Athletes Go For Gold With Red Spots Blazing
There's scant science to support the ancient Eastern therapy of cupping. But that hasn't stopped Olympians from trying it to ease pain and speed recovery.
Science
Trading Cards: The Who's Who Of #NPRWormWeek
There are hundreds of thousands of species of worms wriggling around the world. We made trading cards about six of them.
When Pregnant Women Need Medicine, They Encounter A Void
Women encounter a dilemma when they get pregnant: Should they continue taking medications that keep them healthy? That question can be scary, because drugs are rarely tested for safety in pregnancy.
The Chimera Quandary: Is It Ethical To Create Hybrid Embryos?
The National Institutes of Health proposed lifting its moratorium on funding for research on part-animal, part-human embryos — which raises a huge dilemma, says bioethicist Insoo Hyun.
Saving The Tricolored Blackbird
The tricolored blackbird population in California has declined to a point that it's a candidate for the California Endangered Species List. But efforts are underway to keep the bird from disappearing.
Trans And Adopted: Exploring Teen Identity
A Boston health clinic that treats transgender kids and teens finds that the percentage of its young patients who are adopted is higher than expected. These kids might need extra support, doctors say.
Cockroach Milk: Yes. You Read That Right
Turns out, cockroach milk is among the most nutritious substances on Earth. But it may still be a while before you can scurry to health stores for roach-milk protein shakes.
The App That Aims To Gamify Biology Has Amateurs Discovering New Species
Not everyone outside staring into their phones is searching for Pokémon — some people are looking for actual wildlife. The app iNaturalist is bringing together urban biologists and curious citizens.
For Vets, Caring For Sick Pets And Grieving Owners Takes A Toll
Veterinarians have high rates of stress and suicide, so vet schools are trying to give them tools to deal with challenging tasks such as euthanasia — and with comforting with grieving pet owners.
The Mystery Of Why Sunflowers Turn To Follow The Sun — Solved
Scientists have answered a burning question central to the charm of sunflowers: Why do young flowers move their blooms to always face the sun over the course of a day?