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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.
6:31
Negative Temperatures That Are Hotter Than the Sun
Scientists have cooled potassium gas to one billionth of a degree below absolute zero. But in the quantum world, that’s actually “hotter” than the sun. How is that possible?
16:40
A Journey to the Oort Cloud, Where Comets Are Born
The comet ISON, discovered by two amateur astronomers last year, will zoom past Earth next fall. But where did it come from?
17:03
‘Full Planet, Empty Plates’
In his new book, Lester Brown says the world’s food supply is tightening—and the reasons are many.
5:25
Cold-Water Fish Break the Ice with Antifreeze
Cold-water fish and snow-dwelling insects have evolved antifreeze proteins to avoid icing up. This natural antifreeze also keeps the “ice” out of some ice creams.
5:09
Science Looked Good in 2012
Catfish eating pigeons, water traveling uphill, a blue whale barrel roll, and other science cinema highlights from the year.
41:46
Looking Back on a Year in Science
What are your picks for the top science stories of 2012?
Making Resolutions That Stick
Nearly half of U.S. adults will make year-end resolutions to change for the better in the coming year.
The Renaissance Man Who Got It All Wrong
In A Man of Misconceptions, John Glassie writes of the priest-scientist Athanasius Kircher.
Book Challenges Kids With Science-Based Mysteries
A father/daughter team has written a series of brain-teasers for science-minded students.
Get the Most Bang from Your Bubbly
Chemist Richard Zare pores over the science of bubbles—from champagne fizz to beer foam.