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March 14, 2025
Fungal networks in the ground ferry crucial nutrients to plants. How do brainless organisms form complex supply chain networks? Plus, in this year’s baseball spring training, the new Automated Ball-Strike System is helping settle challenges to home plate pitch calls. And, the evolving science of how childhood trauma shapes adults.
23:39
The Grifter’s Real Game? Psychology
In “The Confidence Game,” Maria Konnikova explains how human psychology predisposes us to take the grifter’s bait.
12:05
An Invisible Leak, With Glaring Consequences
Natural gas has been spewing out of California’s Aliso Canyon since late October, so why hasn’t it been plugged yet?
8:58
For the Lowly Incandescent Bulb, a Ray of Hope
Physicists have been able to “recycle” some of the incandescent light bulb’s wasted heat and emit it as visible light, boosting efficiency.
11:54
HIV Prevention With PrEP, an Ancient Microbiome, and Freezing Fat
A new study shows that nearly two-thirds of new HIV infections in gay and bisexual men in the Netherlands could be prevented with pre-exposure prophylaxis.
17:02
Tending to Your Winter Garden
Tips for guarding your garden against the winter chill.
4:57
These Outmoded Scientific Instruments Are Also Things of Beauty
Steve Erenberg collects early scientific and medical instruments that are also things of beauty.
12:10
Will a ‘Godzilla El Niño’ Put a Dent in the Drought?
Despite the big splash recent precipitation has made with residents of the West, current snowfall numbers are just about average, says JPL snow hydrologist Tom Painter.
17:11
Always Hungry? Your Fat Cells May Be To Blame
Certain diets cause fat cells to suck up too much fuel, says David Ludwig, author of the new book “Always Hungry,” leaving the rest of the body hungry.
28:37
Viewing the Road Ahead for Self-Driving Cars
Imagine a future in which all cars can drive themselves. What might that do to our cities, towns, and society?
21:06
From the Origin of Art, to the End of Humanity
In 2011, a novelist, a filmmaker, and a physicist joined Ira for a wide-ranging conversation about art, science, and the mysterious place where they intersect.