Science

Q&A: What's Different About The Delta Variant

5:13pm July 31, 2021

by Joe Palca

Health officials around the world are adjusting their plans for combatting the coronavirus in light of the more infectious Delta variant — and evidence that even vaccinated people can spread it.

More than a mile underwater, the cartoon doppelgangers were found side by side.

Science

A Research Vessel Found SpongeBob Look-Alikes A Mile Under The Ocean's Surface

2:33pm July 31, 2021

by Laurel Wamsley

A photo of a real-life sponge and starfish hanging out together delighted the internet. But "the reality is a little crueler than perhaps a cartoon would suggest," says the researcher who posted it.

Democratic Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly's legal battle with the Republican-led Legislature has left confusion over whether she has the authority to issue new pandemic restrictions. Kelly did not issue a mask mandate when speaking Wednesday from the state Capit

As COVID Concern Grows In Kansas, So Does Confusion Over Who Is In Charge

5:00am July 31, 2021

by Abigail Censky

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, has been hesitant to issue any statewide mandates without a ruling from the state Supreme Court on her powers. Counties aren't jumping at the opportunity either.

Why Sweat Is A Human Superpower

1:53pm July 30, 2021

Sweat is an "evolutionary marvel," says Sarah Everts, the author of The Joy of Sweat. In her new book, Everts delves into the science of perspiration and how this trait has enabled humans to thrive.

Queue Listen Now

New Study Links Rate Of Emissions To Extreme Weather

4:45pm July 29, 2021

NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Dr. Jennifer Francis, an expert who studies disproportionate Earth warming, about the new study linking the rate of emissions to the likelihood of extreme heat.

The remains of a burned home are seen in the Indian Falls neighborhood of unincorporated Plumas County, California on July 26, 2021. Extreme weather events have claimed hundreds of lives worldwide in recent weeks, and upcoming forecasts for wildfire and h

Climate Change Is Driving Deadly Weather Disasters From Arizona To Mumbai

12:38pm July 29, 2021

by Rachel Treisman

There's been about two degrees Fahrenheit of warming so far worldwide. That may sound like a small number, but scientists say it's enough to make extreme weather events much more common.

A wind farm in Wyoming generates electricity for a region that used to be more dependent on coal-fired power plants. A new study finds that millions of lives could be saved this century by rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Science

Cutting Carbon Pollution Quickly Would Save About 74 Million Lives, Study Finds

10:16am July 29, 2021

by Rebecca Hersher

Cutting carbon emissions to zero in the next 30 years would save about 74 million lives this century, a new analysis estimates.

How An Altered Strand Of DNA Can Cause Malaria-Spreading Mosquitoes To Self-Destruct

11:49am July 28, 2021

by Rob Stein

For the first time, scientists have shown that a new kind of genetic engineering can crash populations of malaria-spreading mosquitoes.

Tanzania is now endorsing COVID-19 vaccines. But for many months, its leaders said that vapors could prevent the disease. Above: A man inhales at a booth installed by an herbalist in Dar es Salaam.

Tanzania's Dilemma: It's Not So Easy To Go From Vaccine Denier To Vaccine Embracer

5:21pm July 27, 2021

by Syriacus Buguzi

The African country, previously credited for high childhood vaccination rates, was 1 of 4 countries to reject COVID vaccines. Now they've done a 180. It's unclear if its citizens will go along.

The Behavioral Economics Manifesto Gets Revised

3:23pm July 27, 2021

by Greg Rosalsky

We speak with the Nobel Prize-winning founder of behavioral economics about the new — and last — version of his classic book, Nudge.