May 27, 2022
Personal health data, like the kind shared on period tracking apps, may be used in court if abortion protections are overturned. Plus, how can we inspire the next generation of female scientists? And we dive into the wonderful world of sharks.
17:14
Can The Latest IPCC Report Pave The Way To Better Climate Policy?
We examine how effective the IPCC Report can be at generating climate policy. Plus, a look at promising climate solutions in development.
11:18
Can Carbon Removal Actually Make A Difference In Reducing Emissions?
A new carbon removal industry is booming, but how much should we rely on it—and invest in it—to reach our climate goals?
5:35
Composing A Sound Map Of An Ever-Changing River
Composer Annea Lockwood has been using stereo microphones and underwater hydrophones to create detailed “river maps” since the 1960s.
12:21
Building The World’s Largest Animal Crossing Outside of LA
An engineering feat will soon reconnect habitats cut off from each other by Highway 101 for 75 years.
7:30
Life Has Found A Way On The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Researchers have found marine life colonizing the giant, swirling patch of trash in the Pacific Ocean.
9:25
Enzymes Are Taking On Our Plastic Problem
Breaking PET down to its building blocks with enzymes could give it a better chance for a second (or third) life.
17:12
Indigenous Knowledge Is Central To Climate Solutions
Indigenous scientist and author Jessica Hernandez on what it might mean to heal—rather than conserve—endangered landscapes.
An Indigenous Scientist On Purging Colonialist Practices From Science
Western science is built upon harmful research practices in Indigenous communities. Jessica Hernandez writes about how this can change.
12:03
FDA Approves First Breathalyzer COVID Test
A new COVID breathalyzer test returns results in three minutes. Plus, a twisting tale about moon dust, and other recent science news.
16:37
How Would You Spend A Trillion Dollars?
Where an infusion of cash might make the most progress toward fixing the planet’s problems.
12:13
Did ‘Soylent Green’s’ Predictions About 2022 Hold Up?
A classic film in the 1970s took on the collapse of civil society in 2022. Almost 50 years later, was it right?
17:25
The National Science Foundation Has A New Goal: Entrepreneurship
NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan on a new directorate that he says will partner basic research with commercial applications.
6:53
The Colorado River Misses Its Snow
Ongoing drought makes it more important to understand data about snow and rivers.
9:57
Exploring Neptune’s Unusual Seasons
Scientists still know surprisingly little about the planet, which has only been visited by spacecraft once.
17:26
Major Undercount In COVID Cases Makes Our Tracking Data Less Useful
A perfect storm of factors has resulted in COVID-19 case counts being so inaccurate they may be missing a current surge in cases.
Why Exactly Should We Go Back To The Moon—And Onto Mars?
How should we square pro-space arguments from tech CEOs with the history of imperialism and underinvestment in social equity programs?
Celebrate Earth Day At Our Citizen Science Trivia Night
Just in time for Earth Day 2022, discover more about the land, sky, and creatures of our planet at this special edition trivia night.
Teenagers Need More Sleep—And They’re Not Getting It
Getting enough sleep is vital for healthy brain development for teens. But outside societal factors prevent this from happening.
12:11
FDA Convenes Panel On COVID Boosters And New Vaccines
Scientists still lack data to determine best intervals for COVID-19 booster doses.
11:53
The Future of Sustainable Farming Could Be Cold Plasma
The fourth state of matter makes plants grow faster. Scientists still don’t know why.