Science

President Obama met with China's president, Xi Jinping, at an event linked to the international climate conference held late last year outside Paris.

Can The U.S. And China Keep Their Climate Pledges?

6:39pm April 21, 2016

by Christopher Joyce

The two nations topping the world in greenhouse gas emissions agreed at the Paris talks to cut way back. But critics have stalled a key part of the U.S. plan, and China's good start may be fragile.

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The Solar Impulse 2 airplane, piloted by Bertrand Piccard, gains altitude after taking off from Kalaeloa Airport in Kapolei, Hawaii during a test and training flight in April.

Experimental Solar-Powered Plane Takes Flight After 9-Month Delay

1:13pm April 21, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

Solar Impulse 2 is attempting to circumnavigate the world using only the sun's power. It has been grounded in Hawaii for maintenance and is now on a three day journey heading to California.

People in Boston enjoyed a late winter heat wave this past March. In much of the U.S., climate change is causing winters to warm faster than summers.

Climate Change? Some People May Not Be Sweating It Because The Weather Is Nicer

4:17pm April 20, 2016

by Christopher Joyce

Researchers say climate change has made weather more pleasant in many parts of the U.S. Winters have been milder, and summers haven't become much hotter. But that's likely to change in coming years.

The Clinical Center on the campus of the National Institutes of Health, in Bethesda, Md., is an internationally renowned hospital where patients are also research subjects.

NIH Halts Some Research Amid Concerns Over Contamination And Safety

6:54pm April 19, 2016

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

The National Institutes of Health shut down some clinical trials and two production facilities over concerns that safety rules haven't been followed, but it says no patients appear to have been hurt.

Is Crowdfunding An OK Way To Raise Money For Zika Research?

4:54pm April 19, 2016

by Wudan Yan

The Zika Virus Challenge has posted researchers' projects and is asking for pledges. Should the reaction be skepticism — or enthusiasm?

Your Invisible Neighbors: Each City Has Unique Microbes

1:07pm April 19, 2016

by Katherine Du

Scientists measured the microbes that are in the indoor spaces where we spend most of our time. Each city had a unique microbiome, with many outdoor microbes making their way indoors to live with us.

Many glaciers are melting in Alaska. Scientists believe climate change is at work.

Why Our Brains Weren't Made To Deal With Climate Change

10:47am April 19, 2016

by NPR Staff

Human beings would be better at fighting climate change if we weren't so, well, human. In this episode, we explore the psychological barriers to addressing climate change.

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"Boaty McBoatface" likely will not be emblazoned on the side of the U.K.'s polar research vessel.

U.K. Science Minister Torpedoes 'Boaty McBoatface' As Ship Name

10:45am April 19, 2016

by Laura Wagner

When Britain's Natural Environment Research Council launched a poll to help name a new research ship, one suggestion caught on: Boaty McBoatface. But Science Minister Jo Johnson says it's unsuitable.

Science

Ethiopian Monkey Study Offers Clues Into How Human Speech Evolved

4:59pm April 18, 2016

by Gregory Warner

A new study of the speech patterns of gelada monkeys in the Ethiopian Highlands suggests that linguistically humans aren't as unique as we think. So why has it taken us thousands of years to realize that? NPR has the story of how we listen to noises we don't understand.

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With The 'Eco Bin,' Student Scientists Aim Big In Fight Against Waste

4:52am April 18, 2016

Kids from across the U.S. gathered at the White House last week to present their scientific findings to President Obama. Some Missouri Girl Scouts explain their project to tackle Styrofoam waste.

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