Sunday, September 30, 2018

NPR News: Perspective: A Heart Device Can Save Lives, But Doctors Need To Explain The Downsides

Perspective: A Heart Device Can Save Lives, But Doctors Need To Explain The Downsides
A mechanical pump can be life-saving for heart failure patients or it can cause dangerous complications. Doctors can do a better job at explaining the reasons some patients may want to opt out.

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NPR News: Holly Ridings On Breaking A Glass Ceiling At NASA

Holly Ridings On Breaking A Glass Ceiling At NASA
Holly Ridings, NASA's first-ever female chief flight director, weighs in on being a woman in the field with NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro.

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NPR News: The Flight Of The Condors, And Their Audience

The Flight Of The Condors, And Their Audience
Hundreds of condor groupies flocked to a spot on the Utah-Arizona border to witness the annual release of young condors into the wild.

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Saturday, September 29, 2018

NPR News: EPA To Dissolve Office Of Science Advisor

EPA To Dissolve Office Of Science Advisor
As part of a broader reorganization, the EPA will eliminate the science advisor role created to counsel acting EPA Administrator, Andrew Wheeler. Critics fear the move is a further demotion of scientific research.

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NPR News: EPA To Dissolve Office Of Science Advisor

EPA To Dissolve Office Of Science Advisor
As part of a broader reorganization, the EPA will eliminate the science advisor role created to counsel acting EPA Administrator, Andrew Wheeler. Critics fear the move is a further demotion of scientific research.

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NPR News: Earthquake Devastates Indonesian Island

Earthquake Devastates Indonesian Island
A massive earthquake and tsunami struck the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, killing hundreds of people. Yenni Suryani of the Catholic Relief Services updates NPR's Michel Martin on rescue efforts.

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NPR News: Boys And Masculinity In America

Boys And Masculinity In America
NPR's Scott Simon talks with author and psychologist Michael Thompson about masculinity and boys' emotions after emotional hearings this week.

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NPR News: 'Extremely Rare' 2-Headed Snake Stuns Social Media, Charms Scientists

'Extremely Rare' 2-Headed Snake Stuns Social Media, Charms Scientists
A Virginia state herpetologist says finding the mutated copperhead in a resident's yard earlier this month is an "extraordinarily rare" occurrence. Even more stunning, he says, is that it's alive.

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Friday, September 28, 2018

NPR News: Facebook Says Hackers Accessed Information Of 50 Million Users In Latest Data Breach

Facebook Says Hackers Accessed Information Of 50 Million Users In Latest Data Breach
Facebook announced a new data breach on Friday. Hackers accessed the information of 50 million Facebook users, as Facebook remains under pressure for misuse of users' personal data.

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NPR News: How Trauma Affects Memory: Scientists Weigh In On The Kavanaugh Hearing

How Trauma Affects Memory: Scientists Weigh In On The Kavanaugh Hearing
In Thursday's testimony, Christine Blasey Ford said that she was 100 percent certain that Judge Kavanaugh assaulted her in 1982. How can she be sure? What does science say about memory and trauma?

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NASA to Air Administrator’s Message Marking Agency 60th Anniversary

NASA will air a recorded message from Administrator Jim Bridenstine at 1 p.m. EDT Monday, Oct. 1 to commemorate the agency’s founding 60 years ago. The message will be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.

September 28, 2018
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NPR News: Why Did An Octopus-Wielding Sea Lion Slap A Kayaker In The Face?

Why Did An Octopus-Wielding Sea Lion Slap A Kayaker In The Face?
A sea lion in a viral video was probably just messing around with its food. Researchers say sea lions don't care enough about humans to want to slap one of us with an octopus.

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NPR News: Facebook Says Security Breach Affected Almost 50 Million Accounts

Facebook Says Security Breach Affected Almost 50 Million Accounts
An investigation into what happened is "still in its early stages," but Facebook says the security vulnerability has been fixed and that law enforcement has been notified.

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‘Year of Education on Station’ Wraps up with Live Earth-to-Space Call Between Students, NASA Astronaut in Orbit

NASA is celebrating the conclusion of its Year of Education on Station (YES) initiative with a final educational Earth-to-space call, allowing students and others to speak to an astronaut living and working aboard the International Space Station.

September 28, 2018
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NPR News: Vishaan Chakrabarti: How Can We Design More Welcoming Cities?

Vishaan Chakrabarti: How Can We Design More Welcoming Cities?
Architect Vishaan Chakrabarti says many modern cities feel cold, austere, and anonymous. He advocates for designing more vibrant and inclusive cities that are reminiscent of the scale of older cities.

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NPR News: SEC Sues Elon Musk Over Tesla Tweets

SEC Sues Elon Musk Over Tesla Tweets
The Securities and Exchange Commission is suing Elon Musk over statements he made on Twitter about taking Tesla private.

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NPR News: The Effects Of Sexual Assault On The Brain

The Effects Of Sexual Assault On The Brain
NPR's Rachel Martin talks with Jim Hopper, a teaching associate at Harvard Medical School, about sexual assault and its effects on the brain.

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NPR News: Memory And Trauma

Memory And Trauma
Thursday's testimony put a spotlight on trauma and memory. NPR's Rachel Martin talks to Tracey Shors, a professor of neuroscience and psychology, who focuses on stress, sexual trauma and memory.

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Thursday, September 27, 2018

NPR News: "Enjoy 'Standing' On The Surface Of This Asteroid!" Via New Video

"Enjoy 'Standing' On The Surface Of This Asteroid!" Via New Video
Two Japanese rovers touring an asteroid have sent photos and a video back home, which were published by the Japanese space agency Thursday.

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NPR News: "Enjoy 'Standing' On The Surface Of This Asteroid!" Via New Video

"Enjoy 'Standing' On The Surface Of This Asteroid!" Via New Video
Two Japanese rovers touring an asteroid have sent photos and a video back home, which were published by the Japanese space agency Thursday.

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NPR News: NASA Hosts Conference All About Looking For Signs Of Civilization Beyond Earth

NASA Hosts Conference All About Looking For Signs Of Civilization Beyond Earth
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with astrophysicist Adam Frank, who is attending a NASA conference in Houston that's exploring how to discover intelligent life beyond earth.

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NASA Awards Contract for Archive Center Operations

NASA has awarded a contract to the University of Alaska at Fairbanks for the continued development and operation of the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) for NASA’s Earth Observing System Data and Information System.

September 27, 2018
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NASA Awards Contract for Custodial Services

NASA has awarded a contract to Brevard Achievement Center, Inc., of Rockledge, Florida, for custodial services at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

September 27, 2018
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NPR News: SEC Sues Tesla CEO Elon Musk

SEC Sues Tesla CEO Elon Musk
"Musk's false and misleading public statements and omissions caused significant confusion and disruption in the market for Tesla's stock and resulting harm to investors," the lawsuit says.

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NPR News: SEC Sues Tesla and CEO Elon Musk

SEC Sues Tesla and CEO Elon Musk
"Musk's false and misleading public statements and omissions caused significant confusion and disruption in the market for Tesla's stock and resulting harm to investors," the lawsuit says.

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NPR News: Fire Ecologists Say More Fires Should Be Left To Burn. So Why Aren't They?

Fire Ecologists Say More Fires Should Be Left To Burn. So Why Aren't They?
Fire ecologists are urging forest managers to allow more wildfires to burn on the landscape to help thin overgrown forests. Many challenges stand in the way.

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NPR News: Fire Ecologists Say More Fires Should Be Left To Burn. So Why Aren't They?

Fire Ecologists Say More Fires Should Be Left To Burn. So Why Aren't They?
Fire ecologists are urging forest managers to allow more wildfires to burn on the landscape to help thin overgrown forests. Many challenges stand in the way.

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NASA Awards Contract for Climate Pathfinder Mission Instrument

NASA has awarded a contract to the University of Colorado Boulder’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) for development of a reflected solar spectrometer for the agency’s Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) Pathfinder mission.

September 27, 2018
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NPR News: A Drifting Weedkiller Puts Prized Trees At Risk

A Drifting Weedkiller Puts Prized Trees At Risk
The EPA is deciding whether to let farmers keep using an herbicide called dicamba. The chemical is controversial because it can damage nearby crops. What's less well-known: It's hurting wildlife, too.

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NPR News: A Drifting Weedkiller Puts Prized Trees At Risk

A Drifting Weedkiller Puts Prized Trees At Risk
The EPA is deciding whether to let farmers keep using an herbicide called dicamba. The chemical is controversial because it can damage nearby crops. What's less well-known: It's hurting wildlife, too.

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NPR News: Apples Or Fries With That? When It Comes To Kids Meals, Fries Are Hard To Beat

Apples Or Fries With That? When It Comes To Kids Meals, Fries Are Hard To Beat
Even though many fast food chain restaurants are offering healthier sides, a new report says parents choose them only about half the time, and restaurants aren't consistent in how they offer them.

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NPR News: Bones Reveal The Brontosaurus Had An Older, Massive Cousin In South Africa

Bones Reveal The Brontosaurus Had An Older, Massive Cousin In South Africa
The scientists think when this new dinosaur was alive, it was the largest creature ever to have walked the Earth. And unlike the lumbering creatures that came later, it could pop up on its hind legs.

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NPR News: Bones Reveal The Brontosaurus Had An Older, Massive Cousin In South Africa

Bones Reveal The Brontosaurus Had An Older, Massive Cousin In South Africa
The scientists think when this new dinosaur was alive, it was the largest creature ever to have walked the Earth. And unlike the lumbering creatures that came later, it could pop up on its hind legs.

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NPR News: Europe's Copyright Reforms Are More Than (Just) A Boring Policy Change

Europe's Copyright Reforms Are More Than (Just) A Boring Policy Change
Two weeks ago, the European Commission approved new rules that will change how tech companies are required to deal with copyright infringement on their platforms. Unsurprisingly, it was controversial.

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NPR News: Netherlands Proposes Legislation To Ban Use Of Phones On Bicycles

Netherlands Proposes Legislation To Ban Use Of Phones On Bicycles
Dutch Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen has proposed amending traffic laws to forbid bicyclists from holding a "mobile electronic device" while on the road.

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NASA TV to Air Live Coverage of International Space Station Crew Landing

Three of the astronauts aboard the International Space Station, including two NASA astronauts, are scheduled to return to Earth on Thursday, Oct. 4.

September 27, 2018
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NPR News: Uber Pays $148 million Over Year-Long Cover-Up Of Data Breach

Uber Pays $148 million Over Year-Long Cover-Up Of Data Breach
Instead of reporting the hacking intrusion as required, Uber paid the hackers $100,000 after learning of the breach in late 2016.

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NPR News: VA Adding Opioid Antidote To Defibrillator Cabinets For Quicker Overdose Response

VA Adding Opioid Antidote To Defibrillator Cabinets For Quicker Overdose Response
The overdose antidote naloxone could soon be available in more public places. The Veterans Administration is adding it to its automated defibrillator cabinets. Other institutions are following suit.

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NPR News: World Leaders Pledge To Eradicate Tuberculosis

World Leaders Pledge To Eradicate Tuberculosis
For the first time, the U.N. General Assembly is holding a high-level meeting focused on tuberculosis — which is now the most deadly infectious disease. The hope is to end the epidemic by 2030.

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Wednesday, September 26, 2018

NPR News: Beluga Charms British With Impromptu Visit

Beluga Charms British With Impromptu Visit
People lined the River Thames east of London on Wednesday trying to catch a glimpse of a beluga whale swimming far out of its normal range.

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NPR News: Beluga Charms British With Impromptu Visit

Beluga Charms British With Impromptu Visit
People lined the River Thames east of London on Wednesday trying to catch a glimpse of a beluga whale swimming far out of its normal range.

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NPR News: Health And Human Services Says It's Reviewing Use Of Fetal Tissue For Research

Health And Human Services Says It's Reviewing Use Of Fetal Tissue For Research
The audit has been called a political gesture to placate anti-abortion groups that oppose use of the tissue. Fetal tissue has played a part in developing vaccines and medical treatments.

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NPR News: Food Regulation: "Only The Brave Dare Eat The Fare"

Food Regulation: "Only The Brave Dare Eat The Fare"
Thanks to a group of men known as the Poison Squad, our food is a lot safer than it was a century ago. But how safe is it, really?

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NPR News: Health And Human Services Says It's Reviewing Use Of Fetal Tissue For Research

Health And Human Services Says It's Reviewing Use Of Fetal Tissue For Research
The audit has been called a political gesture to placate anti-abortion groups that oppose use of the tissue. Fetal tissue has played a part in developing vaccines and medical treatments.

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NPR News: Cornell Food Researcher's Downfall Raises Larger Questions For Science

Cornell Food Researcher's Downfall Raises Larger Questions For Science
Brian Wansink made a name for himself producing pithy, palatable studies that connected people's eating habits with cues from their environment. His data manipulation now serves as a cautionary tale.

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NPR News: Fuel Efficiency And Smog In Arizona

Fuel Efficiency And Smog In Arizona
The EPA is holding hearings on a proposal to relax fuel efficiency standards. Arizona has come out in opposition — the state has a bad smog problem and was counting on the fuel rules to help fix it.

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NPR News: Fuel Efficiency And Smog In Arizona

Fuel Efficiency And Smog In Arizona
The EPA is holding hearings on a proposal to relax fuel efficiency standards. Arizona has come out in opposition — the state has a bad smog problem and was counting on the fuel rules to help fix it.

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Tuesday, September 25, 2018

NPR News: Study: Roundup Weed Killer Could Be Linked To Widespread Bee Deaths

Study: Roundup Weed Killer Could Be Linked To Widespread Bee Deaths
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin posit that glyphosate destroys specialized gut bacteria in bees, leaving them more susceptible to infection and death from harmful bacteria.

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NPR News: Study: Roundup Weed Killer Could Be Linked To Widespread Bee Deaths

Study: Roundup Weed Killer Could Be Linked To Widespread Bee Deaths
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin posit that glyphosate destroys specialized gut bacteria in bees, leaving them more susceptible to infection and death from harmful bacteria.

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NPR News: Tracking Down Fake Videos

Tracking Down Fake Videos
The Defense Department is working with outside experts on detection and prevention efforts for fake videos. NPR's Audie Cornish speaks with Dartmouth College computer science professor Hany Farid.

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NASA Administrator Talks Training, Future Missions with Newest Astronaut Class

NASA’s newest class of astronaut trainees will join agency Administrator Jim Bridenstine Thursday, Sept. 27, to talk about their experiences in the training program, hopes for future missions, and more, in a live episode of Watch This Space.

September 25, 2018
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NASA Extends Chandra Operations, Science Support Contract

NASA has awarded a contract extension to the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to continue operations and science support for the agency's Chandra X-ray Observatory.

September 25, 2018
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NPR News: Archaeologists Discover 'Huge' Ancient Building In Egypt

Archaeologists Discover 'Huge' Ancient Building In Egypt
Experts say the ruins are part of a residential community in what was the ancient capital city of Memphis. They also found a Roman bath and an ornate basin perhaps used for religious rituals.

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New Airborne Campaigns to Explore Snowstorms, River Deltas, Climate

Five new NASA Earth science campaigns will take to the field starting in 2020 to investigate a range of pressing research questions, from what drives intense East Coast snowfall events to the impact of small-scale ocean currents on global climate.

September 25, 2018
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NPR News: Attorneys General Zoom In On Tech Privacy And Power

Attorneys General Zoom In On Tech Privacy And Power
A meeting with the Justice Department was originally pitched to focus on allegations of social media's anti-conservative bias. But the conversation was broadened, raising the stakes for tech giants.

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NPR News: It's Rice Vs. Seaweed Vs. Solar ATMs For A $1 Million Prize

It's Rice Vs. Seaweed Vs. Solar ATMs For A $1 Million Prize
The Hult Prize goes to a team of student entrepreneurs with an idea that will make the world a better place. Former President Clinton was on hand to announce the winner.

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NPR News: Building A Better Mosquito Trap — One Scientist Thinks He's Done It

Building A Better Mosquito Trap — One Scientist Thinks He's Done It
A researcher in Australia has invented a low-tech, insecticide-free trap that might be able to reduce bites from a particularly pesky mosquito in some neighborhoods.

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NPR News: Building A Better Mosquito Trap — One Scientist Thinks He's Done It

Building A Better Mosquito Trap — One Scientist Thinks He's Done It
A researcher in Australia has invented a low-tech, insecticide-free trap that might be able to reduce bites from a particularly pesky mosquito in some neighborhoods.

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NPR News: Building A Better Mosquito Trap — One Scientist Thinks He's Done It

Building A Better Mosquito Trap — One Scientist Thinks He's Done It
A researcher in Australia has invented a low-tech, insecticide-free trap that might be able to reduce bites from a particularly pesky mosquito in some neighborhoods.

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NPR News: Instagram Co-Founders To Step Down

Instagram Co-Founders To Step Down
Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger resigned from the popular photo-sharing app company Tuesday, saying they plan to leave in the coming weeks to pursue other projects.

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NPR News: Sessions To Meet With State Attorneys General About Social Media

Sessions To Meet With State Attorneys General About Social Media
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions meets Tuesday with a group of state attorneys general to talk about the power of the tech industry, and allegations of anti-conservative bias on social media.

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NPR News: News Brief: Brett Kavanaugh, Trump At U.N., Attorney General Sessions

News Brief: Brett Kavanaugh, Trump At U.N., Attorney General Sessions
The Supreme Court nominee talks publicly for the first time since misconduct allegations were made against him. Trump addresses the U.N. General Assembly. Sessions talks to state attorneys general.

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NPR News: Space Mining — Learning How To Fuel An Interplanetary Gas Station

Space Mining — Learning How To Fuel An Interplanetary Gas Station
Real space travel will necessitate interplanetary gas stations on the moon, or on asteroids. A Colorado university has launched the first degree program in "space mining."

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NPR News: Airports At Water's Edge Battle Rising Sea Levels

Airports At Water's Edge Battle Rising Sea Levels
Many major airports are on low-lying coastal land where flooding is getting worse. They're building walls, berms and other barriers to try to keep planes and people moving.

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NPR News: Airports At Water's Edge Battle Rising Sea Levels

Airports At Water's Edge Battle Rising Sea Levels
Many major airports are on low-lying coastal land where flooding is getting worse. They're building walls, berms and other barriers to try to keep planes and people moving.

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Monday, September 24, 2018

NPR News: Judge Restores Grizzly Bears' Protections As Endangered Species

Judge Restores Grizzly Bears' Protections As Endangered Species
The ruling blocks planned hunting of grizzlies. Judge Dana Christensen said the federal government didn't use the best available science when it took them off the threatened-species list last year.

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NPR News: Environmentalists Concerned That More Coal Ash Ponds Will Spill Into Rivers

Environmentalists Concerned That More Coal Ash Ponds Will Spill Into Rivers
Environmental groups are closely watching coal ash storage ponds in North and South Carolina as rivers swollen by rain from Hurricane Florence continue to rise.

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NPR News: Environmentalists Concerned That More Coal Ash Ponds Will Spill Into Rivers

Environmentalists Concerned That More Coal Ash Ponds Will Spill Into Rivers
Environmental groups are closely watching coal ash storage ponds in North and South Carolina as rivers swollen by rain from Hurricane Florence continue to rise.

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NPR News: Via Truck And Helicopter, Mountain Goats Find New Home

Via Truck And Helicopter, Mountain Goats Find New Home
The National Park Service is transporting hundreds of wild mountain goats via truck and helicopter from Olympic National Park to the North Cascades in Washington state.

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NPR News: Via Truck And Helicopter, Mountain Goats Find New Home

Via Truck And Helicopter, Mountain Goats Find New Home
The National Park Service is transporting hundreds of wild mountain goats via truck and helicopter from Olympic National Park to the North Cascades in Washington state.

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NPR News: Mosquitoes Genetically Modified To Crash Species That Spreads Malaria

Mosquitoes Genetically Modified To Crash Species That Spreads Malaria
Scientists demonstrate that a "gene drive" can rapidly spread a genetic mutation through a species, perhaps providing a potent new weapon against malaria. But there are plenty of skeptics.

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NPR News: Mosquitoes Genetically Modified To Crash Species That Spreads Malaria

Mosquitoes Genetically Modified To Crash Species That Spreads Malaria
Scientists demonstrate that a "gene drive" can rapidly spread a genetic mutation through a species, perhaps providing a potent new weapon against malaria. But there are plenty of skeptics.

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NPR News: Mosquitoes Genetically Modified To Crash Species That Spreads Malaria

Mosquitoes Genetically Modified To Crash Species That Spreads Malaria
Scientists demonstrate that a "gene drive" can rapidly spread a genetic mutation through a species, perhaps providing a potent new weapon against malaria. But there are plenty of skeptics.

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NPR News: Science Reveals How Fruit Keeps A Lid On Ripening Until The Time Is Right

Science Reveals How Fruit Keeps A Lid On Ripening Until The Time Is Right
Humans have harnessed the ripening power of the plant hormone ethylene for centuries, but a recent discovery of how a plant controls the hormone may lead to more precise human control of ripening.

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NPR News: Science Reveals How Fruit Keeps A Lid On Ripening Until The Time Is Right

Science Reveals How Fruit Keeps A Lid On Ripening Until The Time Is Right
Humans have harnessed the ripening power of the plant hormone ethylene for centuries, but a recent discovery of how a plant controls the hormone may lead to more precise human control of ripening.

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NPR News: SiriusXM To Buy Internet Radio Pioneer Pandora In $3.5 Billion Deal

SiriusXM To Buy Internet Radio Pioneer Pandora In $3.5 Billion Deal
The satellite radio giant would ink the deal taking over Pandora in the first quarter of 2019.

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NPR News: Can't Get Comfortable In Your Chair? Here's What You Can Do

Can't Get Comfortable In Your Chair? Here's What You Can Do
Chair design shifted dramatically about a hundred years ago, and it hasn't been good for our backs. Our daily lives are filled with chairs that make our posture worse. Luckily, we've got hacks.

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Sunday, September 23, 2018

NPR News: Teens Sleeping Too Much, Or Not Enough? Parents Can Help

Teens Sleeping Too Much, Or Not Enough? Parents Can Help
Though teenagers need about nine hours of rest a night, most get only seven and are suffering. A new survey suggests their parents are struggling, too. Here's how to improve the quality of teen sleep.

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NPR News: California Launches New Effort To Fight Election Disinformation

California Launches New Effort To Fight Election Disinformation
The state's new Office of Election Cybersecurity will focus on combating social media campaigns that try to confuse voters or discourage them from not casting ballots.

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NPR News: Teens Sleeping Too Much, Or Not Enough? Parents Can Help

Teens Sleeping Too Much, Or Not Enough? Parents Can Help
Though teenagers need about nine hours of rest a night, most get only seven and are suffering. A new survey suggests their parents are struggling, too. Here's how to improve the quality of teen sleep.

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Saturday, September 22, 2018

NPR News: Philippines' Super Typhoon Aftermath

Philippines' Super Typhoon Aftermath
Residents of the Philippines say things aren't as bad as once feared, after being hit by a super typhoon.

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NPR News: North Carolina Flooding

North Carolina Flooding
For some residents of North Carolina, severe flooding from Hurricane Florence came while they were still trying to recover from Hurricane Matthew, which struck in 2016.

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NPR News: Bolstering Security Ahead Of Midterm Elections

Bolstering Security Ahead Of Midterm Elections
Around the country, local election officials are urgently preparing for Nov. 6 by upgrading their systems and improving security.

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NPR News: How The Myers-Briggs Personality Test Began In A Mother's Living Room Lab

How The Myers-Briggs Personality Test Began In A Mother's Living Room Lab
"The language of type can be immensely clarifying," says author Merve Emre. In The Personality Brokers she describes how a mother-daughter duo started a multi-million dollar "people sorting" industry.

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NPR News: Study: Since The 1970s, Drug Overdoses Have Grown Exponentially

Study: Since The 1970s, Drug Overdoses Have Grown Exponentially
The research suggests that the ongoing opioid crisis may be part of a larger epidemic going back decades. The study also shows more users take multiple drugs — many of which are more potent.

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NPR News: As West Grows, Water Use Declines Thanks To Better Toilets

As West Grows, Water Use Declines Thanks To Better Toilets
Despite the growth of population in the western U.S., water use in cities such as Denver, Las Vegas, San Diego and Phoenix is going down. The reason? High-tech, low-flow toilets.

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NPR News: Study: Since The 1970s, Drug Overdoses Have Grown Exponentially

Study: Since The 1970s, Drug Overdoses Have Grown Exponentially
The research suggests that the ongoing opioid crisis may be part of a larger epidemic going back decades. The study also shows more users take multiple drugs — many of which are more potent.

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NPR News: Hurricane's Aftermath Floods Hog Lagoons In North Carolina

Hurricane's Aftermath Floods Hog Lagoons In North Carolina
Hog lagoons have overflowed in the wake of Florence. Mark Rice of North Carolina State tells NPR's Scott Simon about why farmers use lagoons to collect pig waste, and what happens when they fail.

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NPR News: As West Grows, Water Use Declines Thanks To Better Toilets

As West Grows, Water Use Declines Thanks To Better Toilets
Despite the growth of population in the western U.S., water use in cities such as Denver, Las Vegas, San Diego and Phoenix is going down. The reason? High-tech, low-flow toilets.

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Friday, September 21, 2018

Houston Medical Students to Speak Live with NASA Astronaut on Space Station

Medical students from The University of Texas Health Sciences Center (UTHealth) in Houston will speak with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station next week.

September 21, 2018
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NPR News: Remembrance For Walter Mischel, Psychologist Who Devised The Marshmallow Test

Remembrance For Walter Mischel, Psychologist Who Devised The Marshmallow Test
Walter Mischel had an idea that became a pop culture touchstone. He wanted to see if preschoolers seated in front of a marshmallow could delay their gratification. What did the experiment really mean?

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NPR News: Remembrance For Walter Mischel, Psychologist Who Devised The Marshmallow Test

Remembrance For Walter Mischel, Psychologist Who Devised The Marshmallow Test
Walter Mischel had an idea that became a pop culture touchstone. He wanted to see if preschoolers seated in front a marshmallow could delay their gratification. What did the experiment really mean?

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NPR News: Hacks, Security Gaps And Oligarchs: The Business Of Voting Comes Under Scrutiny

Hacks, Security Gaps And Oligarchs: The Business Of Voting Comes Under Scrutiny
Heading into midterm elections, pressure is on for governments and campaigns to secure elections. But what about the companies who make the machines and print the ballots?

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NPR News: After A Wildfire Destroys Their Home, Family Struggles To Find 'A New Normal'

After A Wildfire Destroys Their Home, Family Struggles To Find 'A New Normal'
After losing priceless belongings to the Tubbs Fire that swept through Northern California last year, a couple tries to move forward. "Everything will forever be different for us," Cody Walker says.

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Thursday, September 20, 2018

NPR News: Google Warned Senators, Aides Of Hacking Attempts On Personal Emails

Google Warned Senators, Aides Of Hacking Attempts On Personal Emails
In a recent letter, Sen. Ron Wyden said some senators and Senate staff members were warned by a major tech company "that their personal email accounts were targeted by foreign government hackers."

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NASA Updates Live Coverage of Japanese Cargo Launch, Delays Spacewalks

Delayed due to inclement weather, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) now is targeting 1:52 p.m. EDT Saturday, Sept. 22 (2:52 a.m. Sept. 23 in Japan), for the launch of its unpiloted H-II Transfer Vehicle-7 (HTV-7) cargo spacecraft.

September 20, 2018
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NPR News: Hackers Steal $59 Million In Cryptocurrency From Japanese Exchange

Hackers Steal $59 Million In Cryptocurrency From Japanese Exchange
Tech Bureau Corp., which owns the Zaif cryptocurrency exchange, says the security breach occurred last week, and was discovered several days later.

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NPR News: Puerto Rico's Tap Water Often Goes Untested, Raising Fears About Lead Contamination

Puerto Rico's Tap Water Often Goes Untested, Raising Fears About Lead Contamination
People in Puerto Rico don't trust the water supply, and with good reason. Local systems aren't adequately tested for contaminants, including lead.

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NPR News: Puerto Rico's Tap Water Often Goes Untested, Raising Fears About Lead Contamination

Puerto Rico's Tap Water Often Goes Untested, Raising Fears About Lead Contamination
People in Puerto Rico don't trust the water supply, and with good reason. Local systems aren't adequately tested for contaminants, including lead.

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NPR News: Artificial Intelligence At Home In Pittsburgh

Artificial Intelligence At Home In Pittsburgh
Once the hub of steel production, Pittsburgh is now a hotspot for another burgeoning industry: artificial intelligence.

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NPR News: Scientists Create Immature Human Eggs From Stem Cells

Scientists Create Immature Human Eggs From Stem Cells
A Japanese research team made immature human eggs from stem cells that were derived from human blood. The technique brings scientists a step closer to being able to mass-produce human eggs.

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NPR News: Scientists Create Immature Human Eggs From Stem Cells

Scientists Create Immature Human Eggs From Stem Cells
A Japanese research team made immature human eggs from stem cells that were derived from human blood. The technique brings scientists a step closer to being able to mass-produce human eggs.

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NPR News: In Lab Turned Casino, Gambling Monkeys Help Scientists Find Risk-Taking Brain Area

In Lab Turned Casino, Gambling Monkeys Help Scientists Find Risk-Taking Brain Area
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have identified a brain region in monkeys that influences their desire to take big risks. When this area is inactivated, the monkeys tend to hedge their bets.

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NPR News: In Lab Turned Casino, Gambling Monkeys Help Scientists Find Risk-Taking Brain Area

In Lab Turned Casino, Gambling Monkeys Help Scientists Find Risk-Taking Brain Area
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have identified a brain region in monkeys that influences their desire to take big risks. When this area is inactivated, the monkeys tend to hedge their bets.

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NPR News: Octopuses Get Strangely Cuddly On The Mood Drug Ecstasy

Octopuses Get Strangely Cuddly On The Mood Drug Ecstasy
The drug makes the usually antisocial creatures much more interested in friendly contact with other octopuses. It's one more sign that the chemistry of social behavior has deep evolutionary roots.

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NPR News: Octopuses Get Strangely Cuddly On The Mood Drug Ecstasy

Octopuses Get Strangely Cuddly On The Mood Drug Ecstasy
The drug makes the usually antisocial creatures much more interested in friendly contact with other octopuses. It's one more sign that the chemistry of social behavior has deep evolutionary roots.

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NPR News: Price Tag Of Natural Disasters Grows

Price Tag Of Natural Disasters Grows
After Florence, homeowners will rely on insurance to rebuild. But as climate change exacerbates natural disasters, there are questions over who will bear the brunt of bills in the future.

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NPR News: Father-Son Duo Turns Ruined Grapes Into Tasty Aid For Napa Fire Victims

Father-Son Duo Turns Ruined Grapes Into Tasty Aid For Napa Fire Victims
The Cates family has been turning excess wine grapes into raisins as a way to reduce food waste. Since last year's devastating fires in California's wine-growing region, they've expanded.

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NPR News: Assessing The Contamination Brought By Flooding

Assessing The Contamination Brought By Flooding
Aerial views of parts of North Carolina show whole buildings, including industrial livestock farms, inundated. Steve Inskeep talks with Kemp Burdette of Cape Fear River Watch.

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NPR News: Assessing The Contamination Brought By Flooding

Assessing The Contamination Brought By Flooding
Aerial views of parts of North Carolina show whole buildings, including industrial livestock farms, inundated. Steve Inskeep talks with Kemp Burdette of Cape Fear River Watch.

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Wednesday, September 19, 2018

NASA Updates Preview Briefing for International Space Station Spacewalks, Live Coverage

Experts from NASA will preview two upcoming spacewalks outside the International Space Station to continue upgrades to the orbiting laboratory’s power system in a briefing at 2 p.m. EDT Thursday, Sept. 27, at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

September 19, 2018
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NPR News: Flood Damage In The Carolinas Will Be Widespread, But Insurance Coverage Isn't

Flood Damage In The Carolinas Will Be Widespread, But Insurance Coverage Isn't
Flood damage from Hurricane Florence will be extensive, but in North Carolina many don't have flood insurance. North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey discusses the situation.

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NPR News: Tech Giant Apple Spared Financial Pain In Latest Round Of Tariffs On China

Tech Giant Apple Spared Financial Pain In Latest Round Of Tariffs On China
With the trade tensions on the rise again, Apple has a lot at stake, with its money-making iPhone assembled completely in China. So far, the tech darling has managed to navigate the dispute unscathed.

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NPR News: DNA Tests Helps Conservationists Track Down Ivory Smugglers

DNA Tests Helps Conservationists Track Down Ivory Smugglers
The cartels that run the ivory trade try to cover their tracks — among other things, they smuggle tusks from the same elephant separately. But DNA testing can help find patterns.

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NPR News: Experts Are Underwhelmed By North Korea's Promise To Dismantle Missile Site

Experts Are Underwhelmed By North Korea's Promise To Dismantle Missile Site
North Korea had already promised to dismantle part of the site. Now, with fanfare, it's offering to let the world watch — which analysts say is not that much of a step forward.

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NPR News: Do IVF And Other Infertility Tech Lead To Health Risks For The Baby? Maybe

Do IVF And Other Infertility Tech Lead To Health Risks For The Baby? Maybe
A small study of teens who were conceived via assisted reproductive technology finds a significant number already have hypertension and premature "age-related changes" in their blood vessels.

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NPR News: Do IVF And Other Infertility Tech Lead To Health Risks For The Baby? Maybe

Do IVF And Other Infertility Tech Lead To Health Risks For The Baby? Maybe
A small study of teens who were conceived via assisted reproductive technology finds a significant number already have hypertension and premature "age-related changes" in their blood vessels.

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NPR News: Do IVF And Other Infertility Tech Lead To Health Risks For The Baby? Maybe

Do IVF And Other Infertility Tech Lead To Health Risks For The Baby? Maybe
A small study of teens who were conceived via assisted reproductive technology finds a significant number already have hypertension and premature "age-related changes" in their blood vessels.

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NPR News: Have A Cool Idea To Help End World Hunger? Pitch It To The U.N.

Have A Cool Idea To Help End World Hunger? Pitch It To The U.N.
At the World Food Programme's Innovation Accelerator, teams test out new proposals to stop hunger. Anyone can submit. And September deadlines are coming up.

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NPR News: Have A Cool Idea To Help End World Hunger? Pitch It To The U.N.

Have A Cool Idea To Help End World Hunger? Pitch It To The U.N.
At the World Food Programme's Innovation Accelerator, teams test out new proposals to stop hunger. Anyone can submit. And September deadlines are coming up.

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NPR News: Spock's Fictional Home Planet Discovered

Spock's Fictional Home Planet Discovered
Gene Roddenberry once declared that if Spock's fictional home planet Vulcan did exist, it would probably orbit the star called 40 Eridani A. Astronomers have now found this star does have a planet.

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NPR News: Whales And Navy Sonar

Whales And Navy Sonar
The Navy is rolling out its latest plan to manage wildlife in training waters. After years of legal battles, some environmentalists worry the Navy is backsliding in its latest plan.

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NPR News: Tougher Laws On Pipeline Protests Face Test In Louisiana

Tougher Laws On Pipeline Protests Face Test In Louisiana
A number of states are making it harder to protest the construction of oil and gas pipelines. Recent felony arrests in Louisiana could be a test case for these tougher new laws.

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NPR News: Whales And Navy Sonar

Whales And Navy Sonar
The Navy is rolling out its latest plan to manage wildlife in training waters. After years of legal battles, some environmentalists worry the Navy is backsliding in its latest plan.

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NPR News: Tougher Laws On Pipeline Protests Face Test In Louisiana

Tougher Laws On Pipeline Protests Face Test In Louisiana
A number of states are making it harder to protest the construction of oil and gas pipelines. Recent felony arrests in Louisiana could be a test case for these tougher new laws.

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Tuesday, September 18, 2018

NPR News: Trump Administration Eases Regulation Of Methane Leaks On Public Lands

Trump Administration Eases Regulation Of Methane Leaks On Public Lands
The proposal to reduce limits on methane emissions from oil and gas operations on public land is the latest move to roll back Obama-era climate regulations.

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NPR News: Trump Administration Eases Regulation Of Methane Leaks On Public Lands

Trump Administration Eases Regulation Of Methane Leaks On Public Lands
The proposal to reduce limits on methane emissions from oil and gas operations on public land is the latest move to roll back Obama-era climate regulations.

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NPR News: As Recovery Continues In The Carolinas, Flood Waters Test Resilience

As Recovery Continues In The Carolinas, Flood Waters Test Resilience
N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper says the state is confronting catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Florence. The recovery will involve difficult questions about living with the hazards of water.

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NPR News: Why The Way Hurricanes Are Classified Can Be Deceptive

Why The Way Hurricanes Are Classified Can Be Deceptive
Meteorologists have been using a nearly 50-year-old scale to measure the wind speed and storm surge of a hurricane. But it's not a good measure for rain, which can often become the most dangerous aspect of a storm.

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NPR News: Harvard Psychology Professor Discusses How Trauma Affects Memory

Harvard Psychology Professor Discusses How Trauma Affects Memory
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with clinical psychologist Richard McNally about memory retention following traumatic events in light of the sexual assault accusations brought against Judge Brett Kavanaugh.

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NPR News: Facebook Allowed Employers To Exclude Women From Job Ads, ACLU Says

Facebook Allowed Employers To Exclude Women From Job Ads, ACLU Says
The complaint, filed Tuesday, says 10 businesses prevented women from receiving employment opportunities on the website. It also accused Facebook of excluding women in its own company.

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NPR News: Why The Way Hurricanes Are Classified Can Be Deceptive

Why The Way Hurricanes Are Classified Can Be Deceptive
Meteorologists have been using a nearly 50-year-old scale to measure the wind speed and storm surge of a hurricane. But it's not a good measure for rain, which can often become the most dangerous aspect of a storm.

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NPR News: As Recovery Continues In The Carolinas, Officials Look Ahead To Prevent The Next Disaster

As Recovery Continues In The Carolinas, Officials Look Ahead To Prevent The Next Disaster
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper says the state is confronting an epic disaster with the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Florence. The recovery will involve difficult questions about living with the hazards of water.

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NPR News: Protests Continue In Port City In Iraq Over Lack Of Drinking Water And Corruption

Protests Continue In Port City In Iraq Over Lack Of Drinking Water And Corruption
Iraq's port city of Basra is a hub of oil wealth but is poor and angry. Protests have continued for weeks over a lack of drinking water and an excess of political corruption — with some blaming Iran.

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NPR News: Floodwaters Rise In Carolinas, Taking Lives And Prompting Environmental Concerns

Floodwaters Rise In Carolinas, Taking Lives And Prompting Environmental Concerns
The storm is blamed for 34 deaths in three states. More than 10,000 people in North Carolina are living in shelters, and thousands of people have been rescued from their homes.

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NPR News: Tech In Times Of Trouble

Tech In Times Of Trouble
Natural disaster? There's an app for that.

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NPR News: Tech In Times Of Trouble

Tech In Times Of Trouble
Natural disaster? There's an app for that.

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NPR News: Georgia Will Use Electronic Voting Machines This Fall As Paper Ballot Case Falters

Georgia Will Use Electronic Voting Machines This Fall As Paper Ballot Case Falters
A judge said such a paper ballot rollout would "seriously test" the capacity of election workers, and "swamp the polls with work and voters," leading to "disaffection and frustration."

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NPR News: Technology Helps Motorists Maneuver In A Natural Disaster

Technology Helps Motorists Maneuver In A Natural Disaster
When it comes to getting help navigating a natural disaster, there's so much technology available, the options are almost overwhelming. What works?

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NPR News: Researchers Explore Gender Disparities In The Art World

Researchers Explore Gender Disparities In The Art World
A study of nearly 2 million art auction sales show paintings by women fetch less money than paintings by men. Gender disparities that plague many parts of the economy also affect the art world.

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NPR News: Researchers Explore Gender Disparities In The Art World

Researchers Explore Gender Disparities In The Art World
A study of nearly 2 million art auction sales show paintings by women fetch less money than paintings by men. Gender disparities that plague many parts of the economy also affect the art world.

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NPR News: This Rapper Tried To Use Neuroscience To Get Over Her Ex

This Rapper Tried To Use Neuroscience To Get Over Her Ex
Dessa is a singer and writer from Minneapolis who spent years trying to fall out of love and get over her ex. Nothing seemed to help — until she visited a research lab for a brain scan.

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NPR News: This Rapper Tried To Use Neuroscience To Get Over Her Ex

This Rapper Tried To Use Neuroscience To Get Over Her Ex
Dessa is a singer and writer from Minneapolis who spent years trying to fall out of love and get over her ex. Nothing seemed to help — until she visited a research lab for a brain scan.

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NPR News: Japanese Billionaire Books First Moonshot Aboard SpaceX's 'Big Falcon Rocket'

Japanese Billionaire Books First Moonshot Aboard SpaceX's 'Big Falcon Rocket'
Yusaku Maezawa would be the first person since 1972 to travel around the moon and the first-ever private citizen to do it. He was introduced at SpaceX headquarters near Los Angeles Monday night.

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Monday, September 17, 2018

NASA Hosts Science Chat on Upcoming Historic Planetary Encounter

Members of NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft team will host a Science Chat at 1 p.m. EDT Wednesday, Sept. 19, on humanity’s farthest planetary flyby, scheduled to occur Jan. 1 when the spacecraft encounters a mysterious object in the Kuiper Belt nicknamed “Ultima Thule.”

September 17, 2018
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NPR News: Flooding From Hurricane Florence Also Poses Environmental Risks

Flooding From Hurricane Florence Also Poses Environmental Risks
Flood waters breached a pit of coal ash at a power plant in Wilmington, N.C., spilling heavy metals into a nearby lake. NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Frank Holleman at the Southern Environmental Law Center about the risks of coal ash water contamination.

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NPR News: After Mysterious Closure, Solar Observatory In New Mexico Reopens

After Mysterious Closure, Solar Observatory In New Mexico Reopens
A telescope in Sunspot, N.M., will have additional security for now, after "an unusual number of visitors" showed up at the site. Conspiracy theories had proliferated about its sudden closing.

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NASA Names Holly Ridings New Chief Flight Director

NASA has named Holly Ridings its new chief flight director, making her the first woman to lead the elite group that directs human spaceflight missions from the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

September 17, 2018
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NPR News: Neil DeGrasse Tyson Examines The 'Unspoken Alliance' Between Science And War

Neil DeGrasse Tyson Examines The 'Unspoken Alliance' Between Science And War
In his new book, Accessory to War, the astrophysicist argues that people who work in his field are often complicit to military development — despite being overwhelmingly liberal and anti-war.

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NPR News: Childhood Trauma And Its Lifelong Health Effects More Prevalent Among Minorities

Childhood Trauma And Its Lifelong Health Effects More Prevalent Among Minorities
The largest study of its kind shows a high prevalence of adverse childhood experiences — or ACEs — across the population, but especially among some vulnerable groups.

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NPR News: Childhood Trauma And Its Lifelong Health Effects More Prevalent Among Minorities

Childhood Trauma And Its Lifelong Health Effects More Prevalent Among Minorities
The largest study of its kind shows a high prevalence of adverse childhood experiences — or ACEs — across the population, but especially among some vulnerable groups.

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NPR News: 'Accessory To War' An Uncomfortable Wake-Up Call For Some

'Accessory To War' An Uncomfortable Wake-Up Call For Some
An "unspoken alliance" between scientists and the military had been brewing for millennia prior to Hiroshima. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Avis Lang excel at detailing this union and its possible future.

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NPR News: Oregon Launches First Statewide Refillable Bottle System In U.S.

Oregon Launches First Statewide Refillable Bottle System In U.S.
The new beer bottles can be refilled up to 40 times and are designed to be easily separated from the rest of the glass in the deposit system, ensuring that they get refilled instead of recycled.

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NPR News: Ticket To Ride: Pot Sellers Put Seniors On The Canna-Bus

Ticket To Ride: Pot Sellers Put Seniors On The Canna-Bus
Marijuana dispensaries are reaching out to seniors seeking help with the aches and pains of aging. They're discovering an array of products, and some interesting side effects.

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Sunday, September 16, 2018

NPR News: Giant 'Pac-Man' Launched To Gobble Garbage Patch

Giant 'Pac-Man' Launched To Gobble Garbage Patch
Last Saturday, the nonprofit Ocean Cleanup dispatched a device to help clean up litter in the Pacific Ocean. NPR's Michel Martin talks with Boyan Slat, the young CEO who came up with the idea.

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NPR News: Giant 'Pac-Man' Launched To Gobble Garbage Patch

Giant 'Pac-Man' Launched To Gobble Garbage Patch
Last Saturday, the nonprofit Ocean Cleanup dispatched a device to help clean up litter in the Pacific Ocean. NPR's Michel Martin talks with Boyan Slat, the young CEO who came up with the idea.

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NPR News: Giant 'Pac-Man' Launched To Gobble Garbage Patch

Giant 'Pac-Man' Launched To Gobble Garbage Patch
Last Saturday, the nonprofit Ocean Cleanup dispatched a device to help clean up litter in the Pacific Ocean. NPR's Michel Martin talks with Boyan Slat, the young CEO who came up with the idea.

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NPR News: There's No Stopping Toronto's 'Uber-Raccoon'

There's No Stopping Toronto's 'Uber-Raccoon'
Toronto is known for its raccoons' aggressive ability to get into garbage cans. The city spent millions trying to fight the gray menace — with mixed results.

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NPR News: BirdCast: Predicting Bird Migrations

BirdCast: Predicting Bird Migrations
Scientists have developed a forecast model for predicting mass bird migrations, based in part on weather patterns.

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Saturday, September 15, 2018

NASA, ULA Launch Mission to Track Earth's Changing Ice

NASA’s Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) successfully launched from California at 9:02 a.m. EDT Saturday, embarking on its mission to measure the ice of Earth’s frozen reaches with unprecedented accuracy.

September 15, 2018
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NPR News: A New Wildlife Refuge On The Grounds Around An Old Nuclear Weapons Plant

A New Wildlife Refuge On The Grounds Around An Old Nuclear Weapons Plant
Land around the shuttered weapons production facility in Colorado known as Rocky Flats is slated to reopen today as a wildlife refuge. But some are questioning whether it's too soon to be safe.

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NPR News: A New Wildlife Refuge On The Grounds Around An Old Nuclear Weapons Plant

A New Wildlife Refuge On The Grounds Around An Old Nuclear Weapons Plant
Land around the shuttered weapons production facility in Colorado known as Rocky Flats is slated to reopen today as a wildlife refuge. But some are questioning whether it's too soon to be safe.

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Friday, September 14, 2018

NPR News: Florence Evacuees Face Four Nights In A Shelter, And No End In Sight

Florence Evacuees Face Four Nights In A Shelter, And No End In Sight
Residents who evacuated early in the week have already been sleeping in shelters for days. But Tropical Storm Florence still has days of rain and wind to go.

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NPR News: Florence Evacuees Face Four Nights In A Shelter, And No End In Sight

Florence Evacuees Face Four Nights In A Shelter, And No End In Sight
Residents who evacuated early in the week have already been sleeping in shelters for days. But Tropical Storm Florence still has days of rain and wind to go.

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NPR News: Typhoon Heads Towards The Philippines

Typhoon Heads Towards The Philippines
A massive typhoon is headed towards northern Thailand, expected to make landfall today.

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NPR News: Cajun Navy Rescue Efforts Underway In The Carolinas

Cajun Navy Rescue Efforts Underway In The Carolinas
Todd Terrell, founder and president of the United Cajun Navy joins NPR's Ari Shapiro to talk about the volunteer group's rescue efforts underway in the Carolinas.

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NPR News: Did Cape Town Learn From 'Day Zero'?

Did Cape Town Learn From 'Day Zero'?
Cape Town, South Africa, made headlines earlier this year for what became known as the "Day Zero" crisis. If residents didn't cut back on water use, the taps would run dry. The city managed to avoid Day Zero, but will water restrictions turn into new habits?

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NPR News: Hurricane Florence: Rescue Efforts Underway In North Carolina

Hurricane Florence: Rescue Efforts Underway In North Carolina
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with an official from New Hanover County Emergency Management about the rescue efforts underway in and around Wilmington, N.C.

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NPR News: Caught In Hurricane Florence's Path

Caught In Hurricane Florence's Path
Hurricane Florence made landfall on the North Carolina coast early Friday morning. NPR hears from residents who witnessed the storm's damage.

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NASA Awards Fellowships to 12 Graduate Students

NASA Fellowship Activity has awarded fellowships through NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) and Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) to 12 graduate students totaling $1.9 million to conduct research and contribute directly to NASA’s work and mission.

September 14, 2018
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NPR News: September Is Peak Hurricane Season. Why Is That?

September Is Peak Hurricane Season. Why Is That?
September 10 is the day you're statistically most likely to find a tropical cyclone somewhere in the Atlantic basin. The reason has to do with both wind and water.

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NPR News: September Is Peak Hurricane Season. Why Is That?

September Is Peak Hurricane Season. Why Is That?
September 10 is the day you're statistically most likely to find a tropical cyclone somewhere in the Atlantic basin. The reason has to do with both wind and water.

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NPR News: Russians Allegedly Targeted Lab Studying Chemical Weapons

Russians Allegedly Targeted Lab Studying Chemical Weapons
Russian agents were allegedly planning to hack into a Swiss laboratory that was analyzing nerve agents used in March against a former Russian spy and his daughter.

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NPR News: Russians Allegedly Targeted Lab Studying Chemical Weapons

Russians Allegedly Targeted Lab Studying Chemical Weapons
Russian agents were allegedly planning to hack into a Swiss laboratory that was analyzing nerve agents used in March against a former Russian spy and his daughter.

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Georgia, Washington Students to Speak with Astronauts Aboard Space Station

Students in Georgia and Washington, D.C., will talk live with two NASA astronauts on the International Space Station next week as part of NASA’s Year of Education on Station.

September 14, 2018
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NPR News: Could A Ban On Fishing In International Waters Become A Reality?

Could A Ban On Fishing In International Waters Become A Reality?
As the United Nations meets to discuss high-seas biodiversity, scientists and activists say that while a fishing ban could profoundly help protect sea life, it may also be impossible to enforce.

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NPR News: Could A Ban On Fishing In International Waters Become A Reality?

Could A Ban On Fishing In International Waters Become A Reality?
As the United Nations meets to discuss high-seas biodiversity, scientists and activists say that while a fishing ban could profoundly help protect sea life, it may also be impossible to enforce.

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NPR News: Governors And Mayors Pledge More Emissions Cuts To Fight Climate Change

Governors And Mayors Pledge More Emissions Cuts To Fight Climate Change
Governors and mayors from around the world are making new pledges to cut carbon emissions. They're in San Francisco this week, trying to counter the Trump administration's rollbacks on climate change.

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NPR News: Governors And Mayors Pledge More Emissions Cuts To Fight Climate Change

Governors And Mayors Pledge More Emissions Cuts To Fight Climate Change
Governors and mayors from around the world are making new pledges to cut carbon emissions. They're in San Francisco this week, trying to counter the Trump administration's rollbacks on climate change.

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Thursday, September 13, 2018

NPR News: What Is The Waffle House Index?

What Is The Waffle House Index?
FEMA sometimes uses an unexpected metric to figure out how bad storms will be: the Waffle House Index. Hosts Ari Shapiro and Audie Cornish explain the significance of the southern breakfast chain in federal disaster preparation.

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NPR News: FEMA Associate Administrator On Hurricane Florence

FEMA Associate Administrator On Hurricane Florence
FEMA Associate Administrator Jeff Byard joins NPR's Audie Cornish to talk about FEMA's response to Hurricane Maria, and preparations for Hurricane Florence.

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NPR News: North Carolina Coastal Development Policy

North Carolina Coastal Development Policy
The risk of hurricanes in North Carolina hasn't stopped developers from building along the coast. NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to the Institute of Marine Sciences Director Rick Luettich at the University of North Carolina.

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NPR News: Hurricane Florence Approaches The Carolinas

Hurricane Florence Approaches The Carolinas
Forecasters and residents are keeping a close eye on Hurricane Florence, which threatens the coast and inland areas with fierce winds, a big storm surge and plenty of rain.

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NPR News: What Hurricane Florence Tells Us About Climate Change

What Hurricane Florence Tells Us About Climate Change
Florence is wetter, wider — and maybe slower due to climate change, according to new research. And flood insurance isn't keeping up with how climate change is altering hurricanes.

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NPR News: Kentucky County Water Crisis

Kentucky County Water Crisis
In Martin County, Ky., many residents haven't drunk water from their taps in years. The county is one of the poorest in America, and its water infrastructure is crumbling.

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NPR News: What Hurricane Florence Tells Us About Climate Change

What Hurricane Florence Tells Us About Climate Change
Florence is wetter, wider — and maybe slower due to climate change, according to new research. And flood insurance isn't keeping up with how climate change is altering hurricanes.

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NASA Awards Contract for Space Geodesy Satellite Laser Ranging Stations

NASA has awarded a contract to KBRwyle Technology Solutions, LLC in Columbia, Maryland, for the construction, deployment and commissioning of the agency’s next-generation Space Geodesy Satellite Laser Ranging (SGSLR) stations.

September 13, 2018
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NPR News: Study: BPA Safety

Study: BPA Safety
An FDA scientist will present the results of a large government study on the safety of the plastic additive BPA.

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NPR News: Study: BPA Safety

Study: BPA Safety
An FDA scientist will present the results of a large government study on the safety of the plastic additive BPA.

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Jody Singer Named Director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine has named Jody Singer director of the agency’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

September 13, 2018
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NPR News: WATCH: Flapping Robot Sheds Light On How Fruit Flies Move

WATCH: Flapping Robot Sheds Light On How Fruit Flies Move
The scientists were inspired by the super-agile fruit fly. And by designing this robot, they've figured out some of the mysteries of one of the fly's fanciest maneuvers.

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NPR News: Migrating Birds Avoid Bad Weather — Which Makes Their Paths Predictable

Migrating Birds Avoid Bad Weather — Which Makes Their Paths Predictable
Scientists have developed a forecast model for predicting mass bird migrations, based in part on weather patterns.

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NPR News: WATCH: Flapping Robot Sheds Light On How Fruit Flies Move

WATCH: Flapping Robot Sheds Light On How Fruit Flies Move
The scientists were inspired by the super-agile fruit fly. And by designing this robot, they've figured out some of the mysteries of one of the fly's fanciest maneuvers.

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NPR News: Migrating Birds Avoid Bad Weather — Which Makes Their Paths Predictable

Migrating Birds Avoid Bad Weather — Which Makes Their Paths Predictable
Scientists have developed a forecast model for predicting mass bird migrations, based in part on weather patterns.

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NPR News: 'The Dinosaur Artist' Dusts Off The Debate Over Who Should Own Fossils

'The Dinosaur Artist' Dusts Off The Debate Over Who Should Own Fossils
Author Paige Williams brings the discussion to life by recounting the exploits of commercial fossil hunter Eric Prokopi, highlighting one find — a 24-ft.-long Tarbosaurus fossil, the book's star.

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NASA, Roscosmos Statement on International Space Station Leak

The following is a joint statement from NASA and the Russian space agency Roscosmos about the investigation into a pressure leak on the International Space Station Aug. 29-30:

September 13, 2018
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NPR News: Champagne Makers Bubble Over A Bumper Crop Caused By European Drought

Champagne Makers Bubble Over A Bumper Crop Caused By European Drought
A record heat wave ruined crops across Europe this summer, but not all crops. Champagne growers are ecstatic over a bumper crop of grapes this year. Vintage 2018 is expected to be one of the best.

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NPR News: Champagne Makers Bubble Over A Bumper Crop Caused By European Drought

Champagne Makers Bubble Over A Bumper Crop Caused By European Drought
A record heat wave ruined crops across Europe this summer, but not all crops. Champagne growers are ecstatic over a bumper crop of grapes this year. Vintage 2018 is expected to be one of the best.

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NPR News: Gov. Brown's Biggest Climate Foe Isn't Trump. It's Car-Loving Californians

Gov. Brown's Biggest Climate Foe Isn't Trump. It's Car-Loving Californians
Gov. Jerry Brown of California wants the state to radically cut carbon emissions. But to meet those goals, every new vehicle sold in California by 2040 will have to be a zero-emission model.

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NPR News: Gov. Brown's Biggest Climate Foe Isn't Trump. It's Car-Loving Californians

Gov. Brown's Biggest Climate Foe Isn't Trump. It's Car-Loving Californians
Gov. Jerry Brown of California wants the state to radically cut carbon emissions. But to meet those goals, every new vehicle sold in California by 2040 will have to be a zero-emission model.

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NPR News: Gov. Brown's Biggest Climate Foe Isn't Trump. It's Car-Loving Californians

Gov. Brown's Biggest Climate Foe Isn't Trump. It's Car-Loving Californians
Gov. Jerry Brown of California wants the state to radically cut carbon emissions. But to meet those goals, every new vehicle sold in California by 2040 will have to be a zero-emission model.

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Wednesday, September 12, 2018

NPR News: Researchers Discover Ancient "Hashtag"

Researchers Discover Ancient "Hashtag"
The world's oldest drawing was made 73,000 years ago in a South African Cave on a rock with an ochre "crayon."

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NPR News: Advertising On Facebook: Is It Worth It?

Advertising On Facebook: Is It Worth It?
A lawsuit says Facebook is misleading advertisers about just how effective it is. Facebook, which makes billions from ads, says it can't guarantee that all of them will reach their intended targets.

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NPR News: World Fungi Report

World Fungi Report
A new report from the Kew Gardens in London is billed as the first comprehensive report on the state of the world's fungi.

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NPR News: Mexico City: Thirsty And Sinking

Mexico City: Thirsty And Sinking
Mexico City's thirst is sucking even more water from the ancient lake bed on which the city sits, it to sink. Climate change, political inaction and poor infrastructure is intensifying the problem for a metropolis of 22 million people.

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NPR News: North Carolina Prepares For Hurricane Florence

North Carolina Prepares For Hurricane Florence
Nearly 3,000 National Guard soldiers are being activated in North Carolina, where the governor warns that time to prepare is running out. He says residents should plan on losing power for days.

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NPR News: How Puerto Rico Heard Trump's Rating Of Hurricane Maria Response

How Puerto Rico Heard Trump's Rating Of Hurricane Maria Response
NPR's Audie Cornish speaks with Puerto Rico Senate Minority Leader Eduardo Bhatia Gautier about President Trump's claim that the federal response to Hurricane Maria was an incredible success.

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NPR News: Trump Lauds Government Response To Hurricane Maria

Trump Lauds Government Response To Hurricane Maria
President Donald Trump praised the government's response to Hurricane Maria, causing an outcry among many in Puerto Rico.

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NPR News: Super Typhoon Mangkhut

Super Typhoon Mangkhut
Typhoon Mangkhut is hurtling toward the Philippines and China with the potential for strong winds.

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NPR News: FEMA Under Trump

FEMA Under Trump
With Hurricane Florence about to make landfall, FEMA is going to be tested once again. Is it prepared under President Trump?

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NPR News: The Latest On Hurricane Florence

The Latest On Hurricane Florence
Governors in five states have declared states of emergencies ahead of Hurricane Florence's arrival on the Eastern Seaboard. Officials have ordered the evacuations of hundreds of thousands of people.

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NPR News: World Fungi Report

World Fungi Report
A new report from the Kew Gardens in London is billed as the first comprehensive report on the state of the world's fungi.

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NPR News: New Apple Watch To Detect Abnormal Heartbeats

New Apple Watch To Detect Abnormal Heartbeats
The focus heading into Apple's event was on its new iPhones, but it also unveiled a redesigned Apple Watch with a sensor allowing users to take an electrocardiogram they can share with their doctor.

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NPR News: Democrat? Republican? California Knows How To Party

Democrat? Republican? California Knows How To Party
California's place on the political stage is often front and center.

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NPR News: Pickup Artist: How The Ford F-Series Took Over America

Pickup Artist: How The Ford F-Series Took Over America
There goes (varoom! varoom!) that leather-seated (thphhhhhh!) 4G-connected king cab F-150 (rahghhh!) around the bend (brummmmmmmmmmmmmmm)…

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NPR News: Blind Grocery Shoppers Access 'Second Set Of Eyes' Through App At Wegmans

Blind Grocery Shoppers Access 'Second Set Of Eyes' Through App At Wegmans
An app service known as Aira is connecting blind and visually impaired grocery shoppers with sighted guides that help them navigate the aisles at Wegmans through their smartphones.

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NPR News: Are Hurricanes Getting Worse?

Are Hurricanes Getting Worse?
Whenever a hurricane is on the way, the same questions tend to resurface. Are storms really becoming stronger and more frequent? And is climate change playing a role? NPR's Rebecca Hersher explains.

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NPR News: Are Hurricanes Getting Worse?

Are Hurricanes Getting Worse?
Whenever a hurricane is on the way, the same questions tend to resurface. Are storms really becoming stronger and more frequent? And is climate change playing a role? NPR's Rebecca Hersher explains.

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NPR News: 6-Figure Price Tag Expected For Rare Apple-1 Computer At Auction

6-Figure Price Tag Expected For Rare Apple-1 Computer At Auction
The very first Apple computer — an Apple-1 — was really only a circuit board. But for computer geeks and tech-lovers, that board could become a collectors item when it goes up for auction.

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NPR News: Many 'Recovery Houses' Won't Let Residents Use Medicine To Quit Opioids

Many 'Recovery Houses' Won't Let Residents Use Medicine To Quit Opioids
Evidence shows the drugs methadone and buprenorphine can help people recover from opioid use disorder by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. So why do many sobriety facilities ban their use?

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NPR News: Automation Comes To McDonald's

Automation Comes To McDonald's
We hear a lot about robots eventually taking over jobs in manufacturing, but automation has already hit the service industry. The cashier who takes your order at McDonald's could soon be replaced.

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NPR News: More Older Americans Are Turning To Marijuana

More Older Americans Are Turning To Marijuana
As marijuana gains popularity among people 65 and older, geriatricians call for more research on how it affects elderly patients. Shifts in metabolism as we age can intensify any drug's side effects.

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NPR News: More Older Americans Are Turning To Marijuana

More Older Americans Are Turning To Marijuana
As marijuana gains popularity among people 65 and older, geriatricians call for more research on how it affects elderly patients. Shifts in metabolism as we age can intensify any drug's side effects.

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NPR News: Federal Court Asked To Scrap Georgia's 27,000 Electronic Voting Machines

Federal Court Asked To Scrap Georgia's 27,000 Electronic Voting Machines
Less than two months ahead of Election Day, a group of voters and election security advocates say the state's touchscreen voting machines are insecure and should be replaced with paper ballots.

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Tuesday, September 11, 2018

NPR News: What's Mine Is Yours, Sort Of: Bonobos And The Tricky Evolutionary Roots Of Sharing

What's Mine Is Yours, Sort Of: Bonobos And The Tricky Evolutionary Roots Of Sharing
Bonobos are much more likely than common chimpanzees to share their food, a study suggests. But researchers who study sharing say human kids are more helpful and cooperative than either species.

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NPR News: What's Mine Is Yours, Sort Of: Bonobos And The Tricky Evolutionary Roots Of Sharing

What's Mine Is Yours, Sort Of: Bonobos And The Tricky Evolutionary Roots Of Sharing
Bonobos are much more likely than common chimpanzees to share their food, a study suggests. But researchers who study sharing say human kids are more helpful and cooperative than either species.

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NPR News: Hog Farmers Scramble to Drain Waste Pools Ahead Of Hurricane Florence

Hog Farmers Scramble to Drain Waste Pools Ahead Of Hurricane Florence
Hurricane Florence is heading toward a part of North Carolina where pigs far outnumber people. Farmers and environmentalists are worried about the fate of hundreds of open-air manure lagoons.

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NPR News: Hog Farmers Scramble to Drain Waste Pools Ahead Of Hurricane Florence

Hog Farmers Scramble to Drain Waste Pools Ahead Of Hurricane Florence
Hurricane Florence is heading toward a part of North Carolina where pigs far outnumber people. Farmers and environmentalists are worried about the fate of hundreds of open-air manure lagoons.

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NPR News: California's New Clean Energy Goal Could Be Difficult To Reach

California's New Clean Energy Goal Could Be Difficult To Reach
A new California law mandates that the state move to 100 percent clean energy for electricity in the state by 2045. But getting rid of fossil fuel power will be a challenge.

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NPR News: Houstonian Who Lived Through Hurricane Harvey Offers Advice For Those In Florence's Path

Houstonian Who Lived Through Hurricane Harvey Offers Advice For Those In Florence's Path
Poet Sara Cress lived through Hurricane Harvey in Houston last year. She speaks with NPR's Ari Shapiro about the advice she would give to those in Hurricane Florence's path.

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NPR News: California's New Clean Energy Goal Could Be Difficult To Reach

California's New Clean Energy Goal Could Be Difficult To Reach
A new California law mandates that the state move to 100 percent clean energy for electricity in the state by 2045. But getting rid of fossil fuel power will be a challenge.

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NPR News: Meteorologist Outlines Why Hurricane Florence Is Such A Potentially Dangerous Storm

Meteorologist Outlines Why Hurricane Florence Is Such A Potentially Dangerous Storm
Meteorologist Bob Henson outlines the confluence of ominous factors that make Hurricane Florence a very worrisome storm.

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NPR News: A Massive Floating Boom Is Supposed To Clean Up The Pacific. Can It Work?

A Massive Floating Boom Is Supposed To Clean Up The Pacific. Can It Work?
The giant, U-shaped tube is designed to form a garbage-corralling barrier propelled by wind and waves. Its creator hopes to remove half the plastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in five years.

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