October 15, 2021
Biological samples have been used for purposes that don’t benefit indigenous people. The Native BioData Consortium is working to change that. Plus, how a Long Island tribal nation is fighting climate change and development. And why saving the wetlands can save the world.
How Shells Tell Secrets Of The Sea
Seashells have played many roles throughout history, from money to jewelry. But they also hold secrets of the ocean’s health.
It’ll Never Fly: When Gene Names Are TOO Fun
Spatzle, clown, and sonic hedgehog. And those are just the ones fit to print.
11:45
The Alarming Impacts Of Extreme Heat
After record-breaking temperatures in the Pacific Northwest, how does human health, infrastructure, and air travel respond to extreme heat?
16:23
How Edgar Allan Poe Exposed Scientific Hoaxes—And Perpetrated Them
Despite his heartbreak, the famous poet was dedicated to exploring scientific developments—and their dangers.
19:26
Recalling The Life Of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist
The polymath Founding Father’s experiments extended way beyond a key and a kite.
27:32
The Science Of Your Summer Vegetable Garden
Troubled by the look of your tomato plants? Curious about your cucumber beetles? Our Garden Hotline has some tips.
17:26
How Alarmed Should You Be About The Delta Variant?
Virologist Angela Rasmussen on the World Health Organization’s new advice to mask up (again), and good news about vaccine efficacy.
Extra, Extra! Blue Unicorns And Man-Bats Walk The Moon! …Right?
How a hoax-filled 19th century ‘scientific paper’ about life on the moon fooled the public—and what Edgar Allan Poe learned from it.
11:50
The Long Tail Of Long COVID
Plus, more details on the highly transmissible delta COVID-19 variant and what happens when a spider eats a snake.
17:22
California’s Climate Program Is Actually Adding Carbon To The Atmosphere
An investigation reveals the state’s emissions program has been overestimating climate benefits of its offsets.
12:13
Is The Truth About UFOs Out There?
A much-anticipated government report examines “unexplained aerial phenomena” seen by Navy pilots.
17:16
Rats Learn To Hide And Seek
Neuroscientists say they can learn a lot by observing brains at play.
16:08
Making Music To Sharpen Aging Brains
In early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, playing musical instruments may benefit memory and slow cognitive decline.
16:36
A Monterey Bay Aquarium Scientist Gives Fun Facts About Cephalopods
Learn about octopi’s dietary preferences, how to raise cephalopods, and more from staff at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The Climate Solution Actually Adding Millions Of Tons Of CO2 Into The Atmosphere
California’s climate policy created up to 39 million carbon credits that aren’t achieving carbon savings. But companies can buy these offsets to justify polluting more anyway.
Untangling The Long-Armed Mystery Of The Bigfin Squid
The elbowed, spindly appendages of the bigfin squid have long stunned the public. But scientists say there is more to this deep-sea dweller than its ghostly appearance.
What Do You Call A Tiny Octopus That’s Cute As A Button?
Plus: What squid have to do with Instagram filters.
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.