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.
How Do Bacteria Talk To Each Other?
Bacteria are not as simple as their reputation suggests. Understanding how they communicate may lead to better disease treatments for us humans.
Functional Fashion From An Artist And A Caterpillar
A passion for fashion among the “bone collector caterpillar,” who wears a coat of body parts, and an artist who makes fabrics that remember.
How ‘Science Interpreters’ Make Hidden Science Visible
A cell animator and a museum designer tell us how they translate scientific findings into visual experiences.
15:27
Two Steps Forward For Meat Alternatives
Scientists bring us a lab-grown chicken nugget and texturally accurate, plant-based calamari. We’ll bite.
8:58
The Physics Of Noodles And Other Spaghetti Science
The mysterious properties of pasta—like how it bends, coils, and breaks—have been tested by physicists for decades.
8:00
Does Taping Your Mouth Shut Help You Sleep?
Social media influencers are claiming that taping your mouth shut during sleep has life-changing effects. But the evidence isn’t airtight.
11:45
And The Oscar Goes To … Science
The Sci-Tech Awards honor behind-the-scenes technologies that bring movies to life, from car flippers to safe burn gel for fire stunts.
8:33
Ancient Iguanas Floated 5,000 Miles Across The Pacific
Millions of years ago, iguanas somehow got from North America to Fiji. Scientists think they made the trip on a raft of fallen vegetation.
9:03
Meet Fiona, The Pregnant Ichthyosaur Fossil
The marine reptile’s fossilized fetus is cluing paleontologists into the lives of ancient sea creatures.
5:21
This Ancient Wasp Might’ve Used Its Butt Flaps To Trap Prey
Taking a cue from a Venus flytrap, this prehistoric wasp had a creative way of getting its meal.
10:31
Anal Teeth And Deadly Farts: The World Of Invertebrate Butts
In this story from 2022, we meet the scientists and illustrators who spread joy and knowledge about the backends of the backbone-less.
17:18
Are There Things That We Know We Can’t Know?
In “Into the Unknown,” an astronomer explores the mysteries of the cosmos and the limits of what science can test.
12:13
$8 Billion Of Climate Tech Projects Were Canceled In 3 Months
How will market uncertainty and a lack of federal support for climate efforts affect the future of clean energy in the United States?
17:23
A New Book On The Horrifying, Creative World Of Insect Zombies
“Rise of the Zombie Bugs” explores how parasites create real-life zombies in the insect and invertebrate world.
12:11
How Death Metal Singers Make Their Extreme Vocalizations
Vocal researchers are learning how death metal singers safely produce extreme vocal distortions, in hopes of improving vocal health care.
17:25
A Precisely Pointed Laser Allows People To See New Color ‘Olo’
Researchers isolated one kind of cone in the eye and aimed lasers at it to allow subjects to see a super vibrant teal shade they call “olo.”
7:19
In Louisiana, A Chance To Study A Successful, Growing Wetland
Many wetlands are disappearing, but Louisiana’s “accidental” Wax Lake Delta is growing—and informing coastal restoration techniques.
17:30
Untangling The Mind-Body Connection In Chronic Pain
Research suggests that better understanding the psychological and neurological components of chronic pain may lead to better treatments.
How ‘Zombie’ Parasites Control Their Victims’ Minds
The idea of zombies has fascinated humans for centuries. Real-life parasites have been taking over the minds of insects for eons.
Meet The Death Metal Singers Changing Vocal Health Research
With cameras down their throats, metal singers show how they produce growls, screams, and squeals without damaging their vocal tissues.