July 23, 2021
Biden’s Surgeon General talks about the COVID-19 pandemic, and beyond. Plus, whistleblowers allege “atmosphere of fear” at the EPA. And how the humpback whale says hello.
Paper Airplane Flight Challenge
Discover what makes a paper airplane fly longer, farther, and higher with this design challenge — all you need is a piece of paper!
12:11
Kids Are Benefiting From Adult Vaccinations, Too
Plus, how climate change could bring cicadas out more often.
17:20
How To Talk About Medical Marijuana With Your Doctor
With more states legalizing medical marijuana, physicians and patients are both figuring out how to best use cannabis.
9:36
What Can Crayfish Tell Us About Drugs In Our Waterways?
Scientists found that one antidepressant made crayfish bolder.
19:28
COVID-19 Vaccines May Not Protect Immunocompromised People
If you have a compromised immune system, you can be fully vaccinated, but still not protected against COVID-19.
27:05
The Best Sci-Fi Books To Read This Summer
Need a literary escape this summer? We’ve asked two sci-fi aficionados for their recommendations.
7:05
We Aren’t Squidding Around—It’s Cephalopod Week 2021!
A week-long celebration kicks off with some trivia on the origins of squiddy words.
11:54
Senate Bill Supports NSF Overhaul And Tech Research Funding
Plus, reports on UFOs, the impact of climate change on the military, and an elephant dictionary.
17:00
Why Oxen Were The Original Robots
A roboticist on why we should look at animals, not humans, to understand how artificial intelligence can fit into our lives.
12:14
FDA’s Approval Of Debated Alzheimer’s Treatment Raises Controversy
The FDA approved the first drug for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in almost 20 years. But the benefits of the costly medication aren’t clear.
22:05
When Scientists Get It Wrong
Science is supposed to be self-correcting, but admitting mistakes is easier said than done.
12:12
‘What If I Didn’t Tell?’
When a researcher discovered a critical error in her study, she had a choice to make.
12:36
Charismatic Creature Corner: Chonky Fish Edition
The coelacanth was thought to go extinct 66 million years ago, making it closer to the human genealogical lineage than modern fish.
17:21
Biden’s New Assistant Secretary Of Health On Protecting Trans Youth
Dr. Rachel Levine talks about the importance of health equity and protecting healthcare for trans youth.
How Robots Can Help Kids Develop Social Skills
A robot ethicist explores exciting new research that suggests that cute robots can help kids overcome social anxiety.
Soil Engineering: The Relationship Between Soil Texture and Function
Not all soil is the same. Explore soil texture and structure in this hands-on investigation, then predict how soil health will be affected by climate change.
Language Evolves: It’s Literally Fine
Irregardless, the dictionary’s got your back.
How Can Humans Survive Longer In Space? Photosynthetic Skin
If scientists could genetically engineer chloroplasts into human skin cells, could it give us the energy needed to live in space long-term?
11:57
NASA Plans Two New Trips To Venus
Plus, the U.S. promises to send COVID-19 vaccines to countries with shortages.
06:41
Where Did Watermelon Come From?
Uncovering the watermelon’s ancestors took an understanding of genetics and Egyptian iconography.