May 9, 2025
Some car designers are turning from touchscreen controls back to physical buttons. Two researchers explain why that could be better. Plus, geneticists used CRISPR gene editing to grow bigger tomatoes and eggplants without sacrificing flavor. And, an executive order could change the political tides for deep sea mining.
17:27
How Artists And Scientists Collaborated To Make Art About HIV
At an HIV research conference earlier this year, HIV-positive artists and scientists were paired together to create art for an exhibition.
7:41
A Saltwater Wedge Is Moving Up The Mississippi River
Thanks to a persistent drought, the creeping crisis threatens infrastructure and human health. Reporter Halle Parker answers your questions.
8:58
Kenya’s Geothermal Boom Could Help Power Africa
The geologically active East African Rift System has already helped Kenya become the world’s seventh largest geothermal producer.
16:48
Meet The Doctor Who Solves Medical Mysteries
Dr. Joe DeRisi specializes in helping patients with no clear explanation for their symptoms.
Kevin Perry On Doing The Right Thing
Dr. Kevin Perry, an atmospheric scientist working to save the Great Salt Lake, talks about finding meaningful directions in his research.
How This Composer Integrated Neuroscience Into Her Music
Composer Sarah Hennies’ new piece “Motor Tapes” was inspired by a neurological theory of the same name. How did she translate it to music?
The Future Earth: Author Livestream And Q&A
On October 25, join our event to talk what it means to be hopeful, pragmatic and equitable when building climate change solutions
11:55
After 7 Years, NASA Gets Its Asteroid Sample
The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft swung by Earth this week and released its asteroid sample capsule, which landed safely in the Utah desert.
10:03
Are Jellyfish Smarter Than We Think?
A new experiment finds that jellyfish are capable of learning from past mistakes and adapting their behavior.
7:08
The Mysteries Of Freshwater Jellyfish
Researchers think the species hitched a ride on aquatic plants shipped from China, then spread across the Midwest.
12:04
The Science Behind The Placebo Effect
Researchers are learning that placebos might be even more effective when patients know they’re receiving them.
17:22
Where Technology Meets Ableism
In her new book, “Against Technoableism,” Dr. Ashley Shew argues that cutting-edge technology is not always a needed solution for disability.
6:49
Sour Times For Florida’s Citrus
Scientists are working on ways to salvage plants damaged by “citrus greening,” which causes bitter, acidic fruit.
10:10
Making Neuroscience Into Music
Composer Sarah Hennies’ new piece “Motor Tapes” was inspired by a neurological theory of the same name. How did she translate it to music?
17:26
How You See With Your Brain
A neuroscientist discusses how your brain processes visual information and what we can learn from the brains of people with schizophrenia.
Ask Disabled People What They Want. It’s Not Always Technology.
While our lives are deeply entangled with technologies of all kinds, technology can be seen as a “solution” to the “problem” of disability.
Marisa Tellez On The Croc Within
Dr. Marisa Tellez shares how to have people skills like a crocodile scientist.
Our Audience Feedback Survey Was Overrun By Bots. Here Are 5 Lessons We Learned.
When our survey data was skewed by AI, we learned how to filter fake responses from our listeners.
Desktop Diaries
Leading science experts take you behind the scenes at their workspaces.
12:04
A Week Of Climate Protests, Meetings, Pledges, And Action
2023’s Climate Week NYC witnessed hundreds of events, protests, and pledges from world leaders at the UN General Assembly meeting.