South Metro
![Rocky the sea otter flashed a smile as he swam around in his off-exhibit pool while he spent the afternoon behind the scenes Wednesday. ] ANTHONY SOUF](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/JNEO6R47NPRFHANNC7BP753ZMI.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minnesota Zoo's sea otter thrives after being first to have flipper amputated
Limb amputation is common in cats and dogs, but no one had heard of a flipper amputation on an otter.
St. Paul
![Arborist Tim Walsh used a wrench to remove bark from wood infected with Emerald Ash Borer Wednesday afternoon. ] Aaron Lavinsky • aaron.lavinsk](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/UX7OFFOV7BWTFFELRHB54XO45E.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Processing wood infested by emerald ash borer into fuel or mulch has a cost
Emerald ash borer's toll keeps growing, but processing the tree waste into fuel or mulch carries a cost.
Science
This is how the opioid crisis swept the nation
A deeper look at the broad trends of the three waves shows how each drug — pills, heroin and then fentanyl — prepared the way for the next.
Science
Giant tortoise is helping save his species from extinction
Since the program started, Diego and the two remaining Espanola males and their offspring have boosted their subspecies population to more than 2,000.
Science
Empowering kids to learn how to respond to climate threats
Since 2015, NOAA's Environmental Literacy Program has awarded nearly $10 million to 22 resiliency programs across the country.
Science
Nation
NASA releases video of first space-baked cookies
Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano used trial-and-error to bake five frozen cookies in the prototype zero-G oven.
Local
Minnesota's battle over wells, water and nitrates lands in one farmer's back yard
The DNR wants a study of vulnerable groundwater in Pineland Sands region.
Science
With a shortage of obstetricians at rural hospitals, the answer may be: Call the midwife
In a new Mayo Clinic study, certified nurse midwives provided round-the-clock staffing and coordinated with obstetricians on prenatal care and deliveries.
Science
Scientists find way to get century-old TB vaccine to work better
Injecting the vaccine straight into the bloodstream dramatically improved its effectiveness over the current skin-deep shot, researchers reported.
Local
One in eight Minnesotans drink nitrate-tainted tap water, report says
Environmental group says Minnesota is on "the brink of a public health crisis."
Science
Here are some of 2019's big health discoveries you may have missed
Among the most noteworthy: It's possible to cure HIV in rare cases.
Science
Mayo research solves deadly Amish medical mystery
Examining the DNA of four siblings who suffered cardiac deaths while playing or exercising, researchers found a duplication of specific genetic material.
Science
Blue whale hearts may beat only twice a minute during a dive
New research reveals even the animal's dunk tank-size heart jumps between extremes.
Most Read
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- Minnesota families creating new family legacy of organ donation
- From nearly extinct to occasional nuisance, the fall and rise of Minnesota's wild turkeys
- Restoring former farmland: 'The system doesn't just bounce back'
- NASA renames space object after first pick tied to Third Reich
Science and Technology
News coverage and feature stories on the latest in the world of science and tech.
