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February 7, 2025
Some research shows that e-cigarettes can be a useful tool for quitting cigarettes, but that strategy is hotly contested by scientists. Plus, an investigative journalist outlines how fraud and misconduct have stalled the search for effective Alzheimer’s treatments in a new book. And, why snow has that crisp, clean smell.
2:20
How Many Digits Of Pi Do We Really Need?
Mathematician James Grime of the YouTube channel Numberphile has determined that 39 digits of pi should suffice.
17:23
The Homogenous History of Processed Cheese
A dairy scientist unwraps the history of processed cheese, and the simple chemistry that DIY chefs can use to make it at home.
13:43
The Ultimate Parallel Processor: Quantum Bits
The world’s most time-consuming calculations could someday be solved by quantum computers.
21:26
Ask an Ophthalmologist: Bringing Your Eye Questions Into Focus
Ophthalmologists Lisa Park and Anne Sumers address queries about eyes and vision.
16:48
The Bacteria Behind Your Favorite Blues, Bries, and More
Microbiologist Rachel Dutton discusses the bacterial battle behind the tastes and textures of cheese.
07:55
Researchers Set Their Sights on Ocular Stem Cell Therapy
Researchers used stem cells to grow eye tissues in petri dishes and regenerate lenses inside of the body.
11:50
Cancer Immunotherapy, Fear in the Natural World, and Abolishing Time Zones
Fine-tuning cancer immunotherapy and the good and bad of eliminating time zones.
17:26
Inside NASA’s Planetary Defense Office
How does NASA plan to protect the planet against an asteroid or comet strike?
15:54
To Stave Off Extinction, Protect ‘Half-Earth’
In his new book, “Half-Earth,” Harvard biologist E.O. Wilson argues that we must set aside half the planet for nature.
12:13
Revealing Van Gogh’s True Colors
Are the walls of Van Gogh’s “The Bedroom” blue…or violet? A chemist shares the results of a scientific investigation into Van Gogh’s palette.