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.
4:28
Does More Sand Always Mean A Better Beach?
Adding sand to beaches is a longstanding coastal tool. But are there any downsides?
6:19
If You Give A Maggot A Cookie…
Researchers are digging into the eating habits of maggots to help solve the food waste problem.
17:10
More Options For Cancer Immunotherapy
We can teach the immune system to kill tumors. But how will researchers get past autoimmune side effects and other challenges in cancer immunotherapy?
11:33
These Eyebrows Speak Volumes
New research suggests our brows evolved to be something other than looking fierce.
16:47
A Look At Unconventional Bird Calls
Some bird calls come from an unexpected source—it’s not just males that perform calls, and some hummingbirds use their tail feathers to create chirps.
27:00
How To Talk With Aliens
A meeting of the minds talk about how we might write messages to intelligent extraterrestrial beings—and if it’s ethical to send them.
7:24
How Facebook Makes Scam Artists’ Jobs Easier
Medical falsehoods go unchecked on the platform and harmful “miracle cures” attract a cult following.
4:31
The Maine Lobster Industry Is Entangled With Endangered Whales
Declining numbers of endangered right whales has sparked a debate about the impact of Maine’s lobster industry on the dwindling numbers.
7:16
Meet The Bowhead Whale, The Jazz Singer of the Deep
Scientists recorded a population of bowhead whales singing 184 different melodies over a span of three years.
11:35
Unequal Levees Could Leave Some Towns To Drown
Some districts along the Mississippi River have built their levees above government-authorized heights, shifting the risk of flooding to less-protected towns.
9:15
Do Our Brains Keep Growing As We Age?
More research finds evidence of new cell growth in aging brains. So why do our minds slow down as we get older?
25:05
The Internet Asks “Does It Fart?” And Science Answers
There’s more to flatology once you get a closer whiff.
26:47
50 Years Ago: The Odyssey To Craft ‘2001’
A look back on Arthur C. Clarke, Stanley Kubrick, and the science fiction masterpiece they wrote as they went along.
Full Of Stars
How a mechanical limitation forced “2001: A Space Odyssey” to slow down.
Cómo capturar un aroma
Separa y captura moléculas de aroma mediante vaporización por calor.
6:56
What Happened The Last Time Earth Got Hot Quickly?
Plus, 13,000-year-old footprints, the James Webb telescope is delayed, and a rogue satellite makes a timely landing.
4:59
Climate Science Goes To Court In California Oil Case
A judge requested a climate science tutorial in a federal lawsuit where two California cities are suing the oil company Chevron.
7:56
Is There A Cell Phone Link To Cancer? A Definite Maybe
A government study found a possible link to a rare type of cancer in rats. A peer review panel met this week and endorsed the findings.
Death And Thievery In The Colony
Cleptoparasite female bee, in the nest, with the manacles.