Science

Oregon's large power utilities and environmental advocates have backed new legislation that phases out their use of coal. Here, a coal plant in Boardman, Ore., is seen in a 2014 file photo.

Big Power Companies Hail Oregon Lawmakers' Approval Of Plan Phasing Out Coal

11:16am March 03, 2016

by Bill Chappell

The legislation, which calls for big utilities to stop relying on coal by 2030, emerged from a January agreement between the companies and environmental advocates.

Sleep Munchies: Why It's Harder To Resist Snacks When We're Tired

7:52pm March 02, 2016

by Allison Aubrey

A new study finds that too little sleep boosts a signal in the body that may drive a stronger desire to eat. It's the latest evidence linking sleep deprivation to overeating and increased body weight.

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Biologists hoping to bring endangered whooping cranes back from the brink started an experimental flock in 1967 at the U.S. Geological Survey's Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Md.

To Make A Wild Comeback, Cranes Need More Than Flying Lessons

6:26pm March 02, 2016

by Christopher Joyce

The 15-year project wasn't a flight of fancy. Biologists used a plane to successfully teach many young, captive-bred whooping cranes to migrate cross-country. But the birds aren't reproducing well.

Gasoline prices are displayed at a filling station in Philadelphia.

Gas Prices Pop Up Despite Historic Supplies Of Oil. Blame Spring

4:36pm March 02, 2016

by Marilyn Geewax

The Energy Information Administration says oil inventories are at "historically high" levels. Still, gas prices have been heading up because oil refineries are switching to more costly summer blends.

Indicted Ex-Oil CEO Aubrey McClendon Dies In Car Crash

4:27pm March 02, 2016

by Joe Wertz

Aubrey McClendon, one of the pioneers of the shale oil revolution in the U.S. died in a car crash Wednesday at age 56 years. McClendon was indicted Tuesday on charges he conspired to rig the bidding process on oil and gas leases in Oklahoma.

Our 'Golden Mole' Winner Used To Paint Wasps For A Living

2:00am March 02, 2016

by Adam Cole

NPR's Skunk Bear blog received 300 nominations for our Golden Mole Award for Accidental Brilliance. We have a winner: Elizabeth Tibbetts found her luck, and scientific insight, in tiny insect faces.

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In recent years, a pesticide called flubendiamide has been used on about 14 percent of the nation's almonds, peppers and watermelons. Now the FDA wants to revoke the chemical's conditional approval.

In An Unusual Move, The EPA Tries To Pull A Pesticide From Market

9:54pm March 01, 2016

by Dan Charles

The pesticide got "conditional" approval eight years ago, but the EPA now says it could poison aquatic life. The move is raising hope among activists who want tighter regulation of pesticides.

Science

How Does Gender Affect One's Willingness To Compete?

6:48pm March 01, 2016

by Shankar Vedantam

New research looks at how gender shapes competitions. Multiple strands of social science research suggest highly competitive settings are likely to dissuade qualified women from tossing their hats in the ring. NPR explores the consequences, the implications and also the causes for this disparity in the willingness to compete.

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Scott Kelly Reflects On His Year Off The Planet

6:40pm March 01, 2016

by Geoff Brumfiel

During his 340 days aboard the International Space Station, the astronaut documented his time there with hundreds of photos. Kelly says the perspective makes him feel like an environmentalist.

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Scott Kelly Reflects On His Year Off The Planet

6:11pm March 01, 2016

by Geoff Brumfiel

During his 340 days aboard the International Space Station, the astronaut documented his time there with hundreds of photos. Kelly says the perspective makes him feel like an environmentalist.