September 29, 2023
A neuroscientist discusses how your brain filters visual inputs. Plus, two stories about jellyfish—tracking a freshwater jelly that’s spreading across the US, and the surprising finding that one species of jelly may be able to learn. And, researchers are learning that placebos might be more effective when patients are told they’re receiving them.
11:55
After 7 Years, NASA Gets Its Asteroid Sample
The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft swung by Earth this week and released its asteroid sample capsule, which landed safely in the Utah desert.
10:03
Are Jellyfish Smarter Than We Think?
A new experiment finds that jellyfish are capable of learning from past mistakes and adapting their behavior.
7:08
The Mysteries Of Freshwater Jellyfish
Researchers think the species hitched a ride on aquatic plants shipped from China, then spread across the Midwest.
12:04
The Science Behind The Placebo Effect
Researchers are learning that placebos might be even more effective when patients know they’re receiving them.
17:22
Where Technology Meets Ableism
In her new book, “Against Technoableism,” Dr. Ashley Shew argues that cutting-edge technology is not always a needed solution for disability.
6:49
Sour Times For Florida’s Citrus
Scientists are working on ways to salvage plants damaged by “citrus greening,” which causes bitter, acidic fruit.
10:10
Making Neuroscience Into Music
Composer Sarah Hennies’ new piece “Motor Tapes” was inspired by a neurological theory of the same name. How did she translate it to music?
17:26
How You See With Your Brain
A neuroscientist discusses how your brain processes visual information and what we can learn from the brains of people with schizophrenia.
Ask Disabled People What They Want. It’s Not Always Technology.
While our lives are deeply entangled with technologies of all kinds, technology can be seen as a “solution” to the “problem” of disability.
Marisa Tellez On The Croc Within
Dr. Marisa Tellez shares how to have people skills like a crocodile scientist.
Our Audience Feedback Survey Was Overrun By Bots. Here Are 5 Lessons We Learned.
Our survey was flooded with AI responses. It helped us learn how to filter fake responses from our listeners.
12:04
A Week Of Climate Protests, Meetings, Pledges, And Action
2023’s Climate Week NYC witnessed hundreds of events, protests, and pledges from world leaders at the UN General Assembly meeting.
16:48
The Climate Movement Should Be Funnier
Research suggests that comedy is a powerful way to mobilize people. So what makes a good laugh a motivating force?
12:22
Florida’s Reefs Are Vanishing. Can Scientists Save Them?
With water temperatures higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, coral bleaching is worse than ever.
17:29
The Ocean Is A Climate Ally
The ocean has absorbed over 90% of the heat we’ve trapped with greenhouse gasses. It still holds many possible climate solutions.
11:51
Feeling Hopeless About Climate Change? Try Playing These Video Games
How do you make a video game about climate change that’s fun to play? The annual Climate Jam competition aims to do just that.
17:14
Can Earth’s Past Climate Help Us Understand Today’s Crisis?
Renowned climate scientist Michael Mann talks about how important it is to take action now—before we see climate change’s worst consequences.
How Earth’s Climate Has Guided Human History
Misunderstanding climate variability can stall climate action, but navigating nuance is the path to positive change.
How The Climate Movement Is Poised To Create Change
Systemic change is integral to climate change mitigation—but what role can individuals play in these important conversations?
Murry Burgess On Inclusive Field Safety
Murry Burgess shares her experience managing social field safety and how what she learned has helped her support marginalized scientists.