How science shaped 2022

These are the science stories that mattered this year [View this email online]( [NPR]( by Roshan Fernandez Every day, the NPR Network works to shed light on inequities in our communities and hold those in power accountable. Just last week, Wells Fargo [agreed to settle charges]( for taking advantage of its customers on their auto loans, mortgages and bank accounts. [NPR's investigative reporting in 2016]( was central to exposing the bank’s corporate malpractice. If you value this work and this newsletter, we hope you will support the NPR Network and our mission’s independent, trustworthy reporting. As we close this year, we rely on our community to fund and support our work. Your investment in our coverage makes a difference. [Donate today](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Good morning. It’s almost 2023, so we took a look back at some of the most consequential science stories from this year — including how a nurse’s suicide raised concerns about the profession’s mental health crisis, whether time really is an illusion and the future of “no-kill” meat. Here’s what we have for you today. A year shaped by health Julia Robinson for NPR Because of Texas' abortion law, one woman’s rare pregnancy complication became a medical nightmare. Her situation is just one example of how new, untested abortion bans have led to life-threatening delays — and put [patients in legal crosshairs](. - Read more [in-depth stories about abortion]( and the battle over reproductive rights. Nothing was working for these two cancer patients until doctors tried the gene-editing technique, CRISPR. Here’s the backstory — and [why scientists are so excited about it](. The FDA fast-tracks some drugs to market that target urgent medical needs. But we found that [drugmakers are often slow to prove]( their products really work. This young Ukrainian neurologist ran her own private practice. When the bombing began, she decided to stay — and [help her country in any way she could](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- What is time, really? Sarah Mosquera/NPR Our reporters delved into the concept of time this year — and tried to [learn what makes us tick](. - Many people wake up before their alarm. Our reporter dove into the [mystery of why](. - Can dogs smell time? An NPR reporter finally figured out how her husband's family dog knew when the school bus would arrive everyday. The [explanation is fascinating](. - Researchers say time is an illusion. So why are we all [obsessed with it]( --------------------------------------------------------------- COVID’s far-reaching impacts Meredith Rizzo/NPR Their mom died of COVID. They say conspiracy theories and [misinformation are what really killed her](. This team of researchers are addressing one of the most vexing problems in global public health: How to supply lower income countries with [a safe, effective and affordable COVID vaccine](. A nurse's suicide raises the alarm about the profession's mental health crisis. After two years of treating COVID patients, this group of nurses [lost one of their closest friends]( — and they're determined not to let others fall through the cracks. --------------------------------------------------------------- It all comes down to you Your financial support is the NPR Network's greatest strength. You keep the facts flowing. You bring more stories to more ears. You make a real difference when you contribute to independent, trustworthy media. [Please donate today](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Before you go Carlos Osorio for NPR - This Florida community was built to withstand hurricanes. [It endured Ian without a scratch](. - Meat of the future might be “grown.” It’s not available yet — though the FDA has taken steps toward allowing [the sale of “no-kill” meat]( — but NPR got a taste of one company’s chicken. - A dish of brain cells learned to play a 1970s video game. The research offers [a window into intelligence](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. [Find a Station]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can [sign up here](. Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Music, Politics, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Daily News emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( [NPR logo]