Health Feeling groggy? Life Kit has tips for optimal napping Ever wake up from a nap feeling extra groggy? Naps can be beneficial for your mental and physical health, but there's a few things you need to know. NPR's Life Kit has tips for the optimal nap. Andee Tagle
Science What to know about the 'slapped cheek' virus uptick in the U.S. Most healthy people have either no symptoms or flu-like symptoms from a parvovirus B19 infection, but it can lead to serious complications for certain groups of people. Juliana Kim
Health Millions of Americans may be getting cancer-causing chemical in generic cold medicine NPR’s Ailsa Chang speaks with Anna Edney, health care reporter with Bloomberg, about her reporting on how some generic versions of cold medicine contain a cancer-causing chemical. Jason Fuller Jeanette Woods Ailsa Chang
Health Our interview with "TIME's 2024 Kid of the Year," inventor of a cancer-fighting soap Last year NPR interviewed Heman Bekele about his invention of a soap to fight skin cancer. He was motivated by his childhood in Ethiopia: He saw people working in the sun and thought of health risks. Max Barnhart
Health A quarter of patients deemed unresponsive show signs of consciousness, study finds New research has found that up to a quarter of people with severe brain damage show signs of brain activity that suggest they are aware of the world around them.
National Many Afghan men believe in women's rights. But they're afraid to speak out Men rarely speak out to protest the Taliban's stripping away of the rights of girls and women. A new study finds that many believe those lost rights should be restored. Ruchi Kumar
Arts & Life 'American African' identity is explored by U.S. artist with Ghanaian/Nigerian roots The artist Africanus Okokon was born in the United States. His dad is Nigerian and his mom is Ghanaian. In his new exhibit, Okokon uses recycled and reclaimed objects to explore his American identity and his African roots. Kahwit Tela
Health Amid Medicaid's 'unwinding,' many states work to expand health care access States have been culling their Medicaid rolls since pandemic coverage protections expired last year. But more than a dozen states have also expanded access for lower-income people, including children. Phil Galewitz
Politics What you need to know about the child tax credit as both campaigns embrace it A major expansion of the child tax credit during the height of the COVID pandemic temporarily slashed the child poverty rate in half. That is one reason why it has become a hot topic in the presidential race. Selena Simmons-Duffin
Health Pharmaceutical deal to lower Medicare drug prices The Biden administration says the deal could save Americans $6 billion a year.