Science

Science

After A Failed Launch, Smart Shoe Benefits From A Reboot

2:20pm October 12, 2017

by Madeline K. Sofia

Hahna Alexander initially invented a shoe that could charge a battery, but no one wanted to use it. "You have to invent something that people can't live without," she says.

Science

The Coming Sewer Gold Rush

5:26am October 12, 2017

Environmental chemists studied Swiss sewage and found trace amounts of gold, silver and rare earth metals. It could be valuable, but chemists say it's probably not worth the cost of recovering.

Adult female with young male coming in (without collar) to her kill.

Science

Pumas Are Not Such Loners After All

8:26pm October 11, 2017

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Researchers are startled to find that pumas, also called mountain lions, meet up quite frequently with their fellow big cats — perhaps to share an elk carcass.

Roughly 80 percent of all first strokes arise from risks that people can influence with behavioral changes, doctors say — risks like high blood pressure, smoking and drug abuse.

Health Conditions That Increase Stroke Risk Rise Across All Ages, Races

5:18pm October 11, 2017

by April Fulton

Smoking, drug abuse and diabetes are all modifiable risk factors for stroke. Yet a large study of patients hospitalized for stroke suggests the number of people with these risk factors is rising.

Here Are The 2017 MacArthur 'Genius' Grant Winners

5:10pm October 11, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

Jason De León, Njideka Akunyili Crosby and Derek Peterson are among the 24 winners of this year's MacArthur Fellowship, which honors "extraordinarily talented and creative individuals."

Researchers collect a sample at the Werdhölzli wastewater treatment plant in Zurich, as part of an Eawag research project exploring the concentration of various metals in treated wastewater.

There's Gold In Them Thar Sewage Pipes, Swiss Researchers Say

3:00pm October 11, 2017

by Camila Domonoske

Each year, more than $3 million in gold and silver winds up in Swiss wastewater, scientists found. But in most cases, it doesn't make economic sense to extract and recycle the metals.

If you are suddenly unable to work for an extended period because of illness, injury or accident, long-term-disability insurance can save the day.

Why A Long-Term-Disability Policy Is More Important Than Pet Insurance

12:57pm October 11, 2017

by Michelle Andrews

Though not as trendy as pet insurance, a long-term-disability policy is pretty cheap and can save your bacon if you have an accident, get cancer or otherwise can't work for a few months or years.

An aerial photo shows hills of mining waste known as "chat" scattered throughout the abandoned lead and zinc mine at the Tar Creek Superfund site.

EPA Vows To Speed Cleanup Of Toxic Superfund Sites Despite Funding Drop

12:55pm October 11, 2017

by Joe Wertz

Superfund was initially paid for by taxes on crude oil, chemicals and the companies that created the toxic waste sites. But those taxes expired in 1995, leaving states strapped to find the money.

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A man rests in a hammock, using a battery-operated light, in an area of San Isidro without electricity more than two weeks after Hurricane Maria hit the island of Puerto Rico.

Weeks After Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico Struggles To Turn On The Lights

6:28pm October 10, 2017

by Samantha Raphelson

Nearly 90 percent of Puerto Rico is still without power more than two weeks after Hurricane Maria. Authorities say it will take months to restore electricity, as the storm destroyed the power grid.

The amygdala in the brain is larger in people who have altruistic tendencies, says guest blogger Abigail Marsh.

Science

What Drives Some People To Take Personal Risks To Help Strangers?

2:34pm October 10, 2017

by Abigail Marsh

Acts of altruism — like saving swimmers caught in a riptide from drowning or donating a kidney to a stranger — are among the thorniest puzzles of human nature, says guest blogger Abigail Marsh.