Science

Changing habits and better health care have vastly reduced the risk of death by heart disease.

Are We Reaching The End Of The Trend For Longer, Healthier Lives?

11:52am September 23, 2016

by Richard Harris

In the past 50 years, better medical care and healthier habits have greatly reduced the risk of dying young from heart disease. But the obesity epidemic threatens to reverse that happy trend.

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Computer Scientists Solve Mystery Of The Ein Gedi Scroll By 'Virtual Unwrapping'

8:30pm September 22, 2016

by Rebecca Hersher

Researchers used a new kind of analysis to make a virtual image of a crumbling ancient scroll from Israel. Biblical scholars were able to read the re-created text, which is from Leviticus.

If You Think Eating Is A Political Act, Say Thanks To Frances Moore Lappe

7:16pm September 22, 2016

by Allison Aubrey

When Frances Moore Lappe wrote the best-selling Diet For A Small Planet back in 1971, she helped start a conversation about the social and environmental impacts of the foods we choose.

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Corn rootworm beetle larvae feed on maize root and seed.

As a GMO Pillar Wobbles, Biotech Companies Promise New Insect-Killing Genes

4:59pm September 22, 2016

by Dan Charles

Scientists have discovered a soil microbe with a gene that kills the corn rootworm, an insect that farmers spend $1 billion each year trying to control.

Stanford Biologist Invents Ultra Low Cost Scientific Tools

4:59pm September 22, 2016

NPR's Robert Siegel interviews Manu Prakash, a physical biologist and inventor at Stanford University, about being awarded a MacArthur fellowship this year. He talks about his work using bioengineering, not just for basic research, but to invent ultra low cost scientific tools, such as microscopes kids can use anywhere in the world.

Science

Swedish Scientist Starts DNA Experiments On Healthy Human Embryos

4:33pm September 22, 2016

by Rob Stein

A scientist in Sweden has started experiments on healthy human embryos in which DNA is altered. The aim is to determine the causes of infertility. It's the first known use of so-called "gene-editing" tools on healthy human embryos, and critics say it could potentially lead society down a very dangerous path.

Science

Can An Airline Affect The Direction Of Science?

3:12pm September 22, 2016

by Shankar Vedantam

Research collaborations often involve scientists from all over the world. A new study looks at plane ticket prices, and how they relate to the direction of science.

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Rebecca Richards-Kortum is a "genius grant" winner with a very busy schedule. The engineering professor, who encourages students to come up with medical devices that will be valuable in the developing world, is the mother of six and a marathon runner.

Science

'Genius Grant' Winner Is A Genius At Inspiring Students

11:52am September 22, 2016

by Jason Beaubien

Engineering professor Rebecca Richards-Kortum wins a MacArthur Fellowship for inspiring her students to invent medical devices for the developing world.

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Easy and precise editing of DNA is making possible experiments with human embryos that raise a host of ethical questions.

Breaking Taboo, Swedish Scientist Seeks To Edit DNA Of Healthy Human Embryos

9:58am September 22, 2016

by Rob Stein

A Swedish biologist wants to change the genes of healthy human embryos to find ways to treat infertility and other diseases. The experiments intensify ethical questions about genetic engineering.

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All that holiday grubbing really does pack on the pounds. How much? Researchers tracked the weights of 3,000 people in Germany, Japan and the U.S. and found a weight spike after every major holiday.

We Really Do Get A Little More Santa-Like, Physically, During The Holidays

5:12pm September 21, 2016

by Angus Chen

All that holiday grubbing does indeed pack on the pounds. How much? Researchers tracked the weights of 3,000 people in Germany, Japan and the U.S. and found a weight spike after every major holiday.