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.
Einstein’s real breakthrough? Quantum theory
In honor of Einstein’s birthday, we’re revisiting a 2013 conversation with physicist and author A. Douglas Stone about quantum theory.
The Surprising Science Of Why Sneakers Squeak
The forces that cause sneakers to squeak also create mini-earthquakes (shoe-quakes, if you will) and tiny lightning bolts.
The Evolution Of An Enzyme Engineer Who Changed Chemistry
Frances Arnold’s game-changing technique of “directed evolution” creates enzymes with unusual capabilities. Her own evolution made it possible.
Jump, Spin, Glide: The Science Of Figure Skating
What’s the secret to landing a quadruple lutz, or speeding your death spiral? A figure skating researcher weighs in.
Who Wants To Smell An Ancient Embalmed Mummy?
Chemists and perfumers are using new techniques to bring ancient scents back to life, from mummies to a 5,000-year-old incense burner.
The Largest US Particle Collider Stops Its Collisions
The Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, or RHIC, has ceased operation. What’s next for particle physics?
Drilling Into The Details Of Venezuela’s Oil
Not all oil is created equal. What does it take to extract and refine the “heavy” type of oil found in Venezuela? And what is it used for?
What’s Happening On The Slippery Surface Of Ice?
Conventional wisdom is that ice is slippery because it has a thin layer of water on top, but new research suggests something else is at play.
Tangling With Entanglement And Other Big Ideas In Physics
Physicist Sean Carroll takes on black holes, Schrödinger’s cat, and other big physics concepts that had our audience wondering.