26:54
The SciFri Book Club Talks Oliver Sacks’ ‘On the Move’
After three weeks reading “On the Move,” the SciFri Book Club is back to discuss Oliver Sacks’ autobiography.
6:36
Behind the Bouba-Kiki Effect
In study after study, 90 percent of people agree: A pointy shape is named “Kiki” and a rounded shape is “Bouba.”
17:20
Century-Long Search Leads to Landmark Gravitational Wave Discovery
For the first time, scientists have directly detected gravitational waves—the last unproven part of Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
The Bouba-Kiki Effect
In most scientific research, upwards of 90% of people will associate a pointy polygon with “kiki” and a rounded amoeboid with “bouba.”
Hr2: Gene Editing, Mind-Body Medicine, C-Section Microbiome
Jo Marchant shares the results of her deep dive into the evidence –and against– mind-body medicine, from placebo effects to hypnosis and meditation. Plus, gene-editing techniques, and research into restoring the maternal microbiome to babies born via C-section.
Hr1: News Roundup, War On Cancer, Polling
When President Nixon signed the National Cancer Act of 1971, he waged the War on Cancer. Forty-five years and over $100 billion later, are we winning? Plus, why couldnt the polls predict the Iowa primaries?
11:49
Bed Bug Genome, Zika Virus Update, and Computing Under the Waves
Two teams of researchers mapped out the bed bug genome. Plus, does Microsoft’s idea for underwater data centers hold water?
7:53
Restoring Maternal Microbes to Babies Born by C-Section
Researchers swabbed babies born through C-section with birth-canal bacteria to see if they could restore their microbiomes.
25:18
Weighing the Evidence on Mind-Body Medicine
In “Cure,” Jo Marchant shares the results of her deep dive into the evidence for—and against—mind-body medicine, from placebo effects to hypnosis and meditation.
12:04
Human Embryo Gene Editing Gets Go-Ahead in U.K.
Scientists will not be using the method for any direct therapeutic purpose, but instead will investigate the genes that guide human development.