Science

From field to bakery, a loaf of bread packs a measurable environmental punch.

What's The Environmental Footprint Of A Loaf Of Bread? Now We Know

7:04pm February 27, 2017

by Rhitu Chatterjee

New research calculates the greenhouse gas emissions involved in making bread, from wheat field to bakery. The vast majority of emissions come from one step in the process: farming.

Queue Listen Now

"This arctic fox would not hold still. Finally, in desperation, I squealed like a pig. With that, he stopped, tilted his head to figure out what that awful sound was, and I made this frame," Sartore writes.

Photographer Builds A 'Photo Ark' For 6,500 Animal Species And Counting

5:54pm February 27, 2017

National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore is on a mission to document every captive animal species in the world. He talks about getting an arctic fox to hold still, and Photoshopping out poop.

Queue Listen Now

What's The Leading Cause Of Wildfires In The U.S.? Humans

4:38pm February 27, 2017

by Christopher Joyce

More than 8 in 10 fires are started by people. Researchers say humans are not only causing the vast majority of wildfires, they're extending the normal fire season around the U.S. by three months.

How does naltrexone work? The drug seems to curb cravings by blunting the euphoric and sedative effects of alcohol in the brain.

A Medicine That Blunts The Buzz Of Alcohol Can Help Drinkers Cut Back

2:04pm February 27, 2017

by Allison Aubrey

Naltrexone was approved to treat alcohol disorders more than 20 years ago. But many doctors still don't know that when combined with counseling it can help people resist the urge to drink too much.

Queue Listen Now

A computer analysis found that people with the same name were more likely to share similar expressions around their eyes and mouths, areas of the face that are easier to adjust.

Your Name Might Shape Your Face, Researchers Say

11:45am February 27, 2017

by Angus Chen

Do you look like a Joy? Genes and culture may make it more likely that names and faces align. But researchers say people also may adjust their expressions to match social expectations of their name.

Fearing Climate Change Policy Under Trump, STEM Group Works To Get Scientists Elected

5:34pm February 26, 2017

by Michel Martin

Scientists across the country are planning to go to Washington — and take office. Shaughnessy Naughton is the founder of 314 Action a non profit that helps scientists run for office.

Science

Astronomers Find 7 Potentially Habitable Planets

8:12am February 26, 2017

Astronomers have discovered a solar system full of potentially habitable planets. Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks to Seth Shostak of the SETI Institute, which searches for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Why It's Been So Warm On The East Coast

8:12am February 26, 2017

The east coast saw record-breaking high temperatures this past week. Meteorologist Bob Henson talks with NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro about what's behind the early spring weather.

Dr. Joel Funari performs some 300 tooth extractions annually at his private practice in Devon, Pa.. He's part of a group of dentists reassessing opioid prescribing guidelines in the state.

Dentists Work To Ease Patients' Pain With Fewer Opioids

6:37am February 26, 2017

by Elana Gordon

After minor surgeries, many dentists used to reflexively prescribe quick-acting opioids to relieve a patient's pain. Now they're learning to counsel patients about better, less addictive alternatives.

Dog owners should think about end-of-life care for their pets.

When You Love An Old Dog, Managing Care Can Be A Challenge

1:21pm February 25, 2017

by Preeti N. Malani

Aging dogs often need extra medical care. But there comes a time to be realistic about what can and can't be done, veterinarians say. The pet's comfort is paramount.