Science

In light of this summer's record high temperatures, we find perspective on really hot temperatures. In an experiment, scientists at Europe's CERN laboratory claim to have achieved the highest temperature ever produced by humans — about 5.5 trillion degrees. Audie Cornish and Melissa Block have more.

Imagine a machine that could disinfect your toothbrush or clean a skin laceration in a matter of seconds—without using any liquid disinfectants or heat. It’s not a reality yet, but researchers at the University of Colorado in Denver are getting close.

NPR science correspondent Joe Palca is on a mission this summer to answer the deep, burning questions of summertime. So far he's taught us how to build a campfire, explained the best way to roast a perfect marshmallow and explored the icy mystery of brain freeze.