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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.
9:09
Your Brain on Jazz
Researcher and musician Charles Limb created an fMRI-safe keyboard to study the effects of jazz on the brain.
29:13
On Social Media, the Kids Are All Right
In “It’s Complicated”, Internet scholar Danah Boyd debunks myths about teens’ online lives.
9:41
Can Technology Build a Better Athlete?
Will the next big Olympics competition be a race for more technology?
6:55
Olympians Look to Science for a Competitive Edge
Physiologist and aerospace engineer Troy Flanagan shares the science behind Olympic training.
22:37
The Science Behind The World’s Strangest Sounds
Acoustic engineer Trevor Cox recorded the world’s longest reverberation.
6:51
Beneath a Sleeping Volcano, Magma Mush Lies in Wait
Despite what Hollywood might show you, there’s no big tank of liquid rock under a volcano. Stored magma spends most of its time as a crystalline mush.
16:48
App Chat: Social Media Gets Newsy
Ellis Hamburger, a reporter at The Verge, talks about why social media giants are betting on news.
20:13
Building an Open ‘Internet of Things’
Will the ‘Internet of Things’ be open to developers—or hindered by proprietary smart boxes?
9:15
Artificial Muscles Flex Using Fishing Line and Thread
Researchers create superhuman strength from sewing thread and fishing line.
6:42
For Some Olympians, Winning Medals Is All About Flow
Understanding fluid dynamics helps Olympians shave minutes off race times.