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Science

Friday

Research News

Bacteria Assists in Formation of Ice and Snow

Chances are, that pile of snow in your yard contains bacteria — but not because it's dirty. New work in the journal Science suggests that bacteria may have played an important role in forming those snow crystals. Researchers explain the connection between microbiology and meteorology.

Bacteria Assists in Formation of Ice and Snow

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Constructing Life Creates Questions of Ethics

Scientists are getting closer to creating artificial life in the lab. But is society ready for custom-made organisms? Synthetic biology has the potential to dramatically change fields from agriculture to medicine to zoology. But what protections need to be in place as research proceeds?

Constructing Life Creates Questions of Ethics

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Animal Research: A Discussion of Ethics

One of the most contentious topics in medical research is the issue of experimentation on animals. How well do animal models predict what might happen in humans? What alternatives to animal testing exist, and how well do they work?

Animal Research: A Discussion of Ethics

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Diversions

Why Do We Have Leap Years?

The actual time between two yearly solar events works out to be 365.2422 days — resulting in almost one full extra day every four years. The federal government's chief of time and frequency explains the finer points of telling time.

Why Do We Have Leap Years?

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Environment

Vigilante Safeguards Oaxaca's Sea Turtles

All turtle species living off of Mexico's coasts are listed as endangered, but their plight is improving, thanks in part to the efforts of a local veterinarian. He keeps poachers at bay by moving eggs from their original nest to his guarded turtle camp.

Vigilante Safeguards Oaxaca's Sea Turtles

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Medical Procedure Designed for Jehovah's Witnesses

One of the most e-mailed stories at NPR.org this week is a profile of Dr. Michael Lill, who developed a way for Jehovah's Witnesses to receive bone marrow transplants without the blood transfusions their faith prohibits.

Medical Procedure Designed for Jehovah's Witnesses

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Research News

Researchers Unlock Secret of How Bats Fly

Scientists who study bats have never understood exactly how these winged mammals can stop and hover in mid-air without falling to the ground. Now they have their answer, according to a study in the journal, Science.

Researchers Unlock Secret of How Bats Fly

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Thursday

America's Shifting Ground

A Donkey's Tale: When Urban Sprawl Encroaches

Sweet Water Red Gambler was forced out of Golden Valley. The donkey's crime? Nocturnal braying that kept a neighbor up. Now, anyone who wants to move into this suburb near Reno is warned in advance about the smells and sounds of its chickens, goats and horses. Residents hope the disclosure will help protect their rural lifestyle.

A Donkey's Tale: When Urban Sprawl Encroaches

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Migraine Treatment, Prevention in Black Women

According to a recent study, African Americans tend to report higher levels of headache pain but are less likely to get treatment. TNT sportscaster Pam Oliver is an advocate for women suffering from migraine headaches. She talks with Farai Chideya about what causes painful headaches and what can be done to help.

Migraine Treatment, Prevention in Black Women

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Tuesday

Books

Memoirs of Meth Addiction from a Father and a Son

Fresh Air

Drug addiction doesn't just affect the addict, it changes the whole family. Journalist David Sheff and his son Nic join Fresh Air to talk about Nic's addiction to methamphetamine and the separate memoirs they've written about the experience.

Memoirs of Meth Addiction from a Father and a Son

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Hair Samples Used to Trace Movement

Scientists have developed a new tool for tracking a person's movements — hair analysis. Researchers have discovered the link between drinking water, which varies from one region to another, and human hair, which acts as a geographic marker.

Hair Samples Used to Trace Movement

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Monday

Food

Taking the Pain Out of Cooking with Onions

Cooks who love onions but hate what the vegetables can do to their eyes may soon find relief, thanks to a group of scientists in New Zealand. The team says it has genetically altered an onion so it's missing an enzyme that's essential for an onion's pungent punch.

Taking the Pain Out of Cooking with Onions

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Research News

Therapists Look to Wii Games for Rehab Benefits

A game system popular with teens is finding its way into rehabilitation centers. The Nintendo Wii, controlled by users' movements, is being used to help patients recovering from stroke or closed-head injuries. Therapists say the games can ease the sometimes unpleasant task of rehab.

Therapists Look to Wii Games for Rehab Benefits

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Disease Sends Bison to Slaughterhouse

This winter 175 buffalo in Yellowstone Park were sent to slaughter to prevent the spread of a disease called brucellosis to cattle. Angus Thermer Jr. with the Jackson Hole News and Guide has more.

Disease Sends Bison to Slaughterhouse

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