Science

Emperor penguins near Australia's Mawson research center in Antarctica took a video "selfie."

Science

Penguins Mug For Camera, Take A Pretty Great 'Selfie'

3:43pm March 09, 2018

by Merrit Kennedy

You probably didn't know that emperor penguins are reasonably good at framing a video shot. At a research station in Antarctica, the curious animals provided a bird's-eye view.

Because of layers of material that can be difficult to separate, many containers for juices and broths have traditionally been destined for landfills. But recycling them is getting easier.

In The Recycling World, Why Are Some Cartons Such A Problem?

12:58pm March 09, 2018

by Natalie Jacewicz

Because of layers of material that can be difficult to separate, many containers for juices and broths have traditionally been destined for landfills. But recycling them is getting easier.

Astrophysicist Adam Frank says that when it comes to climate change and civilization, we've been asking the wrong question.

Getting Climate Change Right: In Light Of The Stars

11:59am March 09, 2018

by Adam Frank

When it comes to facing global warming, dealing with climate change and making informed choices for our cherished "project of civilization," we've been asking the wrong question, says Adam Frank.

Science
Arts

Lisa Feldman Barrett: Can We Really Tell How Other People Are Feeling?

9:09am March 09, 2018

by NPR/TED Staff

Identifying basic emotions in others — like fear, sadness or anger — seems instinctive, but psychologist Lisa Feldman Barrett says we're doing more guesswork than we think.

Queue Listen Now

Science
Arts

Kang Lee: Can Technology Detect Our Hidden Emotions?

9:09am March 09, 2018

by NPR/TED Staff

Developmental researcher Kang Lee says scientists can detect emotions by reading subtle physiological signals beneath the surface of our skin.

Queue Listen Now

The first episode of this season's Invisibilia podcast explores how people cope when something happens that fundamentally shifts how they view themselves. The author's mother decided to try skydiving.

Invisibilia: When Death Rocks Your World, Maybe You Jump Out Of A Plane

8:00am March 09, 2018

by Hanna Rosin

The first episode of this season's Invisibilia podcast explores how people cope when something happens that fundamentally shifts how they view themselves. The author's mother decided to try skydiving.

Queue Listen Now

Study Questions Science Behind Hunting Plans

10:02pm March 08, 2018

by Nathan Rott

Researchers say governments' hunting policies often don't demonstrate they've made wildlife decisions using the best available science.

Three main theories about Amelia Earhart's disappearance — arguably the most enduring aviation mystery in history — have been bandied about over the years.

New Research Claims Bones Found 80 Years Ago On Pacific Atoll Likely Amelia Earhart's

5:40pm March 08, 2018

by Scott Neuman

Richard Jantz, a forensics expert at the University of Tennessee, reanalyzed measurements from the bones. He says they are female and the right size to be Earhart's. But questions linger.

One writer refuses to downplay the attraction and achievements of the octopus.

Science

Calling Team Cephalopod: Why Octopuses Could Never Disappoint

4:07pm March 08, 2018

by Barbara J. King

Evidence for smart, sassy octopus behavior once again impresses our resident cephalopod fan Barbara J. King, who is standing up for octopuses against a recent broadside.

Make sure that tattoo is one you want to keep.

Tattoo You: Immune System Cells Help Keep Ink In Its Place

3:46pm March 08, 2018

by Menaka Wilhelm

When you get a tattoo, your body mounts a battle against the ink. So how do ankle flowers and bicep hearts stick around so long? Researchers took a look at specialized cells that gobble up the ink.