Science

Why These Two Epidemiologists Stopped Working On COVID-19 Research

8:01am December 13, 2020

Feeling their work on COVID-19 was being ignored, and facing hostility, epidemiologists Eileen White and Caroline Buckee threw in the towel. NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro discusses their decisions.

Howard Berkes (seated, front row right) volunteered to be part of a COVID-19 research study this year. He says his family, photographed here in the 1960s, had a history of stepping up during difficult times. That includes his grandparents (in middle), who

Why I'm A Vaccine Volunteer: Doing What Needs To Be Done

7:00am December 13, 2020

by Howard Berkes

The power of family history can lead a person to do lot of things. For Howard Berkes, the family tradition of facing crises head-on led him to sign up for experimental testing of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine has been tested for safety and efficacy in more than 44,000 people. Still, stopping viral spread will take more than immunizations, says the CDC. The agency is calling for those who are vaccinated to continue wearing mas

What You Need To Know As The First COVID-19 Vaccine Heads Your Way

5:29pm December 12, 2020

by Joanne Silberner

Within hours, U.S. states are expected have in hand their first shipments of Pfizer's newly FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. It marks a new phase in the pandemic, but what's that mean for you?

More Crabs!: Scientists Discover A Way To Help Dying Coral Reefs

4:44pm December 10, 2020

For many reasons, including climate change, coral reefs are dying around the world. But scientists say some crabs eat coral-choking seaweed and algae and may help with restoring coral reefs.

Former Secretary of State, John Kerry poses on Martha's Vineyard in Vineyard Haven, Mass., on Sept. 18, 2020.

As Climate Envoy, Kerry To Seek 'Ambition' With 'Humility'

11:49am December 10, 2020

by Steve Inskeep

One challenge facing John Kerry in his new role as climate envoy to President-elect Joe Biden will be to convince other governments the U.S. will abide by its commitments.

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Dry ice will be used to help keep the Pfizer vaccine at ultracold temperatures.

At Hospitals, A Race To Save 'Hundreds Of Thousands' Of Lives With New Vaccine

9:30pm December 09, 2020

by Sarah McCammon

With the first COVID-19 vaccine doses expected to be shipped out within days, health care providers are scrambling to prepare for an unprecedentedly high-stakes vaccine rollout.

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Root extracts from the African shrub iboga have long been used in traditional healing rituals and more recently as an experimental treatment for depression and to reduce drug cravings in addiction. Scientists now are working on a version of the extract th

Progress Toward A Safer Psychedelic Drug To Treat Depression And Addiction

5:19pm December 09, 2020

by Jon Hamilton

A synthetic version of the psychedelic drug ibogaine appears to relieve depression and addiction without producing hallucinations or other dangerous side effects — at least in rodents.

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Science

Researchers On Why Dogs Learn Only A Limited Number Of Words

4:17pm December 09, 2020

Dogs are good at learning new words. But researchers say dogs don't understand small sound differences in words such as "dog" or "dig." It may explain why most don't learn a large number of words.

Gov. Charlie Baker at The New England Center for Children in July. With coronavirus cases continuing to climb across the state, Baker has reimplemented restrictions. Some businesses will close and others will operate at reduced capacity.

Massachusetts Reimposes Coronavirus Restrictions

3:19pm December 08, 2020

by Dustin Jones

Gov. Charlie Baker is turning back to sweeping measures as cases and deaths rise. Fewer people are allowed at restaurant tables and service is limited to 90 minutes. Indoor performances are banned.

What Is Your Time Worth?

11:08am December 08, 2020

by Greg Rosalsky

A new study did experiments on millions of Lyft riders to figure out how much they value time. Researchers found time is worth more money than previously thought.