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May 9, 2025
Some car designers are turning from touchscreen controls back to physical buttons. Two researchers explain why that could be better. Plus, geneticists used CRISPR gene editing to grow bigger fruits without sacrificing flavor. And, an executive order could change the political tides for deep sea mining.
9:33
Keeping an Eye on Our Celestial Companion
Dean Regas, outreach astronomer at the Cincinnati Observatory and co-host of the PBS series “Star Gazers,” shares moon-viewing tips and a dose of lunar lore.
11:59
Mapping Out Neutrino Hotspots Here on Earth
Neutrinos form on our own planet and can be used to probe the deepest parts of the earth.
16:54
Unlocking Parkinson’s Disease
Science journalist Jon Palfreman shares his own journey with Parkinson’s disease and new treatments for patients.
17:07
Is Deep-Sea Exploration Worth It?
Sylvia Earle and other researchers discuss how humans fit into the future of deep sea exploration.
12:29
Testing Ocean DNA, Americans Pass a Science Quiz, and Polar Bear Diets
KQED’s Lauren Sommer talks testing ocean DNA and other science news stories from this week.
24:14
The Science Of Story Time
Studies have shown that talking with your child promotes literacy. Now a new study in “Psychological Science” suggests reading to them may give them an even bigger edge.
9:01
Does Air Pollution Deflate Urban Bikers’ Health?
A new study is mapping how much air pollution city bikers encounter on their daily routes.
29:53
Meet Homo Naledi, Another Long-Lost Relative
Deep in a South African cave, in the so-called “dark zone” where no light penetrates, paleoanthropologists have made an extraordinary find: more than 1,500 bones, from at least 15 hominin individuals.
16:43
Science and Diplomacy
What role can science and scientists play in negotiating global issues?
11:49
Arctic Climate Change, Pot Pesticides, and Student Data
Brooke Borel, from “Popular Science,” shares her top stories from this week in science, and “New York Times” reporter Natasha Singer debates the pros and cons of collecting student data.