Science

An Anopheles coluzzi mosquito, which can transmit malaria, with a genetically modified fungus emerging from the body after the insect's death. A green fluorescent protein was included to mark the fungus, shown under a UV light.

Scientists Genetically Modify Fungus To Kill Mosquitoes That Spread Malaria

5:53pm May 30, 2019

by Rob Stein

The modified fungus produces spider toxin that rapidly kills mosquitoes, raising hopes for a new weapon to fight a disease that sickens millions. But not everyone is convinced.

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John Draper pours glyphosate into the tank of his sprayer at the University of Maryland's Wye Research and Education Center.

Safe Or Scary? The Shifting Reputation Of Glyphosate, AKA Roundup

12:06pm May 30, 2019

by Dan Charles

The world's most widely used weed killer was once seen as one of the safest pesticides. Now it is blamed for causing cancer. Yet the scientific evidence remains disputed.

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Iranian soldiers carry part of a target drone used in air-defense exercises. Iran is also turning some target drones into low-tech weapons for its proxies.

In Yemen Conflict, Some See A New Age Of Drone Warfare

5:13pm May 29, 2019

by Geoff Brumfiel

Iran has been developing drones for both itself and its proxies. In recent months those drones have been used for targeted assassinations, military strikes and to sow chaos in the region.

Scientists are still trying to figure out how playing video games affects the brain.

Is 'Gaming Disorder' An Illness? WHO Says Yes, Adding It To Its List Of Diseases

5:56pm May 28, 2019

by Anya Kamenetz

For the first time, the World Health Organization will list "gaming disorder" as a behavioral addiction, a controversial move for some.

Science

Why It's Time To Think About Self-Driving Cars In Regards To Parking

5:03pm May 28, 2019

by Shankar Vedantam

Self-driving cars may be great for those who don't want to own a car or get behind the wheel, but they promise to be a nightmare for parking enforcement.

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As the battle for the thermostat is being waged in offices and homes across the U.S., a new study shows that women perform better in certain areas when the temperature is higher.

Study Shows Freezing Office Temperatures Affect Women's Productivity

4:31pm May 26, 2019

Do you often hear your colleagues complain that the office is too cold or that they have to bundle up? A new study shows that women are more productive when their surrounding temperatures are higher.

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An imbalance between matter and antimatter in the universe produced all the things in existence, including corned beef sandwiches.

Science

Why Corned Beef Sandwiches — And The Rest Of The Universe — Exist

8:20am May 25, 2019

by Joe Palca

Somehow, at the beginning of time, there was an imbalance of matter and antimatter. That's how all the stuff in the universe came about. Scientists think they may find an answer by studying neutrons.

Zolgensma, a new drug approved by the FDA Friday, costs more than $2.1 million. It's made by AveXis, a drugmaker owned by pharmaceutical giant Novartis.

At $2.1 Million, New Gene Therapy Is The Most Expensive Drug Ever

9:45pm May 24, 2019

by Rob Stein

The Food and Drug Administration approved a new gene therapy for a rare but devastating genetic disorder. The drugmaker says the cost is worth it because it's a one-time treatment that saves lives.

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'Reluctant Psychonaut' Michael Pollan Embraces 'New Science' Of Psychedelics

1:32pm May 24, 2019

by Terry Gross

Author Michael Pollan experimented with mushrooms, LSD and other psychedelics while researching his latest book, How to Change Your Mind. Originally broadcast May 15, 2018.

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Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina on Sept. 14, 2018. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts that two to four major hurricanes will form in the Atlantic during the 2019 hurricane season, which begins June 1.

Science

The 2019 Hurricane Season Will Be 'Near Normal.' But Normal Can Still Be Devastating

8:11am May 24, 2019

by Rebecca Hersher

NOAA forecasts that two to four major hurricanes will form this year in the Atlantic. But even an average year can cause record-breaking damage, as storms get bigger and wetter.

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