Technology

This undated photo appeared on a website investigated by the FBI in connection with Dylann Roof, who killed nine people in a Charleston, S.C., church in June 2015.

National

What Happened When Dylann Roof Asked Google For Information About Race?

5:52pm January 10, 2017

by Rebecca Hersher

The 22-year-old said in court documents that the results of a Google search shaped his beliefs on race years before he murdered nine people in a historically black South Carolina church.

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Stanford bioengineering professor Manu Prakash looked to a children's toy to create a hand-powered centrifuge for processing blood tests.

Children's Whirligig Toy Inspires a Low-Cost Laboratory Test

4:01pm January 10, 2017

by Madeline K. Sofia

A paper version of a spinning children's toy can replace laboratory centrifuges to process blood tests. The "paperfuge" may help diagnose malaria and other diseases.

The website Backpage has removed adult advertisements. A Senate report last year accused the website of being a forum for child sex trafficking.

National

Backpage Shuts Down Adult Ads In The U.S., Citing Government Pressure

12:06pm January 10, 2017

by Rebecca Hersher

The online classified website disabled its space for adults seeking sexual partners. A Senate report last year accused the website of being a forum for child sex trafficking.

Science

Humans Worry About Self-Driving Cars. Maybe It Should Be The Reverse

9:26am January 10, 2017

by Shankar Vedantam

Self-driving cars will perform rationally. For example: stop when someone is in their way. Research suggests humans will take advantage, and step into an intersection when they know they shouldn't.

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A Syrian woman and her child sit in their refugee living space in Lebanon. They are featured in Four Walls, a virtual reality presentation by the International Rescue Committee.

Can Virtual Reality Make You More Empathetic?

4:46pm January 09, 2017

by Laura Sydell

Charities are using virtual reality to immerse people in the plight of refugees and others who need help. Researchers are studying whether it's more effective than other media. And there are skeptics.

Apple's iPhone Turns 10 Years Old

4:38pm January 09, 2017

This is the 10th anniversary of the introduction of Apple's iPhone. NPR talks to Steven Levy of Backchannel about the anniversary.

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Scientists are trying to mine electronic health records.

Electronic Health Records May Help Customize Medical Treatments

12:48pm January 09, 2017

by Richard Harris

Most people's doctors put their health information in an electronic health record. Scientists are mining those records for clues to what treatments work best for individuals.

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Former Georgia Rep. Mike Dudgeon casts the ceremonial first vote of the new session of the Georgia House of Representatives on Jan. 10, 2011, in Atlanta. Dudgeon retired from the Legislature in 2016 because of work-life balance issues.

Low Pay In State Legislatures Means Some Can't Afford The Job

11:25am January 09, 2017

by Johhny Kauffman

State legislators in 30 states make $30,000 a year or less. New Mexico doesn't pay lawmakers at all, while those in New Hampshire make just $200 per two-year term.

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A user wears a tDCS device sold by an online retailer, Caputron.

Students Zap Their Brains For a Boost, For Better Or Worse

9:01am January 07, 2017

by Riley Beggin

Stimulating the brain with electrical currents is exploratory technology. But people are making and buying devices that do that for use at home — and interest rises around exam time.

Using Social Media, Students Aspire To Become 'Influencers'

8:08am January 07, 2017

by Corey Takahashi

Syracuse University Professor Corey Takahashi offers his commentary on the challenge of teaching students who, instead of wanting to be writers or filmmakers, aspire to be online "influencers."