Arctic tundra now emits planet-warming pollution, federal report finds Arctic tundra is releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere as hotter temperatures melt frozen ground and wildfires increase. Barbara Moran
Monarch butterflies will get federal protections as a threatened species U.S. officials decided to extend protections to monarch butterflies after warnings from environmentalists that populations are shrinking and the beloved pollinator may not survive climate change. The Associated Press
Orcas are hunting whale sharks. Is there anything they can't take down? Killer whales off Mexico have developed coordinated hunting skills to take down whale sharks, adding to their reputation as the ocean's top predator. Lauren Sommer Play AudioListen 3 mins
These neurons in the abdomen help form the gut-brain connection Scientists have identified two types of brain cells in the abdomen that appear to control different aspects of digestion. Jon Hamilton
The Geminids meteor shower peaks this week. Here's what to expect The Geminids are one of the best and most visible annual meteor showers, when at least 120 meteors can usually be seen per hour. But 2024 will be different, thanks to the year's final full moon. Chandelis Duster
This week in science: fish healing hearing, loneliness cures, and Conan the Bacterium NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Emily Kwong and Jessica Yung about hearing regeneration in fish and lizards, cures for the loneliness epidemic, and the secrets of a radiation-resistant microorganism. Emily Kwong Jessica Yung Play AudioListen 8 mins
How scientists think the tsunami warning system could be revised Last week's earthquake off the coast of Humboldt County triggered a tsunami warning urging people across a huge swath of California and Oregon to evacuate. Why aren't tsunami warnings more precise? Danielle Venton Play AudioListen 5 mins
Mars (yes, the planet) has its own Grand Canyon New research is revealing similarities between Earth's Grand Canyon and ones on the red planet. It's informing future Martian exploration and settlement plans. Rae Solomon Eric Whitney Play AudioListen 4 mins
How satellites are helping scientists study the sun NPR's Scott Detrow talks with Damien Galano, project manager for European Space Agency's Proba-3 mission, about a new plan to study solar eclipses. Scott Detrow Play AudioListen 4 mins
