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March 21, 2025
In a new book, author John Green traces how tuberculosis has impacted culture, geography, and even fashion over the centuries. Plus, certain words are overrepresented in text written by AI language models. A study investigates why models trained on conventional writing develop such preferences. And, when dwarf lemurs hibernate, their chromosomes do something odd.
34:45
The SciFri Book Club Takes a Hike
Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods” is this month’s book club read.
12:08
Researchers Revive a Plant Frozen in Time
A plant called a bryophyte survived 400 years frozen beneath glacier ice.
3:19
Teacher Feature: Ethnobotanist Tom Carlson
A student tells his former professor how much a class meant to him.
34:35
Bad Diagnosis for New Psychiatry “Bible”
Many experts say the DSM’s approach to mental illness is outdated, and it’s time to move on.
8:40
With Chemical Tweaks, Cement Becomes a Semiconductor
Researchers explain how a cement can take on some of the properties of a metal.
6:51
‘Crazy Ants’ Spreading in the Southeastern U.S.
Tawny crazy ants, recent arrivals to the country, are able to drive out even the imported fire ant.
27:28
Reinventing Farming for a Changing Climate
Climate change may increase pests and turn dry soil to dust. Farmers are already on the offensive.
12:19
Studies Question Potential Alzheimer’s Treatment
A skin cancer drug shown to lessen Alzheimer’s symptoms in mice may not work as originally claimed.
7:48
Tracking Killer Tornadoes
The massive tornado that struck Oklahoma this week was the product of specific atmospheric conditions—and bad luck.
26:14
Tackling New Tech in the Golden Years
How, and why, have some older people overcome the challenges of learning new technology?