Science

December 18, 2024 6:14 PM

Scientists know our bodies are full of microplastics. What are they doing to us?

Plastic particles are found in our organs, blood and even semen. But do they stay in us forever? What damage are they doing? Here are six questions scientists are trying to answer.

by Will Stone

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

December 17, 2024 4:00 AM

A transplanted pig kidney offers a grandmother hope for life without dialysis

The patient was in kidney failure and her immune system would reject a human organ. Scientists hope genetically modified pig organs prove safe and will alleviate the organ shortage and save lives.

by Rob Stein

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

December 16, 2024 5:15 AM

A desert festival where robots are the headliner

Scientists are using the Mojave Desert to test robots for the next space age.

by Christopher Intagliata, Ailsa Chang and Kira Wakeam

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

December 12, 2024 4:00 AM

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.

by Jon Hamilton

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

December 5, 2024 2:50 PM

Hennepin County crime lab resumes DNA testing after finding source of contamination

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that it has resumed DNA testing at its crime lab, after putting testing on hold this fall.

by MPR News Staff

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

November 25, 2024 11:15 AM

The science and art of breeding, growing and tasting fruit

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two University of Minnesota fruit breeders who helped bring some of your favorite apples to market.

by Angela Davis and Cari Dwyer

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

November 24, 2024 7:50 AM

Fold paper. Insert lens. This $2 microscope changes how kids see the world

The Foldscope brings a powerful science tool to schools that can't afford microscopes. Scientists use it too. Its creators have handed out 2 million units, including a new mini-model for younger kids.

by Kamala Thiagarajan

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

November 15, 2024 11:00 AM

Helen Scales advocates for the ocean in ‘What the Wild Sea Can Be’

Marine biologist Helen Scales argues that while our oceans are warmer, more polluted and over fished, many of the challenges are solvable.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

November 14, 2024 10:25 AM

Stargazers can see the final supermoon of the year this weekend

The next supermoon — which appears larger and brighter than a regular full moon due to its proximity to Earth — will not be visible for nearly a year.

by Chandelis Duster

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

November 11, 2024 11:15 AM

Taurid meteor shower to light up the night sky. Here's how you can see it

The North and South Taurids occur every year in September, October and November. They may have originated from a comet that broke up about 10,000 years ago.

by Chandelis Duster

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Science

Scientists know our bodies are full of microplastics. What are they doing to us?

A transplanted pig kidney offers a grandmother hope for life without dialysis

A desert festival where robots are the headliner

These neurons in the abdomen help form the gut-brain connection

Hennepin County crime lab resumes DNA testing after finding source of contamination

The science and art of breeding, growing and tasting fruit

Fold paper. Insert lens. This $2 microscope changes how kids see the world

Helen Scales advocates for the ocean in ‘What the Wild Sea Can Be’

Stargazers can see the final supermoon of the year this weekend

Taurid meteor shower to light up the night sky. Here's how you can see it

News you can use in your inbox