Science UW biochemistry professor makes list of top 100 global health leaders Professor David Baker used to say that protein design was on the ‘lunatic fringe’ of biochemistry. Now, he’s on the TIME100 Health list. Kim Malcolm John O'Brien
Science Genetic analysis explores the influence of African ancestry in brain disease risk A new genetic analysis could help explain why people in the U.S. with African ancestry face a greater risk for stroke and Alzheimer's disease, but less risk of another brain disease, Parkinson's. Jon Hamilton
Environment Plastic junk? Researchers find tiny particles in men's testicles The new study has scientists concerned that microplastics may be contributing to reproductive health issues. Will Stone
Science To escape hungry bats, these flying beetles create an ultrasound 'illusion' A study of tiger beetles has found a possible explanation for why they produce ultrasound noises right before an echolocating bat swoops in for the kill. Ari Daniel
Science Black men are a hidden segment of caregivers. It's stressful but rewarding, too Almost 40 percent of caregivers of older adults are men, and a third of that group is Black. But African American men face some issues other guys don't. Ashley Milne-Tyte
Environment When sea otters lose their favorite foods, they can use tools to go after new ones Some otters rely on tools to bust open hard-shelled prey items like snails, and a new study suggests this tool use is helping them to survive as their favorite, easier-to-eat foods disappear. Nell Greenfieldboyce
Science New images show a black hole collision NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben speaks with astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan about the James Webb Space Telescope's recent discovery of two distant black holes colliding.
Science Understanding elephant communication NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben speaks with biologist Vesta Eleuteri regarding a study she authored about elephant communication.
Science Beethoven may have had lead poisoning Samples of Beethoven's hair reveal he may have suffered from lead poisoning, which could explain some of the difficult physical maladies the composer suffered in his life. Ari Daniel
Science This week in science: baobab trees, lizard-inspired building and stretching eyeballs NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Regina Barber and Emily Kwong of Short Wave about the origins of baobab trees, lizard-inspired construction, and why outside play is beneficial for kids' eyesight. Emily Kwong Regina G. Barber