August 18, 2023
As COVID-related hospitalizations once again surge, virologist Dr. Angela Rasmussen answers listener queries about the latest variant. Plus, a conversation about the gap in womens' sports science, and why it's so important to better understand female athletic performance. And, a trip to Reno, NV to check in on a wastewater recycling program.
Stroke Victims Think, Robotic Arm Acts
A pill-sized implant turns thought into action for two individuals paralyzed by stroke.
Rerouting Working Nerves to Restore Hand Function
Surgeons bypass a spinal cord injury to build a new hand-brain connection in paralyzed man.
On Eve of Launch, SpaceX Head Talks about Mission
Elon Musk on the Dragon launch, traveling to Mars, and–his other hobby–electric cars.
From Rooftops and Abandoned Lots, an Urban Harvest
How about some rooftop honey or dandelion flower jelly? A look at city harvests.
The Itching Question That’s More Than Skin Deep
A connection between thinking and scratching shows how little we know about the tingles on our skin.
Why Race Could Color the Vote Against Obama
A new study shows hidden racial attitudes are playing a role in the 2012 presidential vote.
The Case for a Presidential Science Debate
A grassroots group is calling for a presidential debate based on science and technology issues.
‘The Garbage-Men’ Rock a Trashy Sound
The Garbage-Men prove one man’s trash is another man’s upright bass.
Cracking the Egg Sprinkler Mystery
When engineer Tadd Truscott was in grad school, one of his classmates at MIT suggested they spin an egg in a puddle of milk and film it with a high-speed camera.
How Buffett’s Cancer Is Shaping National Dialogue
One journalist says Warren Buffett’s decision to treat prostate cancer sets a bad precedent.
Mining Quarries Millions of Miles from Earth
A company aims to expand the world’s natural resource base by mining asteroids.
An Astronaut Explores NASA’s Scientific Frontiers
Astronaut and astrophysicist John Grunsfeld leads NASA’s investigations of Earth–and beyond.
The Idea Factory: How Bell Labs Created the Future
Jon Gertner writes of how Bell Labs became a hotspot for innovation in The Idea Factory.
A New Stage Play Tackles Athletes and Concussions
“Headstrong” looks at the high price some athletes pay for staying in the game.
Designing the Pied Piper of Fish
Maurizio Porfiri designed a robotic fish that attract real fish. Now he’s trying to understand why.
Pied Piper of Fish
Maurizio Porfiri wants to build robots that can herd fish like sheepdogs. Sound fishy?
How Movie Makers Use Science to Make Magic
From miniatures and matte paintings to motion capture, a look at how movie technology has changed.
Untangling The Hairy Physics Of Rapunzel
Kelly Ward, of Walt Disney Animation Studios, was tasked with bringing Rapunzel’s locks to life.
Exploring The Deepest, Darkest Spots On Earth
James Cameron, Sylvia Earle, and John McCosker talk about the sights and creatures of the deep ocean.
Designing a Bridge for Earthquake Country
Inside the world’s longest self-anchored suspension bridge being built in quake-prone San Francisco Bay.