A tantalizing clue to why omicron is spreading so quickly
A new study from the University of Hong Kong offers preliminary information that could explain why this new coronavirus variant may be more transmissible.
Science
California allows San Francisco to maintain existing COVID-19 masking rules
Starting Wednesday, a statewide mask mandate was back in effect, but vaccinated San Francisco residents will be allowed to go without face coverings inside gyms and workplaces.
Could a salary cap help European soccer become less predictable?
After analyzing 26 years worth of European soccer matches, scientists have determined that the games have become more predictable over time — and the home field advantage has vanished.
Omicron evades Moderna vaccine too, study suggests, but boosters help
The Moderna vaccine's ability to shield against infection drops sharply when tested on the omicron variant. But getting a booster pumps the protection back up again, new research suggests.
Volunteers are growing oyster gardens to help restore reefs
There are more than 1,000 oyster gardens in the coastal waters of Maryland, Virginia, Mississippi and Alabama as volunteers try to restore a keystone of coastal ecosystems.
Need to break up with someone? Baboons have found a good way to do it, study finds
Just like humans, groups of baboons sometimes break off relations. Scientists have studied the dynamics of such breakups and say baboons tend to split up in a cooperative, egalitarian way.
Most nations are promising to end deforestation, but skeptics want proof
More than a hundred countries just promised to protect and restore forests. Similar pledges in the past have not succeeded, but forest advocates hope that this effort can learn from past mistakes.
Pfizer data shows that its COVID-19 pill is effective against severe disease
The research finds that the medicine, called Paxlovid, was effective in preventing hospitalization and death when taken by people with mild to moderate illness within a few days of symptoms.
You'll have the best view of the Geminid meteor shower overnight Monday
Although the moon will brighten up the sky and make it harder to see the Geminids this year, astronomers say from about 2 a.m. to sunrise, no matter your time zone, will be prime viewing time.
Civil engineer says buildings will need to prepare for stronger storms
NPR's Audie Cornish chats with civil engineering expert David Prevatt about how to prepare buildings for tornadoes following a series of deadly storms.