May 2, 2025
An astronomer explores the cosmos and the limits of what science can test. Plus, how the mysterious properties of pasta—like how it bends, coils, and breaks—have been tested by physicists for decades. And, millions of years ago, iguanas somehow got from North America to Fiji. Scientists think they made the trip on a raft of fallen vegetation.
17:00
How Christmas Bird Counts Help Shape Science
Long-ranging records are helping track changing bird patterns.
12:14
How A Former Microsoft Exec Mastered The Perfect Slice—Using Science
Nathan Mhyrvold, author of “Modernist Pizza,” made over 12,000 pies to investigate the physics and chemistry of the perfect slice.
17:24
E.O. Wilson’s Indelible Mark On Ecology
Reflecting on the late naturalist’s extensive legacy.
17:32
The Fossil—And Family—Records Of Richard Leakey
A leading authority on paleoanthropology, Richard Leakey leaves behind an expansive body of work on human evolution.
17:17
Omicron May Be Less Severe. It’s Still A Big Healthcare Problem.
A breakdown of what to consider when talking about severity.
11:58
Glitter Gets An Eco-Friendly Glimmer
Chemists have developed a new way to make eco-friendly glitter from plant fibers.
25:39
Chilling Out With Unusual Ice
From pancake to frazil ice, an oceanographer shares insights into the Earth’s poles.
3:44
The Curious Case Of The Unmeltable Ice Cube
A non-melting ‘jelly ice’ cube could improve packaging and cold storage.
17:37
Francis Collins, Longest-Running NIH Director, To Step Down
An acclaimed geneticist who helped map the human genome, Dr. Francis Collins reflects on his long tenure at the NIH.
33:41
The Best Science Books Of 2021
Whether you’re spending down a holiday gift certificate or heading out to the library for winter page-turners, we’ve got you covered.
12:12
The Resurrection Of The American Chestnut
A once-common food staple, this giant tree has essentially disappeared from American forests. Can we bring it back—and should we?
16:42
Surfing Particles Can Supercharge Northern Lights
How the physics of plasma, particles, and the Earth’s magnetic field combine in dazzling displays of aurora.
29:14
Looking Back On A Century of Science
The archives of Science News offer a window into how science has progressed and changed over a hundred years.
16:40
Decking the Halls, Mathematically
How many calories does Santa consume? From Markov chains to matrices, mathematician Hannah Fry is here to optimize your holiday questions.
17:08
When Can Climate Change Be Comedy?
A disaster-ologist and a movie curator discuss the role that disaster movies play in understanding the biggest challenges facing humanity.
American Chestnut: Resurrecting A Forest Giant
The American Chestnut towered in forests, then disappeared. Now, it’s staging a comeback.
11:48
A Spike In Winter COVID Cases Begins
Plus, scientists discover a new species of millipede that actually lives up to its name.
10:19
Black Protestant Clergy Are Effectively Encouraging Vaccines
In historically Black Protestant churches, regular attendees are much more likely to be vaccinated than those who come infrequently.
6:34
What Is Causing Maine’s Puffins To Physically Shrink?
Centuries of see-sawing growth and decline now has a new factor: climate change.
11:57
Big Trees, Big Benefits
The largest one percent of trees play an outsized role in forest ecosystems.