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This week's Science out of the Box question — What Makes Sticky Things Stick --was inspired by a recent article about a synthetic adhesive combining the properties that allow geckos to cling to a wall and mussels to cleave to a rocky shore. Jerry Bell, a senior scientist with the American Chemical Association, reveals the basic chemistry of these phenomena.

Two top intelligence officials have testified in Congress about the implications of climate change for U.S. national security. They discussed an assessment that identifies parts of the world where climate change could produce political instability.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has suffered a startling defeat in a referendum that would have greatly enhanced his power, including ending presidential term limits. Voters rejected the referendum, 51 percent to 49 percent. Opponents said the country was hurtling toward dictatorship.

Russia say tens of thousands of people have been displaced from South Ossetia, where the conflict erupted a week ago. Fighting has largely stopped in the area, but reports of looting and banditry continue.

After a historically warm winter last year canceled several events, Michigan’s sturgeon season came back in full swing earlier this month. It broke records with the most participants and the fastest timing, for what’s already known as the shortest fishing season in the state.

The painting is worth more than a million euros ($1.2 million). Proceeds from the sale will benefit France's leading financial supporter of Alzheimer's research.

Harvesting grapes usually takes thousands of workers. But a new raisin grape variety bred in Central California could dramatically cut down on the need for labor.

The New York Mets may be amazing, but Daniel Murphy is basically on another planet. The second baseman has hit a homerun in a record six consecutive postseason games, powering the Mets to the National League pennant. NPR's Audie Cornish talks to Jonah Keri of Grantland about the Mets' performance so far this postseason.

Californians have really stepped up water conservation due to the drought. Some cities are selling almost half as much water as they normally do. But there's a big downside for water agencies — lost revenue. People using less water means major budget shortfalls.

More employers than ever are nudging workers toward plans that screen them for risks, monitor their activity and encourage them to make healthful choices. Can you trust the boss to keep the data safe?