Science

New data shows how long protection may last from a COVID vaccine booster shot

6:37pm January 19, 2022

by Michaeleen Doucleff

Researchers now have the first data looking at how long that protection from a booster shot of the COVID vaccine will last and what the future of the vaccinations might be after the omicron surge.

Here's the latest research into the accuracy of at-home rapid COVID tests

6:37pm January 19, 2022

by Maria Godoy

As people use at-home rapid tests more and more, they're noticing some idiosyncrasies with the results. Here's the latest research examining the accuracy of these tests.

Encore: Ancient footprints mistakenly attributed to bears were made by early humans

10:29pm January 18, 2022

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

A new look at nearly 3.7 million-year-old fossil footprints uncovered in Tanzania shows that multiple species of early humans lived together at the same time.

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The island of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai as imaged by the satellite company Maxar on Jan. 6 (left) and Jan. 18 (right). It was obliterated in a volcanic eruption that scientists estimate was 10 megatons in size.

NASA scientists estimate Tonga blast at 10 megatons

5:05pm January 18, 2022

by Geoff Brumfiel

Researchers who have been studying the volcano since 2015 say it was likely caused by seawater flowing into a chamber filled with magma.

This satellite image provided shows ash covered homes and buildings in Tonga Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022 days after a huge undersea volcanic eruption.

Satellite photos show Tonga before and after huge undersea volcano eruption

4:59am January 18, 2022

by The Associated Press

Significant damage is being reported on the Pacific island of Tonga and thick ash on an airport runway is preventing aid from arriving.

Science

The U.S. is divided over whether nuclear power is part of the green energy future

2:03am January 18, 2022

by The Associated Press

Nuclear power is emerging as an answer as states transition away from coal, oil and natural gas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stave off climate change.

An employee of Sotheby's Dubai presents a 555.55 Carat Black Diamond called "The Enigma" on Monday that will be auctioned at Sotheby's Dubai gallery, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Sotheby's unveils 555.55-carat black diamond thought to come from outer space

9:00pm January 17, 2022

by The Associated Press

Black diamonds are extremely rare, and are found naturally only in Brazil and Central Africa. The cosmic origin theory of "The Enigma" is based on carbon isotopes and high hydrogen content.

Before you open the calorie counter, consider the role of diet culture

4:55pm January 15, 2022

by Andee Tagle

Last year, half of all New Year's resolutions in the U.S. were based on fitness and nearly half were based on weight loss. NPR's Life Kit takes a look at diet culture.

For 50 years, 'The Gates Of Hell' crater has burned. Now officials want to put it out

11:15am January 15, 2022

by Scott Simon

NPR's Scott Simon speaks to George Kourounis, Royal Canadian Geographical Society's explorer-in-residence, about the possible closing of "The Gates of Hell," a natural gas field in Turkmenistan.

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This colorized transmission electron micrograph image shows SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19. This specimen was isolated from a patient in the United States. Particles of the virus (yellow) are emerging from the surface of cell

Fact check: The theory that SARS-CoV-2 is becoming milder

4:19pm January 14, 2022

by Michaeleen Doucleff

A look at the data that omicron is less severe. What does that mean for the future of SARS-CoV-2 — and the pandemic?