A new study reveals the genetic change that made horses so athletic A genetic change that boosts a cell's aerobic capacity while also protecting it from excess stress could explain how horses became such powerful athletes, according to a new study in Science. Jonathan Lambert Play AudioListen 4 mins
Countries boost recruitment of American scientists amid cuts to scientific funding American scientists have long worked abroad, but recruitment efforts are increasing due to cuts by the Trump administration. Chandelis Duster
4 astronauts to be the first to orbit the poles on a privately funded SpaceX mission SpaceX is planning a launch as early as Monday evening. If successful, it will mark the first crewed mission to polar orbit and the first mission to cultivate mushrooms as a crop Scott Neuman
Tooth be told: Sea otters have a powerful bite Sea otters are incredible marine wrestlers, packing some serious strength under all that fluff. Paige Browning Brandi Fullwood
Top scientists warn that Trump policies are causing a 'climate of fear' in research Some 2,000 scientists, including dozens of Nobel Prize winners, have signed an open letter warning that the U.S. lead in science is being "decimated" by the Trump administration's cuts to research. Scott Neuman
Latest Alzheimer's lab tests focus on memory loss, not brain plaques New tests of blood and spinal fluid can identify people experiencing memory loss from Alzheimer's disease. Jon Hamilton Play AudioListen 4 mins
How do 'torpedo bats' work? We asked baseball physicists to explain They look like baseball bats morphing into bowling pins, their ends flaring into an aggressive bulge that suddenly tapers. So how do they work? Bill Chappell
What does the shark say? Click, click, click Scientists in New Zealand believe they may have the first-ever recording of a shark making noise. Julie Depenbrock Play AudioListen 9 secs
This week in science: running and the brain, fermented space food and bat navigation NPR's Short Wave brings us the stories of how running a marathon could change your brain, fermenting food in space, and the mystery of how bats in flight avoid colliding with each other. Regina G. Barber Rachel Carlson Play AudioListen 8 mins
The unique genetic change that turned horses into athletic powerhouses A new study suggests genetic changes allow horses to produce more energy, while minimizing the toll the energy takes on cells. Jonathan Lambert