Birders argue over plan to change dozens of bird names On Thursday, a major birding society will discuss how how to go about changing potentially offensive bird names. There's resistance to the original plan to rename all birds named after people. Nell Greenfieldboyce Play AudioListen 5 mins
What century-old soil samples can teach us A rediscovered soil sample collection in Illinois is helping researchers better understand how soil changes over time and what we can do to keep it healthy for agriculture. Play AudioListen 4 mins
This week in science: squid fabric, a growing Everest, and the mystery of lightning NPR's Juana Summers talks with Regina Barber and Emily Kwong of Short Wave about squid-inspired fabric, the growing height of Mount Everest, and new research into the mystery of how lightning forms. Regina Barber Emily Kwong Play AudioListen 8 mins
Why Massachusetts loves Nibi the beaver and is fighting to keep her out of the wild For the past several weeks, the beloved beaver has been embroiled in a court battle over whether she should return to the wild or stay at the rescue center where she has lived since she was a newborn. Juliana Kim
A coal power plant demolition serves as a poignant historical moment for the Navajo For six decades, coal has provided for — and polluted — the Navajo Nation. Demolition of a power plant brings mixed emotions. Adam Burke Play AudioListen 8 mins
Nobel Prize in medicine honors two Americans for discovery of microRNA The Nobel Assembly said that their discovery is "proving to be fundamentally important for how organisms develop and function." The Associated Press
Once dismissed, these cells in the brain have the spotlight in the neuroscience world The brain's immune system is getting attention at the Society for Neuroscience in Chicago. A lot of research is now focused on the interaction of neurons, glial cells and other immune cells. Jon Hamilton Play AudioListen 4 mins
American biologists win Nobel Prize for discovery in understanding how cells work Two American biologists have won this year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering a crucial way genes are regulated. Rob Stein Play AudioListen 3 mins
This mountain hamlet hit by Helene flooding preps for a winter without power Most of the people who live in Poplar, N.C, are seniors. One priority is securing propane and kerosene heaters to keep them warm when it turns cold. Jennifer Ludden Play AudioListen 5 mins
Are hurricanes getting worse? Here’s what you need to know Climate change hasn't increased the total number of hurricanes hitting the U.S., but it is making dangerous storms more common. Rachel Waldholz Alyson Hurt
