Science

Stephen Hawking discusses the "Breakthrough Starshot" space exploration initiative during a news conference Tuesday at One World Observatory in New York City.

Science

Stephen Hawking's Plan For Interstellar Travel Has Some Earthly Obstacles

4:26pm April 14, 2016

by Geoff Brumfiel

The theoretical physicist is part of a team that wants to send postage-stamp-size probes to our closest star system, Alpha Centauri. But can they get the proper permits?

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Chicago's North Broadway Street has been undergoing water main upgrades in the past few weeks, with more work scheduled this year. The upgrades are part of the city's 10-year plan to replace 900 miles of water pipes.

Chicago's Upgrades To Aging Water Lines May Disturb Lead Pipes

9:22am April 14, 2016

by Cheryl Corley

The city's 10-year plan to replace 900 miles of old pipes has been met with praise and criticism — and a lawsuit from residents who say the pipe work has raised lead levels in their drinking water.

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Ian Burkhart prepares for a training session in Columbus, Ohio. To move muscles in Burkhart's hand, the system relies on electrodes implanted in his brain, a computer interface attached to his skull, and electrical stimulators wrapped around his forearm.

Technology Helps A Paralyzed Man Transform Thought Into Movement

8:40pm April 13, 2016

by Jon Hamilton

An implant and wires that reroute nerve signals from a man's brain to his hand allow him to grasp and lift objects, after much practice. But easy, wireless signaling from the brain is still the goal.

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At the Iowa State University Beef Nutrition Farm, the cattle eat carefully formulated rations. Researchers there are trying to test new types of animal feed.

Taking Cues From Human Nutrition To Reduce Antibiotic Use In Livestock

7:38pm April 13, 2016

by Amy Mayer

Researchers are trying to figure out whether probiotics — the stuff we like to eat in yogurt to keep our guts healthy — could also help pigs, cows and chickens thrive.

Angelica Pereira feeds her daughter Luiza, who was born with microcephaly, at her mother's house in Santa Cruz do Capibaribe, Brazil.

Zika Virus Can Cause Brain Defects In Babies, CDC Confirms

6:28pm April 13, 2016

by Rae Ellen Bichell

U.S. health officials say they are now convinced that Zika virus can target the developing brain before birth, leading to a severe type of microcephaly and other brain abnormalities.

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AccuWeather Launches '90-Day Forecast' To Help You Plan Ahead

5:48pm April 13, 2016

AccuWeather launched its "90-Day Forecast" this week, which the company describes as a "valuable tool for planning further in advance," including activities like vacations, weddings, baseball games, outdoor concerts and more. NPR's Robert Siegel talks with AccuWeather Founder and President Joel Myers.

Young Scientists Feature Projects At 2016 White House Science Fair

4:51pm April 13, 2016

NPR's Robert Siegel talks with two students whose science projects were featured at the 2016 White House Science Fair.

Jeff Hebert, who is leading New Orleans' efforts to adapt to rising sea levels, stands at the site of the future Mirabeau Water Garden, a federally funded project designed to absorb water in residential Gentilly.

Adapting To A More Extreme Climate, Coastal Cities Get Creative

4:12pm April 13, 2016

In preparation for sea level rise, vulnerable cities are building infrastructure to protect themselves. But as a look at New Orleans and Philadelphia shows, the strategies are unique to each city.

That out-of-body experience is happening in your brain.

How LSD Makes Your Brain One With The Universe

12:14pm April 13, 2016

by Angus Chen

Researchers are starting to look at the therapeutic possibilities of psychedelic drugs. A sensation that the self is merging with the world could be due to changes in brain connections, a study says.

Columbia University astronomer David Kipping is extending the search for other planets — and their moons — to the extreme range of our detection abilities.

Hot On The Trail Of Alien Moons

8:55am April 13, 2016

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Astronomers have found about 2,000 planets beyond our solar system. Now, some scientists are expanding the search to look for distant moons, too, in the hunt for signs of life.

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