NPR Health & Science

A Kelvin wave raised sea levels on the West Coast. More are coming

Oct 19, 2026

A large underwater wave moved up the West Coast, raising sea levels. Scientists say it's driven by El Niño and it's going to happen again.

What time is it on the moon?

Oct 18, 2026

James Olthoff, a delegate to the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, talks to NPR's Joel Rose about why it's important to accurately measure time on the moon.

Dozens of critically endangered orangutans rescued from Indonesian wildfires

Oct 17, 2026

Rescuers in Indonesia have saved dozens of orangutans from wildfires. The critically endangered species is fighting for their lives and habitats during this deadly wildfire season.

Hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia – OB-GYNS set new rules for menopause treatment

Oct 16, 2026

For the first time since 2014, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has updated its guidelines for the treatment of symptoms commonly associated with menopause.

A rare family of barn owls moved into Manhattan's Upper West Side. New Yorkers are captivated

Oct 15, 2026

Manhattan's Upper West Side has been reveling in the company of its latest celebrities: A family of barn owls nested in a water tower atop a building near Central Park.

This week in science: sea monsters, long COVID patients' microbiome, elephant carcasses

Oct 15, 2026

NPR's science podcast Short Wave brings us stories about the hunting habits of ancient sea monsters, the microbiome of long COVID patients, and how elephant carcasses replenish the savannah.

Inside the race between Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos for control of outer space

Oct 15, 2026

The Atlantic writer Josh Tyrangiel says Musk and Bezos each want to colonize the moon, mine its resources and launch thousands more satellites. He says their only real competition is each other.

Researchers are tracking Monarch butterflies to learn more about their journey

Oct 13, 2026

Researchers all over North America are attaching tiny transmitters to Monarch butterflies as they begin their migration to Mexico, to learn more about their stops and challenges.

A judge blocks the government's tree-clearing spree at a municipal D.C. golf course

Oct 13, 2026

Locals and preservationists have long opposed Trump's plan to redevelop a municipal D.C. golf course. That legal fight escalated after the government cleared hundreds of trees on short notice.

Researchers are tracking Monarch butterflies to learn more about their journey

Oct 13, 2026

Researchers all over North America are attaching tiny transmitters to Monarch butterflies as they begin their migration to Mexico, to learn more about their stops and challenges.