July 4, 2025
In this archival show, undersea archaeologist Robert Ballard shares adventures from beneath the waves and his love for deep-sea exploration. Plus, research suggests that we share parts of our microbiome with people in our social networks beyond family members. And, a book uses science and the benefit of hindsight to figure out how to survive some of history’s biggest disasters.
Be Bold Or Just Don’t Do It
Plant biologist Joanne Chory spent her career trying to grow plants that could sequester CO2 in their roots. Her wild ideas took hold.
17:15
Turning The Binoculars On Birders
Lace up those comfortable sneakers, and get out your bug spray and field guides, because we’re about to go birder-watching.
17:29
How Cannibalistic Tadpoles Could Curb Invasive Cane Toads
Scientists used gene-editing technology to create “Peter Pan” tadpoles that would eat the eggs of Australia’s cane toads—and never grow up.
What Huge Cuts To NSF Funding Mean For Science
Government cuts have left NSF funding at the lowest level in decades. Plus, the FDA has cleared a blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer’s.
Science Policy
Stay up to date on how science is being impacted by ongoing policy changes.
Paleontology
Fossils, dinosaurs, and discovering the very ancient history of the Earth.
What Happens When Air Traffic Control Systems Go Dark?
Recent outages at Newark Airport highlighted the challenges facing air traffic controllers. What’s the science underpinning air safety?
This Is Going To Kill Your Career
Betül Kaçar started out as a biochemist. But then she found her calling: investigating some of the hardest questions in evolutionary biology.
This Mission Was Possible, According To Medical Professionals
In the new “Mission: Impossible,” agent Ethan Hunt takes a death-defying dive. Doctors tell us the science of saving real-life scuba divers.
The Science Of That Big Stunt From The New ‘Mission: Impossible’
How the “Final Reckoning” crew used science to bring an underwater stunt to life. Plus, the psychology behind thrill-seeking.
11:37
Running The Numbers On AI Energy Use
The energy consumption of one AI query may seem small, but they add up. A new analysis calculates the AI industry’s footprint—so far.
33:32
How ‘Super Agers’ Stay Sharp And Active Longer Than Their Peers
Super agers are folks who stay fit into their 80s and beyond. What’s behind their unique health and longevity?
29:33
Could The NIH Plan For A ‘Universal Vaccine’ Really Work?
The plan raises some eyebrows, as some in the Trump administration have been skeptical of vaccines and moved to limit vaccine access.
16:09
What We’re Learning From The James Webb Space Telescope
JWST has detected the earliest galaxies in the universe, but some look “more mature” than expected. Is it time to rethink how galaxies form?
Meet A Pioneer Of Modern Weather Prediction
In a new memoir, a climate scientist reflects on his journey from a rural village in India to the cutting edge of weather forecasting.
How Death Metal Singers Make Their Extreme Vocalizations
Vocal researchers are learning how death metal singers safely produce extreme vocal distortions, in hopes of improving vocal health care.
The Volcano Whisperer
When St. Vincent’s La Soufrière volcano threatened to erupt, geologist Richie Robertson was the scientist the islanders trusted.
Can Animals Sail Across The Seas?
Investigate whether claims of floating iguanas hold water with this engineering activity where you explore buoyancy and ocean migration.
Lesser Prairie Chicken May Lose Endangered Species Status
The Department of the Interior seeks to remove the lesser prairie chicken’s endangered species designation. What would that mean?