Where Does Consciousness Come From?
Philosopher John Searle argues that consciousness is what makes us human. He makes the case for studying consciousness and accepting it as a biological phenomenon.
Science
Zika Epidemic May Have Peaked But Will Threaten U.S. For Years
Scientists have evidence that the epidemic in Latin America may have started to subside. But the U.S. isn't out of the woods yet.
Study Explores Links Between Politics And Racial Bias
A new study looks at the link between racial bias and the Tea Party. Researchers found that people who looked at images of Barack Obama that were edited to make his skin look darker were more likely to express support for the Tea Party.
A Marine Ecologist On Swimming With Sharks And What 'Jaws' Got Wrong
Neil Hammerschlag has looked inside the mouth of a wild tiger shark and lived to tell the tale. He says that sharks pose only a very small risk to people: "Humans are not on the shark's menu."
Early Bedtime For Preschoolers Might Help Reduce Obesity Risk Later
Little kids who hit the sack early may be less likely to get overtired and fussy in a way that messes with their sleep cycle, researchers say.
A Mouse Watches Film Noir And Offers Clues To Human Consciousness
Researchers in Seattle have created a public observatory for studying the visual circuitry in a mouse's brain. Among the attractions: watching 18,000 neurons respond to Orson Welles' Touch of Evil.
Thirsty? New Study Links Good Hydration To Slimmer Waistlines
A new study finds people who are well-hydrated have lower body weights and lower odds of obesity. It adds evidence to the theory that drinking lots of water may help in weight management.
Red Tape Leaves Some Low-Income Toddlers Without Health Insurance
Despite government policies designed to encourage health coverage for these children, many families are thwarted by confusing rules and regulations, advocacy groups say.
Not In My Landfill: Georgia Residents Fight Plan To Store Toxic Coal Ash
In 2014, after disastrous spills and opposition from environmentalists, the Environmental Protection Agency imposed new rules on the storage of coal ash. Now utilities are planning to close down the ponds that hold the toxic ash, but it has to go somewhere. Environmentalists say the safest place for it is in securely lined landfills, such as the municipal landfill in Wayne County, Ga. Locals are fighting the plan, but there's not much they can do.
Overworked Americans Aren't Taking The Vacation They've Earned
And they're not unplugging from email and text messages when they do get away, an NPR poll finds. "So they're taking their stress along with them wherever they go," says a Harvard scientist.