‘Science needs you’: The need for a diverse workforce in STEM fields December 8, 2023 2:04 PMBy Angela Davis and Matt AlvarezWomen have made profound contributions to science that have reshaped the world. Monday at 9 a.m., listen black to a conversation MPR News host Angela Davis had with Minnesota scientists Bridgette Shannon and Jayshree Seth about what it’s like to be a woman in the science field — overcoming barriers and finding success in their research and individual careers.
Play4min 28secA little electric stimulation in just the right spot may bolster a damaged brainDecember 6, 2023 4:00 AMBy Jon Hamilton A small study found that electrically stimulating an area deep in the brain allowed people with severe traumatic brain injuries to complete a cognitive test more quickly.
Play7min 11secCompanies say they're closing in on nuclear fusion as an energy source. Will it work?December 4, 2023 5:04 AMBy Geoff Brumfiel For decades, government scientists have toiled away trying to make nuclear fusion work. Will commercial companies sprint to the finish?
Photos: Northern lights painted Minnesota skies overnightDecember 1, 2023 9:00 AMBy MPR News StaffPhotographers around the state shared some of their snapshots of the northern lights painting the skies pink, purple and green overnight and just before Friday sunrise.
Play10min 14secThese penguins take 10,000 little naps a day — seconds at a time December 1, 2023 2:01 AMBy Regina G. Barber , Aaron Scott , and Brent Baughman Sleep. It's an essential biological function that has long intrigued scientists. This week, scientists finally added one piece to the elusive sleep puzzle: How wild chinstrap penguins sleep amid their noisy colony.
Tips to improve your chances of seeing the northern lights November 30, 2023 2:25 PMBy MPR News StaffChances to spot the northern lights are strong Thursday night and early Friday morning. Here are a few tips on how to monitor conditions, and how to catch the extraterrestrial show.
Could a 'funky' pathogen be sickening dogs? Scientists search for cluesNovember 23, 2023 7:00 AMBy Will Stone Dogs around the country are becoming sick with an unknown respiratory illness. Some veterinarians are warning dog owners to take precautions. A strange bacterium could be involved.
Play3min 41secSalty much? These brain cells decide when tasty becomes blechNovember 23, 2023 4:00 AMBy Jon Hamilton Scientists say two separate brain circuits control how much salt we consume.
Play2min 46secCan we grow veggies on Mars? Fly larvae and synthetic soil may hold the answerNovember 22, 2023 4:47 AMBy Mallory Yu A Texas undergrad is investigating how to grow vegetables on Mars — and has cultivated test samples of English peas in simulated Martian soil, with fertilizer from fly larvae.
SpaceX's giant Starship achieves liftoff before losing contact mid-flightNovember 18, 2023 7:53 AMBy Geoff Brumfiel The rocket cleared the launchpad, surpassing the first attempt. But minutes later, controllers appeared to lose contact with the vehicle.