Researchers watch and worry as balloons are blasted from the sky
Scientists want you to know that most balloons come in peace. They're used for experiments to look at everything from cosmic rays to the ozone layer.
Science
Spinal stimulation can improve arm and hand movement years after a stroke
Two stroke patients regained control of a disabled arm and hand after researchers delivered electrical stimulation to their spines, paving the way toward a medical device that could aid movement.
How the U.S. may have popped the balloon on scientific education and research
President Biden says the aerial objects shot down over the U.S. may have been scientific balloons. Some researchers are concerned that the diplomatic fight over balloons could disrupt their work.
A kid in Guatemala had a dream. Today she's a disease detective
Neudy Rojop made a girlhood pledge. When family members fell ill, she says she decided to become a nurse "so I could change my community for good."
The hunt is on to discover a COVID vaccine that wouldn't require freezers for storage
The mRNA shots against COVID were a game-changer but the shots need ultra-cold freezers that are unavailable in many low-income countries. Now the hunt is on for innovations to solve this problem.
An activist group is spreading misinformation to stop solar projects in rural America
An NPR/Floodlight investigation found that a longtime Republican insider is stoking solar opposition by spreading bad information about health and environmental risks. Her influence is growing.
Did an F-22 shoot down an Illinois hobby group's small radio balloon?
A military spokesperson tells NPR that it's their understanding that the FBI has spoken to the hobbyist group in question.
A new, experimental approach to male birth control immobilizes sperm
For decades researchers have struggled to find a contraceptive methods for males. A new fast-acting compound shows promise — assuming it turns out to work as well in men as in mice.
Militaries have sought to use spy balloons for centuries. The real enemy is the wind
The U.S. government suspects that China's surveillance balloon may have blown off course. It wouldn't be the first time.
The Marburg outbreak in Equatorial Guinea is a concern — and a chance for progress
Marburg virus is hard to detect early on--and goes on to kill about half its victims. Researchers hope to work quickly during this outbreak to make progress on emerging vaccines and treatments.