The zombie fungus from 'The Last Of Us' is real — but not nearly as deadly
This species of fungus, Ophiocordyceps, is known for using "mind control" on insect hosts. Humans, however, are immune.
Science
COVID flashback: Here's how NPR reported on the coronavirus at a turning point
On Jan. 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the "novel coronavirus" sweeping through China to be a global health emergency. Here's how NPR covered the story at that point in time.
The rotation of Earth's inner core may be slowing down
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks to John Vidale, professor of earth sciences at the University of Southern California, about new research suggesting the rotation of Earth's inner core may be slowing down.
9 diseases that keep epidemiologists up at night
Thinking about the next pandemic is job number one for many researchers around the world. Here's a look at the World Health Organization's current list of pathogens with pandemic potential.
A new study casts doubt on oxytocin's role as a 'love hormone'
A study involving prairie voles shows that oxytocin may not live up to its billing as a "love hormone" that is essential to forming enduring attachments with mates.
Three years after COVID-19 started, scientists have learned valuable lessons
Three years after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a "public health emergency," scientists have learned several lessons about how pandemics begin and how to stop them.
Can you bond without the 'love hormone'? These cuddly rodents show it's possible
The hormone oxytocin plays a key role in long-term relationships. But a study of prairie voles finds that the animals mate for life even without help from the "love hormone."
When is it OK to make germs worse in a lab? It's a more relevant question than ever
Policymakers have long grappled with how to handle experiments that might generate potentially dangerous viruses. Now, officials are considering whether oversight needs to be expanded.
Morning news brief
Five former Memphis police officers are charged in the death of Tyre Nichols. Republicans disagree on what it means to be conservative. U.S. officials weigh how to oversee risky virus research.
We need native seeds in order to respond to climate change, but there aren't enough
Native seeds are crucial for land restoration efforts after disasters, which will grow more extreme as climate change worsens. "Time is of the essence" to bank sufficient seeds, a new report says.