Science

Coronavirus Updates: President Signs Bill, Clarifies Disinfectant Suggestion

4:55pm April 24, 2020

Thursday night's coronavirus task force briefing included preliminary research on how the virus responds to sunlight and heat. NPR's science and White House correspondents contextualize those claims.

A pathologist holds a vial from a COVID-19 test kit. Various bottlenecks in the U.S. that have constrained widespread testing for the coronavirus were problems in February and persist today.

Why The Warning That Coronavirus Was On The Move In U.S. Cities Came So Late

10:38am April 24, 2020

by Lauren Sommer

U.S. health officials said equipping six cities with extra testing would pick up under-the-radar viral spread. But an NPR investigation finds conflicts and shortages caused painful delays.

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Susan Pinker: What Makes Social Connection So Vital To Our Well-Being?

9:13am April 24, 2020

by NPR/TED Staff

Psychologist Susan Pinker explains why face-to-face connection is a human necessity. But during this period of isolation, she says some ways of connecting online are better substitutes than others.

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Coronavirus Updates: The Latest Unemployment Data In The U.S.

4:12pm April 23, 2020

In the last month, the coronavirus pandemic has claimed the jobs of one in six workers in the United States. NPR economic, science and congressional correspondents discuss the latest coronavirus news.

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The Wuhan Institute of Virology (above) has been the focus of the lab accident theory. Scientists interviewed by NPR said that all evidence points to the pandemic not being the result of a lab accident.

Virus Researchers Cast Doubt On Theory Of Coronavirus Lab Accident

2:41pm April 23, 2020

The Trump administration is investigating the theory that the virus leaked from a lab. Scientists who work with viruses say that's virtually impossible and point to transmission from an animal.

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The vast majority of the country is under lockdown right now. But stay-at-home orders come with a few exceptions — like grocery shopping.

VIDEO: 6 Tips For Staying Safe While Grocery Shopping

2:30pm April 23, 2020

Coronavirus got you nervous about grocery shopping? We talked to scientists for their advice about how to stay safe at the store — and when handling food back home.

A medical worker at Elmhurst Hospital opens a tent at the COVID-19 testing site in the Queens borough of New York City.

Trump Didn't See It Coming: Coronavirus Deaths Increased Tenfold This Month

8:21am April 23, 2020

A month ago, President Trump went on Fox and downplayed the potential lethality of the novel coronavirus and compared it to the seasonal flu.

Fissure #21 of the Kilauea volcano is seen on May 22, 2018 in the Leilani Estates subdivision of Pahoa, Hawaii.

Science

Did Heavy Rain Cause Hawaii's Historic Volcanic Eruption?

8:29pm April 22, 2020

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Extreme rainfall might set off volcanoes that are ready to blow. A pair of scientists think that's what happened at Hawaii's Kilauea volcano in 2018, though some volcanologists are doubtful.

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Letter: 20 Attorneys General Want Rules On Gay Men Blood Donors Eased

7:57pm April 22, 2020

by Selena Simmons-Duffin

With the nation's blood supply in shortage due to the coronavirus, the FDA recently eased restrictions on gay men donating blood. The letter argues those new rules are still too restrictive.

Researcher Loretta Fernandez of Northeastern University wears a homemade face mask without and with an extra outer layer made from nylon stockings (right). The added nylon outer layer significantly boosted masks' ability to filter out small particles, her

Adding A Nylon Stocking Layer Could Boost Protection From Cloth Masks, Study Finds

6:36pm April 22, 2020

by Maria Godoy

Scientists who tested a variety of cloth face masks found that a nylon overlay significantly boosted how well they work. Researchers not involved in the study praised the finding.