Science

Science

Does Studying Economics Make You Selfish?

6:51am February 21, 2017

by Shankar Vedantam

Social science research finds that students who are taught classical economics about how humans act in their rational self-interest, become more likely to act selfishly after learning those lessons.

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The program BAM (Becoming a Man) works with teenagers and uses cognitive behavior therapy to reduce violence in Chicago.

On the Knife's Edge: Using Therapy To Address Violence Among Teens

12:00am February 21, 2017

We hear a lot about senseless violence: people who lose their lives or their freedom over a stolen backpack, or perceived slight. Two researchers think social science might help prevent these crimes.

Atmospheric rivers are sinews of moisture from the tropics. The one pictured here appeared over the Northern Pacific on Jan. 3.

New Research Shows How 'Atmospheric Rivers' Wreak Havoc Around The Globe

4:43pm February 20, 2017

by Christopher Joyce

The idea of plumes of moisture curling above our heads might seem beautiful, but new research shows atmospheric rivers to be among the most damaging of weather systems.

There might not be much science to support the benefits of art therapy, but students in a poetry class in Los Angeles say creating art brings them joy.

Can Poetry Keep You Young? Science Is Still Out, But The Heart Says Yes

7:33am February 20, 2017

by Ina Jaffe

Scientific evidence showing health benefits from engaging in the arts is still weak. But Los Angeles students in their 80s say their poetry class gives them joy, solace, community and a voice.

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Science

NASA Announces Winners In 'Space Poop Challenge'

10:34am February 19, 2017

by Camila Domonoske

Even astronauts have to go number two. NASA recently asked the public for suggestions on how to better deal with poop in spacesuits.

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SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket sits on the launch pad Saturday at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. SpaceX scrubbed the Saturday launch due to a technical issue. The company is tried again — and succeeded — on Sunday.

On Second Attempt, SpaceX Launches Rocket At NASA's Historic Pad

10:02am February 19, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

SpaceX scrubbed a launch attempt Saturday at NASA's Launch Complex 39A, site of the shuttle program and the mission that first sent humans to the moon. Their second try succeeded Sunday.

Science

Why NASA Is Exploring An Alien World In Antarctica

7:58am February 19, 2017

Covered in ice and filled with bubbling lava, the Antarctic volcano Mount Erebus is the perfect proxy for an alien world. That's why NASA's Aaron Curtis travels there to test space exploration robots.

Eating: it's what I was born to do apparently!

Can Changing When And What We Eat Help Outwit Disease?

5:00am February 19, 2017

by Brandie Jefferson

I'm fasting intermittently as part of a research study, to see if changing my gut microbiome affects my multiple sclerosis. But maybe living on Peanut Chews isn't the best strategy.

http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/jpeg/PIA17254.jpg

Science

Have Spare Time? Try To Discover A Planet

5:38pm February 18, 2017

by Joe Palca

Astronomers think there's an undiscovered planet lurking in the far reaches of the solar system, and they're asking the public's help to find it.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is prepared Friday for a launch at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Launch Pad 39A, one of the renovated space shuttle launch pads that SpaceX leases from NASA, has been the site of many of NASA's most famous liftoffs.

A Liftoff Deferred: SpaceX Mission From NASA's Historic Launch Pad Delayed

10:29am February 18, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

Launch Complex 39A, the site of the Apollo 11 mission, has quite a storied past. Now, it's on the brink of a new era — but it'll have to wait a bit, after Saturday's launch was scrubbed for 24 hours.