to grow again. And that growth helps amplify signals that restored movement in laboratory rats.
Faith And Aquarium Pumps: The Stuff Of Science In 2014
It may seem scientists are aloof geniuses who churn out discoveries. Joe Palca's NPR series, Joe's Big Idea, shows us how science really works. He reviews 2014 highlights with NPR's Rachel Martin.
Where Could Ebola Strike Next? Scientists Hunt Virus In Asia
A handful of ecologists knew for years that West Africa was at risk for an Ebola outbreak. Now they're figuring out where else in the world the virus could be hiding. Many signs point to Asia.
Want To Enhance The Flavor Of Your Food? Put On The Right Music
Researchers at the University of Oxford have discovered a link between what you taste and what you hear.
Potent Powdered Caffeine Raises Safety Worries
With two young men dead, the Food and Drug Administration is considering banning sales to consumers of a highly concentrated form of pure caffeine. It's too easy to overdose, officials warn.