Health CareIn a pandemic milestone, the NIH ends guidance on COVID treatmentMarch 19, 2024The National Institutes of Health is sunsetting its influential COVID-19 treatment guidelines, used by millions of doctors to guide care during the pandemic.
Health CareFirst over-the-counter birth control pill now for sale onlineMarch 18, 2024Opill, an over-the-counter birth control pill, goes on sale online today. The pill is expected to be available in stores within a few weeks.
EducationOne reason school cyberattacks are on the rise? Schools are easy targets for hackersMarch 11, 2024School systems of every size have been hit by cyberattacks. "It's not Johnny in his room trying to break in and change his grades anymore," says one superintendent.
EducationIn a first, U.S. students will take the SAT entirely online (no pencils required)March 6, 2024Students taking the exam use their own devices, or school devices — they no longer need a paper and pencil. More than a million students are expected to take the test.
Health CareThe rate of antidepressants prescribed to young people surged during the pandemicFebruary 27, 2024Researchers analyzed a sample of about 221 million prescriptions from 2016 to 2022, in Americans between the ages of 12 and 25. The increase was prominent among young women and girls.
EnvironmentWildfires are killing California's ancient giants. Can seedlings save the species?February 27, 2024Extreme wildfires have destroyed about one-fifth of all giant sequoia trees. To safeguard their future, the National Park Service is planting seedlings that could better survive a hotter climate.
Arts and LifestyleWhy do we leap day? We remind you (so you can forget for another 4 years)February 26, 2024Why do we have leap years, and what are we supposed to do — or not do — with our rare extra day? NPR's Morning Edition spoke with experts in astronomy, history and economics to find out.
EnvironmentNASA is looking for people to test out its Mars simulator for a yearFebruary 23, 2024The agency is accepting applicants for the second cohort of its Mars simulator mission. Participants will live and work from a 3D-printed, 1,700-square-foot facility at NASA's Houston space center.
Housing and HomelessnessHow far can cities go to clear homeless camps? The U.S. Supreme Court will decideFebruary 20, 2024Lower courts have said it's unconstitutional to punish people for sleeping outside if no shelter is available. Cities say these rulings have paralyzed their efforts to manage growing tent encampments.
Health CareThe CDC may be reconsidering its COVID isolation guidanceFebruary 14, 2024The current guidance advises five days of isolation. Unnamed health officials have indicated that this guidance may soon go away, a move that troubles public health experts.