How An Engineer's Desperate Experiment Created Fracking
The fracking boom in America kicked off almost by accident. An engineer worried about losing his job kept experimenting until he hit on a technique that changed the world.
Science
The Myth Of Coincidences And Why We Search For Their Meaning
NPR's Hidden Brain podcast looks at the math — and the myth — of coincidences. They are not as unlikely as they seem, and the psychological reasons behind why we can't help but search for meaning in them anyway.
It May Not Cost You More To Drive Home In A Climate-Friendly Car
It has been a common belief that low-emissions vehicles, like hybrids and electric cars, are more expensive than other choices. But researchers at MIT have found otherwise.
Research Explains The Bias Behind Slow-Motion Video Replay
When we see someone perform an action in a slow-motion replay, we tend to believe the action had more intentionality behind it. This has implications in sports and in the criminal justice system.
Live Fact Check: Trump And Clinton Debate For The First Time
NPR reporters and editors are live annotating Monday night's debate. Read the latest fact check, analysis and context here.
NASA Spots What May Be Plumes Of Water On Jupiter's Moon Europa
If jets of water vapor are indeed erupting from Europa, a spacecraft could potentially fly through them and analyze their chemistry. The moon is believed to have a vast subterranean, saltwater ocean.
China Completes Largest Radio Telescope In The World
China says the 500-hundred meter telescope detected a radio signal originating 1,351 light-years from Earth. One of its uses is scanning for signs of intelligent extraterrestrial life.
What's Your Sign? Look Again, Says NASA
If you rely on an insight from your daily horoscopes, you may have been looking at the wrong sign this whole time.
Glassblowing Program Trains Students To Craft Tools For Science
There is only one school in the U.S. where glassblowers can graduate with a degree in making lab equipment. Students learn how to make customized glassware used in cutting-edge scientific experiments.
Legalizing Marijuana: It Changes Policing, But May Leave Racial Disparities
California is among five states this year where marijuana legalization is on the ballot. But there's concern about if legalizing it will reduce the number of marijuana arrests among African-Americans.