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May 2, 2025
An astronomer explores the cosmos and the limits of what science can test. Plus, how the mysterious properties of pasta—like how it bends, coils, and breaks—have been tested by physicists for decades. And, millions of years ago, iguanas somehow got from North America to Fiji. Scientists think they made the trip on a raft of fallen vegetation.
16:08
Giving Viruses a License to Kill…Cancer
Scientists transform common viruses like measles and herpes into potential cancer treatments.
21:23
Behind the Scenes at the City Morgue
Forensic pathologist Judy Melinek’s memoir “Working Stiff” goes behind the scenes at the New York City morgue.
8:19
Listening In on Elephant ‘Mating Pandemonium’
In a ‘mating pandemonium’ event, a group of elephants roar after a pair of elephants mate.
16:29
Will Big Data Answer Big Questions on Health?
Google’s latest big idea is called “Baseline Study”—an effort to catalog the DNA of thousands of healthy people, along with their blood, urine, saliva, breath, and tears.
6:28
Can’t Stop Worrying? Blame It on Your Habenula
The habenula is a pea-sized part of the brain that tracks our expectations of negative events.
22:37
Tapping Into Musical Memory
A new documentary, “Alive Inside,” exposes the connections between music and memory.
15:36
Can Animals Go Mad?
From depressed dogs to anxious gorillas, author Laurel Braitman explores mental illness in animals.
17:26
How Ultramarathons Affect the Heart, Blood, and Brain
Exercise scientists Tamara Hew-Butler and Greg Whyte talk about how the body changes after dozens of hours in motion.
12:06
Ebola Outbreak Continues in West Africa
Ebola specialist Daniel Bausch provides an on-the-ground view of treating the disease in West Africa.
6:09
Oarfish: The Ultimate Fish Tale
Little is known about the monstrously long oarfish, its life cycle, and how it navigates its deep sea environment.