Study in mice shows how luck factors into success The findings show that luck in early life can determine success as an adult, especially when competition is high. Play AudioListen 4 mins
Bezos' Blue Origin is nearing liftoff on the 1st flight of its newest, biggest rocket New Glenn, developed by the private space firm founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, is on the pad at Cape Canaveral, Fla., and could launch on its maiden flight as early as Friday. Scott Neuman
Survival of the luckiest? New study hints at the potential role of luck in evolution A new study on mice shows that luck in early life can determine success as an adult, especially when competition is high. Jonathan Lambert
3D printing makes child prosthetics more affordable and flexible Prosthetics for children can be expensive because they need to adjust to their growth. Play AudioListen 4 mins
Ancient kangaroo teeth hold clues to the role of climate change in ancient extinction In a mass extinction event some 40,000 years ago, Australia lost 90% of its large species. New research suggests climate change played a much smaller role than once thought, though not all agree. Ari Daniel Play AudioListen 4 mins
This week in science: hula hoop science, vaccine longevity and 2025 space missions NPR's Juana Summers talks with Jessica Yung and Emily Kwong of Short Wave about the physics of hula hooping, why some vaccines last longer than others, and a few moon launches to watch for in 2025. Emily Kwong Jessica Yung Play AudioListen 8 mins
How did climate change impact ancient kangaroos in Australia? In a mass extinction event some 40,000 years ago, Australia lost 90% of its large species, including nearly two dozen kinds of kangaroos. Play AudioListen 4 mins
2024 was the hottest year on record. The reason remains a science mystery The official numbers are in: 2024 is the hottest year on record. Climate change is the main culprit. But there might be something else going on, too. Alejandra Borunda
What is the flame retardant that planes are dropping on the LA fires? As fire crews and air tankers work to block the wildfires' explosive growth, images of red clouds of fire retardant falling onto trees are common. What is it — and what's in it? Bill Chappell
New photos show the volcanic plains of Mercury after a spacecraft fly-by The BepiColombo spacecraft flew less than 200 miles from Mercury's surface and photographed volcanic plains and icy craters. Manuela López Restrepo
