July 4, 2025
In this archival show, undersea archaeologist Robert Ballard shares adventures from beneath the waves and his love for deep-sea exploration. Plus, research suggests that we share parts of our microbiome with people in our social networks beyond family members. And, a book uses science and the benefit of hindsight to figure out how to survive some of history’s biggest disasters.
19:09
With Climate Change, No Happy Clams
Carbon emissions are slowly acidifying ocean waters, which could hurt the shellfish industry.
4:21
Rolling Out Bamboo Bicycles
Valid Cycles makes handcrafted bamboo bikes in Woodinville, Washington.
4:56
Human Genes Not Patentable, Supreme Court Says
The court found that isolating the BRCA1 gene does not constitute an “act of invention.â€
Bamboo Bicycles Roll Out
To be bike-ready, the bamboo must be cooked in an oven, stripped, and sealed. We visited the workshop of Valid Cycles in Woodinville, Washington, to see how the bikes are made.
Mars Road Trip, Bird Penises (or Lack Thereof), and More
A roundup of science stories or studies that blow our mind, tickle our funny bone, or generally strike our fancy.
Why Do We Remember Faces but Not Names?
You see a familiar face but space out on the name. Don’t beat yourself up. It’s only natural.
Al Gore: Studio Session
Former vice president Al Gore joins Ira Flatow in the studio to talk about ‘The Future.’
11:58
Strengthening Buildings in Tornado Alley
Improving resistance to tornadoes will require better building materials and techniques, plus political will.
34:00
Whole Genome Scans Could Reveal Too Much
If a patient’s genome scan turns up unexpected genetic risk factors, are doctors obligated to tell?
4:51
Comet Shines Light on Sun Dynamics
Comet Lovejoy grazed the sun’s corona and lived to tell the tale. Its tail movements were the most telling.
12:08
Tracing The Origins Of French Winemaking
Researchers have used archaeology and biomolecular assays to date the start of viniculture in France.
17:22
How to Survive a Mass Extinction
Writer Annalee Newitz has a plan to help humans survive a planet-wide catastrophic event.
11:25
Promising Results in Early Trial of Novel MS Treatment
A small, early clinical trial shows it may be feasible to alter the immune response that leads to MS.
Comet’s Tail Shines Light on Sun
In 2011, comet Lovejoy traveled through the sun’s corona and lived to tell the tale. But its tail was the most telling.
Surviving the End of the World (As We Know It)
Another mass extinction on earth is inevitable. So let’s get on with life.
Out of This World
Space artist Dan Durda forges into the unknown to create celestial scenery that educates and inspires.
Horseshoe Crab Bandits, Quick Whiskey, Milky Way Map, and More
A roundup of science stories or studies that blow our mind, tickle our funny bone, or generally strike our fancy.
A Sculpture Eavesdrops Underwater
A submerged piece of art will grow into an artificial reef while recording surrounding marine sounds.
8:40
With Chemical Tweaks, Cement Becomes a Semiconductor
Researchers explain how a cement can take on some of the properties of a metal.