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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.
13:36
Sara Paretsky: ‘Critical Mass’
In “Critical Mass,” a crime writer draws inspiration from an overlooked physics pioneer.
22:30
Is Coding the Language of the Digital Age?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that programming jobs will grow by 12 percent from 2010 to 2020.
17:04
Medicine’s Gender Gap
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women. Yet women make up only a third of subjects in cardiovascular clinical trials.
8:10
How Fins Gave Way to Feet
Tiktaalik roseae was a fish that had scales, gills, and limb-like front fins.
20:58
Scott Stossel: My Age of Anxiety
An estimated one out of seven Americans suffers from anxiety.
16:50
Is the Universe Built on Math?
In “The Mathematical Universe,” physicist Max Tegmark argues that the universe is completely mathematical.
29:57
Science Goes To The Movies: ‘Her’
Our scientist-film critics weigh in on “Her.”
6:10
Out of the Bottle: Tricks of the Trade
Popular wine jargon such as “breathing,” “corked,” and “wine tears” gets translated into chemistry you can understand.
18:01
Wine Science: Deconstructing ‘Terroir’ in the Lab
Chemist Gavin Sacks says talk of terroir may often be simply a clever marketing ploy.
22:42
Food Failures: How to Spoil Your Food (And Eat It, Too)
Fermentation guru Sandor Katz solves your pickling problems.