June 2, 2023
Animals like tiger sharks, sea otters, and wildebeest play outsized roles in sequestering carbon. Plus, over a thousand people have participated in an international project to crossbreed smaller varieties of a backyard tomato plant. And, researchers from the University of Arizona find the saguaro cactus’ new growth is declining.
May 26, 2023
A project looking at 240 mammals’ genomes, including that of the heroic sled dog Balto, offers a new view of evolutionary history. Plus, how the universe helped an astronomer find comfort after the loss of her husband. And, studying pain in the genetics of a woman who doesn’t experience pain at all.
May 19, 2023
Author and podcast host Aubrey Gordon uses science and history to dispel common misconceptions about weight and health. Plus, a new book suggests bees are sentient. And, when hundreds of crows took up long-term residence in a Baltimore neighborhood this past winter, one woman turned to Reddit for answers.
May 12, 2023
Dr. Anthony Fauci looks back on the national COVID public health emergency, and what we’ve learned. Plus, astrophysicist Dr. Erin Macdonald talks about consulting on the Star Trek franchise. And a sound recordist created an “acoustic portrait” of Utah’s Pando aspen tree.
May 5, 2023
Antibiotic resistant infections are a growing problem, but researchers are developing a multi-pronged approach to solve it. Plus, rats thrive in cities, so how do we learn to live with them? Plus, try a few fun experiments at home to put your saliva—a key determinant of taste—to the test.
April 28, 2023
To express their urgency, climate activists are increasingly turning to more disruptive acts of civil disobedience. Plus, for better or worse, people often ascribe human-like characteristics to artificial intelligence. And the wild history of chicken domestication and the surprising science of chicken intelligence.
April 21, 2023
A crash course in the basics of anesthesia, and a new strategy to help trees store more carbon is being put to the test in a Georgia forest. Plus, half the world menstruates. So why does it still feel taboo to discuss?
April 14, 2023
What’s the connection between lactose intolerance and the gut microbiome? Plus, the long history of searching for signs of alien life. And, a new play explores the relationships between humans and smart speakers.
April 7, 2023
An immunobiologist answers listeners’ ongoing pandemic questions. Plus, astronauts for the next lunar mission have been chosen, including the first woman and first person of color. And in the game Terra Nil, your goal is to restore a barren wasteland into a thriving ecosystem.
March 31, 2023
The delicate timing between plants, wildlife, and seasons can be thrown off balance by warming temperatures. Plus, researchers now think that a third of people lose their vaccine-derived immunity to mumps by age 18. And the first animal brain map is complete.