2024 was the hottest year on record. The reason remains a science mystery
The official numbers are in: 2024 is the hottest year on record. Climate change is the main culprit. But there might be something else going on, too.
Health & Safety
Novant Health celebrates completion of $400M Forsyth Medical Center south tower
Forsyth Medical Center now has a new 193,000-square-foot wing dedicated to treating heart disease.
What is the flame retardant that planes are dropping on the LA fires?
As fire crews and air tankers work to block the wildfires' explosive growth, images of red clouds of fire retardant falling onto trees are common. What is it — and what's in it?
Pet rescue organizations scramble to respond to destruction caused by LA wildfires
The wildfires in Los Angeles County have left a trail of destruction — displacing entire families, including pets. Shelters and rescue organizations like Stray Cat Alliance are scrambling to respond.
A Wisconsin-based surfer's quest to create a more eco-friendly board
The Great Lakes don't readily evoke images of surfing and surfboard-making, but a surfer in Wisconsin is on an eco-friendly mission to change that.
This week in science: hula hoop science, vaccine longevity and 2025 space missions
NPR's Juana Summers talks with Jessica Yung and Emily Kwong of Short Wave about the physics of hula hooping, why some vaccines last longer than others, and a few moon launches to watch for in 2025.
What are biodiversity credits — and could have a meaningful impact?
Planet Money buys a "biodiversity credit" and travels to the Andean cloud forest in Colombia — to see how these credits work, and if they can really help save threatened species.
Ancient kangaroo teeth hold clues to the role of climate change in ancient extinction
In a mass extinction event some 40,000 years ago, Australia lost 90% of its large species. New research suggests climate change played a much smaller role than once thought, though not all agree.
World Health Organization head on bond with Jimmy Carter: 'I consider him my mentor'
The World Health Organization leader worked with Carter for 20 years to fight the world's "neglected" diseases. After attending Carter's funeral, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared memories.
Cone Health receives largest donation in its history
Cone Health's largest philanthropic gift will go toward improving cardiac health care and research.