September 24, 2021
Two bills aim to reduce the U.S. carbon footprint. What’s in them? Plus, how to decommission a nuclear power plant. And the aye-aye and opossum compete for the crown for the final round of the Charismatic Creature Carnival.
12:07
A Skeletal Record Of Medieval England Society
Scientists are uncovering clues about medieval life from the bones of ordinary people.
33:58
Birds Are The Last Dinosaurs. Why Did They Survive?
The ancestors of modern birds survived the mass extinction event that killed other dinosaurs 66 million years ago. New fossils offer one theory as to why.
32:51
How To Make Solar Power Work For Everyone
As we move away from fossil fuels, how do we make renewables work for everyone?
What Cherokee Fire Pots Can Teach Us About Thermal Conduction
Learn about thermal energy by examining the design of Cherokee fire pots, then reflect on Indigenous ways of knowing and westernized notions of science.
The Rise Of The Myers-Briggs, Chapter 2: Isabel
Isabel turns her mother’s philosophy into a marketable product.
11:53
Why The Delta Variant Will Make More Kids Sick
The pandemic is the worst it’s ever been for children, who cannot be vaccinated. Plus booster shots, an mRNA vaccine for HIV, and more.
16:29
The Minds Behind The Myers-Briggs Personality Test
Who were Myers and Briggs anyway?
12:11
You, Too, Can Be All Thumbs. Or At Least Three.
Scientists are studying what a prosthetic device they’re calling a “Third Thumb” does to your brain.
17:26
The Healing Power Of Nostalgia
The complex emotion that you feel when digging up photos from the past could also be the key to coping with our present—and navigating our future.
16:19
The Future Of Orcas Threatened In Changing Waters
Killer whales and their ancient culture are threatened by climate change and human pressures.
17:03
Pandemic Unveils Growing Suicide Crisis For Communities Of Color
Suicides have risen among Black, Hispanic and other communities of color during COVID-19. But the rates were already escalating before the pandemic struck.
How The Puget Sound Region Is Reckoning With Disappearing Salmon
Journalist Lynda Mapes speaks with local tribe leaders and conservation groups as they grapple with the loss of symbolic aquatic life.
The Rise Of The Myers-Briggs, Chapter 1: Katharine
A mother sets out to raise the perfect child.
12:05
This Fish Is The Master Of The Poignant Pause
Much like your favorite public radio host, electric fish use pauses in speech, too.
10:42
Lighting Design For Your Paleolithic Cave
Researchers modeled lighting options—from torches to oil lamps—used by ancient cave artists.
11:52
A Stomp, A Roar, An Elephantquake?
Elephants’ movements and vocalizations can travel through the ground—and scientists look to what earthquake-detection technology might teach us.
34:04
Margaret Atwood On The Science Behind ‘Oryx And Crake’
In this archival interview, the award-winning author calls the novel a form of “speculative fiction.”
23:40
Science Crimes: From Grave Robbers To An Icepick Surgeon
A new book documents the biggest scientific crimes in history and pulls no punches.
12:03
President Biden’s Infrastructure Bill Sees The End Of The Road
The nearly 2,000 page bill covers infrastructure improvements that include funding for projects that would build up the country’s climate change resilience.
16:39
Local Communities Spar Over Minnesota Oil Pipeline
A plan to replace aging oil infrastructure is nearly complete. Here’s why tribal nations and other Minnesota residents are still divided over its risks and benefits.