Current:Home > MyNews Round Up: FDA chocolate assessment, a powerful solar storm and fly pheromones -FutureFinance
News Round Up: FDA chocolate assessment, a powerful solar storm and fly pheromones
View
Date:2025-04-16 16:53:24
After reading the science headlines this week, we have A LOT of questions. Is chocolate really that good for your health? How do solar flares affect life on earth? And what's the big deal about scientists identifying the chemical motivation for tsetse fly sex? Luckily, it's the job of Short Wave co-hosts Emily Kwong and Aaron Scott and Scientist in Residence Regina G. Barber to decipher the science behind the headlines. Hang out with us as we dish on some of the coolest science stories in this Valentines-themed installment of our regular newsy get-togethers!
FDA chocolate assessment
Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) responded to claims that chocolate and cocoa products can have health benefits. But ... the assessment is not a blanket green light. NPR health correspondent Allison Aubrey reports the FDA findings are scant and only apply to high flavonol (aka VERY bitter) cocoa powder. So, if you're going to eat a whole bag of dark chocolate kisses, do it because you WANT to — not because you SHOULD.
Valentine's Day light show
In the days leading up to Valentine's Day, there was a massive solar flare. And since the matter that it ejected took a few days to reach Earth, sweethearts in the northern hemisphere had a romantic February 14 under the resulting aurora. Nothing says I Love You like cosmic radiation.
Fly pheromones
Recently, scientists identified pheromones tsetse flies release to mate. Romantic for the flies, but not for the diseases they spread to humans and cattle. By extracting the pheromones and dousing a fly decoy, the scientists showed that the volatile chemicals were, shall we say ... effective on male flies. This work could inform trap designs to control tsetse fly populations.
Have suggestions for what we should cover in our next news roundup? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.
Listen to Short Wave on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
This episode was produced by Berly McCoy and edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Anil Oza checked the facts, and the audio engineer was Josh Newell.
veryGood! (1)
Related
- McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
- Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James star in USA basketball Olympic gold medal win
- Jordan Chiles bumped off podium as gymnastics federation reinstates initial score
- 10 brightest US track and field stars from 2024 Paris Olympics
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- Sifan Hassan's Olympic feat arguably greatest in history of Summer Games
- LeBron James was the best player at the Olympics. Shame on the Lakers for wasting his brilliance.
- The 'raw food diet' is an online fad for pet owners. But, can dogs eat raw meat?
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- Jacksonville Jaguars to reunite with safety Tashaun Gipson on reported one-year deal
Ranking
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Ryan Reynolds thanks Marvel for 'Deadpool & Wolverine' slams; Jude Law is a Jedi
- Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran directs homophobic slur at fan, issues apology
- Marijuana and ecstasy found inside Buc-ee's plush toys during traffic stop in Texas
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- Madison LeCroy’s Hair Hack Gives Keratin Treatment and Brazilian Blowout Results Without Damage
- Austin Dillon clinches playoff spot in Richmond win after hitting Joey Logano
- Where are the 2026 Winter Olympics held? Location, date of next Olympic Games
Recommendation
'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
Man arrested in connection with attempt to ship a ton of meth to Australia
Maryland house leveled after apparent blast, no ongoing threat to public
Stetson Bennett shakes off 4 INTs, throws winning TD in final seconds as Rams edge Cowboys, 13-12
Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
Maryland house leveled after apparent blast, no ongoing threat to public
RHONJ’s Rachel Fuda Is Pregnant, Expecting Another Baby With Husband John Fuda
Summer tourists flock to boardwalks and piers while sticking to their budgets