How Do We Embrace All Kinds Of Nature?
Environmental writer Emma Marris wants us to broaden our definition of nature to one that embraces urban and wild spaces in order learn to protect and care for it.
Science
What's The Anthropocene?
Have we entered a new age defined by humans? Paleontologist Kenneth Lacovara says there's "no doubt" that humans' impact on Earth will show up in the geological record.
Are We Headed Into Another Mass Extinction?
At various times, life on earth has come close to being erased. Paleontologist Peter Ward explains what we can learn from previous mass extinctions.
How Can Dinosaurs Help Us Understand Our Own Species?
Earth's rocks and fossils can help us understand our own species. Paleontologist Kenneth Lacovara explains important moments in Earth's history that help us recognize our place in the world.
Scientists To Bid A Bittersweet Farewell To Rosetta, The Comet Chaser
To cap its 12-year scientific voyage, the Rosetta spacecraft will take a final plunge Friday. Scientists will signal Rosetta to crash into the surface of a comet — and gather data all the way down.
Reykjavik Turns Off Street Lights To Turn Up The Northern Lights
Wednesday night's aurora borealis forecast was particularly strong, so Icelandic officials tried to reduce light pollution to make the green glow more visible to people in the capital.
Countries Gather For Wildlife Convention On Animal Trafficking
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to Ginette Hemley of the World Wildlife Fund about the CITES meeting and the challenges in trying to protect endangered species, particularly elephants.
Rats That Reminisce May Lead To Better Tests For Alzheimer's Drugs
Most potential Alzheimer's drugs are tested on mice. But rats may be a better choice because they seem to have a type of memory that's more like ours, and also are highly vulnerable to Alzheimer's.
CDC Urges Americans To Get A Flu Shot As Soon As Possible
There's plenty of vaccine available this year, and the sooner people get vaccinated the better, federal health officials say. A recent drop in vaccination, especially among the elderly, concerns them.
Flawed Research Tool Leads To Faulty Medical Findings
Just as natural antibodies help your body find and fight microbial invaders, tailored research antibodies let scientists target and study cancer cells. But too many are poorly made, scientists say.