Science

Scientists Discover A Link Between Lack Of Deep Sleep And Alzheimer's Disease

6:31pm November 16, 2020

by Jon Hamilton

There's growing evidence that a lack of deep sleep increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Scientists say that's because during deep sleep, the brain removes toxins associated with Alzheimer's.

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A Comic Just For Kids: How To Stay Safe From The Coronavirus

3:35pm November 16, 2020

A zine and comic guide on how kids can protect themselves from COVID-19. Wear a mask. Stay 6 feet apart. And try not to pick your nose.

A SpaceX rocket, with the Crew Dragon capsule attached, lifts off from Kennedy Space Center Sunday in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

Science

Liftoff! Astronauts Head To Space Station On SpaceX Rocket

7:50pm November 15, 2020

by Geoff Brumfiel

Four astronauts are flying to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX's Dragon crew capsule. The mission is the first of what NASA hopes are many.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, pictured in 2016, is the co-chair of President-elect Biden's coronavirus advisory board.

Biden COVID Adviser Says Restrictions Should Be More Of A 'Dial,' Less Of A 'Switch'

5:40pm November 15, 2020

by Matthew S. Schwartz

Dr. Vivek Murthy, co-chair of President-elect Joe Biden's coronavirus advisory board, says past lockdowns functioned like a "blunt axe" that led to spotty compliance and "little public health gain."

A woman holds her 1-year-old son as they wait in line to get a coronavirus test.

Science

Opinion: A New Phase Of Uncertainty

7:23pm November 14, 2020

by Scott Simon

NPR's Scott Simon notes that as coronavirus cases in the U.S. rise rapidly, it can be hard to hear that we don't know when this will all be over.

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A traveler wears face masks at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday. While increased restrictions are being discussed across the nation, many people are not heeding mask-wearing rules.

U.S. Adds 184,000 Coronavirus Cases In 1 Day, With No End In Sight

3:42pm November 14, 2020

by Matthew S. Schwartz

The country set another record for daily infections. America is the world leader in COVID-19 fatalities. President-elect Joe Biden expressed alarm and urged the Trump administration to take action.

College students are preparing to travel home for thanksgiving, but the coronavirus is making things complicated. Epidemiologists say there are things families can to do reduce the risk of infection.

A College Student Is Coming Home. Should The Whole Family Wear Masks?

2:15pm November 14, 2020

Young adults are preparing to travel home for Thanksgiving, but the coronavirus is making things complicated. Epidemiologists say there are things families can to do reduce the risk of infection.

U.S. pandemic response needs a fresh lens: equity.

OPINION: To Solve The Pandemic, Biden Must Focus On Equity

9:11am November 13, 2020

Doctors who helped stop Ebola call on Joe Biden's transition team to address COVID-19's racial and economic inequities. The evidence shows a safety net under the most vulnerable protects us all.

Science

Cicadas Might Help Humans Discover New Hydrophobic Materials

3:46pm November 12, 2020

by Joe Palca

Cicadas can stay totally dry in the pouring rain. One researcher is trying to figure out how they do that. This finding may lead to interesting new materials for humans.

The CDC says that when it comes to cloth masks, multiple layers made of higher thread counts do a better job of protecting the wearer.

Wear Masks To Protect Yourself From The Coronavirus, Not Only Others, CDC Stresses

6:41pm November 11, 2020

by Maria Godoy

The public health agency had previously emphasized that masks protect other people from viruses you might expel. The new advice gives a less altruistic reason to wear face coverings.