Science

This is a skull of Homo naledi from the Rising Star cave system in South Africa.

Primitive Humanlike Species Lived More Recently Than Expected

7:49pm May 09, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

The surprising finding suggests that small-brained Homo naledi may have lived at the same time as early humans in South Africa, complicating previous notions about human origins.

In an artist's rendering, a gigantic, cassowarylike dinosaur named Beibeilong, which lived some 90 million years ago, incubates its eggs.

'Baby Dragon' Found In China Is The Newest Species Of Dinosaur

6:29pm May 09, 2017

by Madeline K. Sofia

The Beibeilong was a giant, birdlike dinosaur that lived some 90 million years ago. Scientists say it had massive feathered wings and a birdlike skull and could grow to more than 26 feet long.

A woman wins the lottery not once, not twice, but four times. What are the odds? According to mathematician Joseph Mazur, it depends on how you ask the question.

Science
Arts

Magic, Or Math? The Appeal Of Coincidences, And The Reality

9:00pm May 08, 2017

This week on Hidden Brain: coincidences. Why they're not quite as magical as they seem, and the psychological reasons we can't help but search for meaning in them anyway.

Violinist Adrian Pintea, from The Julliard School, plays a 1729 Stradivari known as the "Solomon, Ex-Lambert" in 2007 at Christie's in New York.

Is A Stradivarius Violin Easier To Hear? Science Says Nope

5:34pm May 08, 2017

by Rebecca Hersher

Old Italian violins like those made by Stradivari are famous for their ability to project their sound. But a study found people in a blind test thought new violins projected better than old ones.

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(From bottom to top) Chemist Michael Gonsior, from the University of Maryland's Center for Environmental Science, works with researcher Melinda Forsyth and graduate student Katie Martin to gather and check water samples near the Chesapeake Bay, on Cocktow

Trump's Budget Would Eliminate A Key Funder Of Research On Coastal Pollution

5:34pm May 08, 2017

by Christopher Joyce

The Sea Grant program, which funds research on coastal environments, is slated by White House for elimination in 2018. If it goes, a project that finds leaking septic tanks goes down the drain, too.

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Miniature oranges spill out of a pill bottle.

Fresh Food By Prescription: This Health Care Firm Is Trimming Costs — And Waistlines

5:32pm May 08, 2017

by Allison Aubrey

The rising prevalence and cost of Type 2 diabetes has doctors at Geisinger Health System turning to food as a form of medicine. They're prescribing free, fresh food to low-income patients.

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Science

North Carolina Experiences Hottest, Wettest April On Record

4:49pm May 08, 2017

by Sean Bueter

North Carolina just experienced its warmest and wettest April on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Air Force's secret X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle landed at NASA 's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida on Sunday, setting off a sonic boom that surprised residents.

Secret U.S. Space Plane Lands With A Boom In Florida

10:18am May 08, 2017

by Bill Chappell

For a secret aircraft, the X-37B wasn't very stealthy about its return to Earth. The space plane was launched in 2015.

House Speaker Paul Ryan (center) walks to the House chamber ahead of a budget vote on Capitol Hill. Though Ryan was able to deliver 217 votes Thursday to get his GOP health plan through the House, there are still significant hurdles before the bill become

5 Things To Watch As GOP Health Bill Moves To The Senate

6:45pm May 07, 2017

by Julie Rovner

Just three "no" votes by Senate Republicans would likely be enough to sink the GOP health bill. Democrats who lost the battle in the House are still convinced they can win the political war.

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Science

NASA Has A Spacesuit Shortage

8:16am May 07, 2017

NASA has only 11 spacesuits in use, and they were designed decades ago. Spacesuit designer Pablo de Leon tells Lulu Garcia-Navarro about how the shortage affects operations in space.