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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.
6:57
2014 Consumer Electronics Show Round-Up
Chris Ziegler of The Verge discusses technology trends from this year’s Consumer Electronics Show.
9:21
Migraine Study Reveals the Power of Placebo
Patients’ expectations can play a role in the effectiveness of medications and placebos.
17:26
An Antarctic Expedition, Frozen in Time
Century-old Antarctic photos offer a peek into Shackleton’s ill-fated Ross Sea Party Expedition.
11:48
Cold Snap Knocks Out Some Invasive Insects
Asian long-horned beetle, emerald ash borer: Will they survive the colder weather?
43:28
Can Plants Think?
Plants can hear, taste and feel, as Michael Pollan writes in his latest piece for The New Yorker. But is any of that evidence of intelligence?
22:28
Why Do Insects Bug Us?
Author Jeffrey Lockwood dissects our complicated relationship with insects.
8:27
Extracting Data From Photos of Our Eyes
Researchers used photographs to recover reflected images 30,000 times smaller than the actual subject.
25:05
Forty Years Of The Endangered Species Act
Currently, there are 2,142 U.S. and foreign species protected under the Endangered Species Act.
12:11
App Chat: Cutting Clutter From Your Inbox
Ellis Hamburger, a reporter for The Verge, talks about a few of his favorite mail-managing apps.
46:44
Oliver Sacks And The Search For The Giant Squid
In this 1997 conversation, neurologist Oliver Sacks describes the island of the colorblind, then chats with a researcher searching for giant squid.