Science

World Health Organization official Dr. Hans Kluge tells reporters that coronavirus cases are rising in Europe.

'A Very Serious Situation': WHO Says Coronavirus Cases Are Rising In Europe Again

9:32pm September 17, 2020

by Marisa Peñaloza

The World Health Organization warned on Thursday that weekly increases have reached a higher rate than during the pandemic's peak in March, with "alarming rates of transmission across the region."

The pandemic has left many people unable to get needed medical care, or to delay care for a serious problem, an NPR poll finds. Such delays have often wound up hurting people's health.

About 1 In 5 Households In U.S. Cities Miss Needed Medical Care During Pandemic

3:02pm September 17, 2020

by Patti Neighmond

Some people have skipped care because of finances or fear of the virus, doctors say. Others find medical practices closed to new patients. Many are suffering health consequences, an NPR poll finds.

Scientists used light to control the firing of specific cells to artificially create a rhythm in the brain that acted like the drug ketamine

Scientists Say A Mind-Bending Rhythm In The Brain Can Act Like Ketamine

8:09am September 17, 2020

by Jon Hamilton

Researchers were able to mimic the mind-altering effects of the drug ketamine by inducing a particular rhythm in one area of the brain.

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CDC Director Robert Redfield says wearing a mask may provide better protection against COVID-19 than a vaccine.

Contradicting The CDC, Trump Says COVID-19 Vaccine Could Be Ready By End Of Year

11:40pm September 16, 2020

by Brian Naylor

President Trump says there could be widespread distribution of a vaccine against the coronavirus in a much shorter timeline than described by the CDC.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden speaks about coronavirus vaccines after a briefing with public health experts in Wilmington, Del., on Wednesday.

'I Trust Vaccines. I Trust Scientists. But I Don't Trust Donald Trump,' Biden Says

6:31pm September 16, 2020

In remarks, Joe Biden details his plan to distribute a vaccine for the coronavirus, which he said must be based solely on science.

People wait for a bus in August in East Los Angeles. Latinos have the highest rate of labor force participation of any group in California — many in public-facing jobs deemed essential. That work has put them at higher risk of catching the coronavirus.

Latinos Report Financial Strain As Pandemic Erodes Income And Savings

6:11pm September 16, 2020

by Jackie Fortier

An NPR poll finds 72% of Latino households in the United States are facing serious financial problems — double the share of whites who report this. Major health problems are mounting, too.

A child washes her hands at a day care center in Connecticut last month. A detailed look at COVID-19 deaths in U.S. kids and young adults by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the great majority are children of color.

The Majority Of Children Who Die From COVID-19 Are Children Of Color

11:02am September 16, 2020

According to data reported to the CDC, 121 children died from COVID-19 between February and July of this year. And 78% of the children who died were Hispanic, Black or Native American.

Images from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory highlight the appearance of the Sun at solar minimum (left, Dec. 2019) versus solar maximum (right, April 2014).

Science

A New Sun Cycle Promises Relatively Calm Space Weather For The Next Decade

5:13pm September 15, 2020

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

The sun can affect people's electronics, the power grid and communications and navigation systems. But scientists predict that for the next decade or so, the Sun's activity will not be too disruptive.

A new report finds FEMA is not effectively allocating money for homes that repeatedly flood. More than 100 homes in Cameron Parish, La., have flooded multiple times according to FEMA data.

Science

Inspector General Slams FEMA Over Repeatedly Flooded Homes

11:36am September 15, 2020

by Rebecca Hersher

These homeowners are eligible for federal help, but a new report finds that FEMA often fails to provide that assistance.

President Trump speaks Monday during a briefing on wildfires in McClellan Park, Calif.

'I Don't Think Science Knows': Visiting Fires, Trump Denies Climate Change

6:41pm September 14, 2020

by Alana Wise

On the other side of the country Joe Biden also addressed the fires, linking them to climate change.