Environment New year, new pygmy hippo: A naming poll for this Virginia zoo baby is underway Moo Deng and Haggis are joined by another slick, round supreme on the scene. Fans of the new baby can cast their vote to name her until New Year's Eve, with the winning name announced the next day. Manuela López Restrepo
Science A sea turtle plagued by 'bubble butt' condition is helped by a 3D printer "Bubble butt" can leave turtles struggling to swim normally — or unable to submerge at all. A 3D-printed harness can help. Bill Chappell
Science How a fox skull shape conquers the snow Research explains how foxes hunting mice can plunge down into the snow at high speeds without injuring their poor little snouts. Nell Greenfieldboyce
Science This week in science: Carnivorous squirrels, ancient biodiversity and new dog history NPR's Juana Summers talks with Regina Barber and Jessica Yung of Short Wave about carnivorous squirrels, the history of life on Earth, and new insights into the relationship between people and dogs. Regina Barber Jessica Yung
Science Bird flu has killed 20 big cats including cougars at a U.S. wildlife sanctuary The sanctuary in Washington state said it was working with officials to determine the cause of the outbreak, which has killed over half of its cats in recent weeks. Rebecca Rosman
Environment Snowboarder's death in Swiss Alps avalanche is a reminder that even pros face risk The death of an Olympic snowboarding athlete is a reminder that even the most skilled and experienced athletes are not immune to the threat of avalanches, and that knowledge is key to staying safe. Michael Levitt
Science NASA's Parker Solar Probe made its closest approach to the sun yet This Christmas Eve while Americans were putting the finishing touches on their presents, the Parker Solar Probe was flying towards the sun.
Science Foreign-born scientists may find it harder to work in U.S. during Trump's 2nd term H-1B visas, the kind many foreign scientists need to work in the U.S. became harder to get in the first Trump Administration. That's likely to happen again. Jon Hamilton Asma Khalid
Science 3 new species that were discovered in 2024 Each year, scientists add thousands of new plant and animal species to the scientific record. We learn about three that were added to the list. Jonathan Lambert Asma Khalid
Environment 2023 was extremely hot. Then came 2024 It's looking like 2024 will be the hottest year since record-keeping began, unseating 2023 for the top spot. Climate change is playing a role, and scientists say it was even hotter than expected. Lauren Sommer
