Companies say they're closing in on nuclear fusion as an energy source. Will it work?
For decades, government scientists have toiled away trying to make nuclear fusion work. Will commercial companies sprint to the finish?
Science
The unsung heroes fighting against climate change? Fish in the 'twilight zone'
Fish are responsible for capturing billions of tons of carbon dioxide each year. NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with Ken Buesseler of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute about how they do it.
Feeling alone? 5 tips to create connection and combat loneliness
We all feel lonely at some point, but long-term social isolation can damage our mental and physical health. A new book called Project UnLonely shows how creative expression can foster friendships.
Wolves are returning to Colorado. But is it too crowded for them to thrive?
Colorado's booming urban population flipped the state from red to blue, allowing a referendum on reintroducing wolves to pass. But that growing population now may be too big for them to thrive.
This week in science: Cellular 'robots,' sleeping penguins and a rediscovered echidna
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Regina Barber and Aaron Scott of Short Wave about building cellular 'robots,' the bizarre sleeping habits of chinstrap penguins, and a lost echidna found again.
Holy Mole-y: A sniffer dog helps rediscover a rare mole
The De Winton's golden mole was last spotted in 1936. But with the help of a mole-sniffing dog and new environmental DNA analysis, researchers are taking it off the most wanted lost species list.
People likely aren't adapted to care for newborn babies alone, new study suggests
Allo parenting, in which non-biologic parents serve as a child's caregiver, is common in many parts of the world. Mothers have help provided by several others, including neighbors and older siblings.
Climate funding is in short supply. So some want to rework the financial system
Efforts to boost climate financing have moved beyond national pledges. Now the focus is on overhauling organizations like the World Bank and providing countries debt relief.
Why are sales so hard to resist? Let's unravel this Black Friday mystery
The human brain has to really fight the lure of a discount. Companies know this and use many tricks to push our buttons. But there's a way to outsmart them.
Salty much? These brain cells decide when tasty becomes blech
Scientists say two separate brain circuits control how much salt we consume.