Simone Giertz’s journey from robot comedy to high-end design
Inventor Simone Giertz rose to YouTube fame with comically bad robots. Now she designs comically useful objects for our very normal problems.
When a dolphin whistles, what does it mean?
Recordings from a decades-long research project in Florida are helping scientists decode the complexity of dolphin whistles.
Inside the lives of astronauts’ families
Tracy Scott’s dad walked on the moon. Now, as a sociologist, she studies the lives and families of other Apollo-era astronauts.
Green stuff, brown stuff: Secrets to a great compost pile
As spring gardens sprout, we’re digging into the basics of composting, and how to get started no matter where you are.
Why so many studies can’t be replicated
An analysis of thousands of social science studies found that half couldn’t be replicated. What’s behind this pattern, and can it be fixed?
How a sound designer gave an alien its voice (and 250 words)
Erik Aadahl, the sound designer behind “Project Hail Mary” and 2014’s “Godzilla,” uses his background in biology to bring characters to life.
Can GLP-1 drugs treat addiction?
Researchers are investigating whether GLP-1 drugs could be used to treat addiction disorders, following patient reports of reduced cravings.
What a sperm whale’s birth tells us about whale culture
Ten whales helped a mama sperm whale give birth—giving us a glimpse into whale culture and why animals help each other out.
Is the US backing out of the electric vehicle market?
With super-fast charging times and low prices, Chinese-made cars are a driving force in the global EV market. Is the U.S. getting left behind?
Can algae help pull microplastics out of our water supply?
Microplastics are everywhere, including in our water. One scientist wants wastewater plants to put bioengineered algae to work for a cleanup.