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.
24:45
Turning Hydrogen Into A Metal Could Lead To New Superconductors
Turning hydrogen into a metal at room temperature could lead to new superconductors. But how far off is this super-material?
8:53
When Lions And Porcupines Battle, Humans Lose
A porcupine’s pointy quills might lead to people becoming prey.
33:05
‘Cribsheet’ Explores The Science Of Parenting
Health economist Emily Oster’s new book Cribsheet dives into the data on common parenting questions about sleep, breastfeeding, and childcare.
11:45
One Million Animal And Plant Species Are At Risk For Extinction
A new UN report says human interventions are the cause of a global biodiversity crisis.
Does Breastfeeding Affect Intelligence?
Economist Emily Oster examines the questionable studies that have led to the myth that breastfeeding increases IQ.
Interview Highlights: Looking To Spongier Cities To Combat A Wetter Future
From “Sponge Cities” in China to small “pocket prairies” in Houston, cities are fortifying communities to better prepare for wetter environments.
Dinosaur Poop 101: Fossil Fecal Forensics
Fossilized feces, known as coprolites, are helping paleontologists shed new light on the lifestyles and habits of dinosaurs that fossil bones can’t show.
8:44
Ancient Human Relatives At The Top Of The World
Paleoanthropologists announce a newly discovered Denisovan jawbone high on the Tibetan plateau.
3:19
How Much Fuel Does A Green Spring Add To The Fire?
California’s newly verdant hills will turn into kindling come this year’s wildfire season.
11:05
What Should We Do With The Online Profiles Of The Deceased?
1.4 billion Facebook users will pass away before the year 2100. How will their accounts be handled?
21:13
The Explorations Of An Early Climate Change Detective
Scenes from a new illustrated book bring the findings of naturalist and adventurer Alexander von Humboldt back to life.
24:28
Neuroscientists Peer Into The Mind’s Eye
If you hook a real brain up to artificial intelligence, what happens next?
22:28
The Business Of Predicting Climate Change
AT&T teamed up with scientists at Argonne National Laboratory to build a climate map of the U.S.
A 19th-Century Expedition To The Rim Of A Volcano
In a new graphic novel, scientist and polymath Alexander von Humboldt leads an intrepid band of scientists to catalog traces of life in a barren land.
To See Gulls Anew
Gulls are much more than the scavengers. They lead intricate lives at inland saline lakes when it’s time to breed.
11:32
The Climate Effects Of A Heated Campaign Season
The Democratic presidential primary field is vast—where do the candidates stand on climate issues?
11:42
How Much Worse Can The Measles Outbreak Get?
One of the most contagious viral diseases is spreading quickly across pockets of unvaccinated people in the U.S.
28:24
Poetry And Science, Under The Same Roof
A wordsmith and an astrophysicist on why scientists have long been drawn to creative takes on science—and why creativity is central to scientific thought.
33:39
Cities Are Turning Flood Water Into Freshwater
Climate change is predicted to have a major effect on water systems, and several cities around the world are adapting to be more resilient.