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.
12:11
You, Too, Can Be All Thumbs. Or At Least Three.
Scientists are studying what a prosthetic device they’re calling a “Third Thumb” does to your brain.
17:26
The Healing Power Of Nostalgia
The complex emotion that you feel when digging up photos from the past could also be the key to coping with our present—and navigating our future.
16:19
The Future Of Orcas Threatened In Changing Waters
Killer whales and their ancient culture are threatened by climate change and human pressures.
17:03
Pandemic Unveils Growing Suicide Crisis For Communities Of Color
Suicides have risen among Black, Hispanic and other communities of color during COVID-19. But the rates were already escalating before the pandemic struck.
How The Puget Sound Region Is Reckoning With Disappearing Salmon
Journalist Lynda Mapes speaks with local tribe leaders and conservation groups as they grapple with the loss of symbolic aquatic life.
The Rise Of The Myers-Briggs, Chapter 1: Katharine
A mother sets out to raise the perfect child.
12:05
This Fish Is The Master Of The Poignant Pause
Much like your favorite public radio host, electric fish use pauses in speech, too.
10:42
Lighting Design For Your Paleolithic Cave
Researchers modeled lighting options—from torches to oil lamps—used by ancient cave artists.
11:52
A Stomp, A Roar, An Elephantquake?
Elephants’ movements and vocalizations can travel through the ground—and scientists look to what earthquake-detection technology might teach us.
34:04
Margaret Atwood On The Science Behind ‘Oryx And Crake’
In this archival interview, the award-winning author calls the novel a form of “speculative fiction.”
23:40
Science Crimes: From Grave Robbers To An Icepick Surgeon
A new book documents the biggest scientific crimes in history and pulls no punches.
12:03
President Biden’s Infrastructure Bill Sees The End Of The Road
The nearly 2,000 page bill covers infrastructure improvements that include funding for projects that would build up the country’s climate change resilience.
16:39
Local Communities Spar Over Minnesota Oil Pipeline
A plan to replace aging oil infrastructure is nearly complete. Here’s why tribal nations and other Minnesota residents are still divided over its risks and benefits.
12:00
How Imperfect Data Leads Us Astray
If we make decisions based on data, what happens when the data is wrong?
17:22
CRISPR Stops Rare Genetic Disease In New Human Trial
Gene-editing technique CRISPR may deliver new treatments for genetic diseases—and it’s already being tested on patients.
4:06
Latinos In The West Are Twice As Likely To Be Affected By Wildfires
“Climate does not discriminate, but our housing crisis has.”
13:14
Consider The Nocturnal, Whiskered Oilbird
A deep dive into a bird that’s “wrong in every way,” according to a researcher who loves them.
17:17
Wait, Am I Going To Need A Booster Shot?
Epidemiologist Dr. Céline Gounder untangles rapidly changing pandemic updates.
What Puzzle-Solving Crows Can Teach Us About Animal Intelligence
Why are crows considered intelligent? Use animal behavior and the design process to design a problem-solving test for chosen species.
Reports Of Mysterious Bird Disease Decreasing In Pennsylvania
Notices of an alarming illness causing swollen eyes and death among songbirds in the mid-Atlantic to Indiana are on the decline.