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.
11:50
The Long Tail Of Long COVID
Plus, more details on the highly transmissible delta COVID-19 variant and what happens when a spider eats a snake.
17:22
California’s Climate Program Is Actually Adding Carbon To The Atmosphere
An investigation reveals the state’s emissions program has been overestimating climate benefits of its offsets.
12:13
Is The Truth About UFOs Out There?
A much-anticipated government report examines “unexplained aerial phenomena” seen by Navy pilots.
17:16
Rats Learn To Hide And Seek
Neuroscientists say they can learn a lot by observing brains at play.
16:08
Making Music To Sharpen Aging Brains
In early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, playing musical instruments may benefit memory and slow cognitive decline.
16:36
A Monterey Bay Aquarium Scientist Gives Fun Facts About Cephalopods
Learn about octopi’s dietary preferences, how to raise cephalopods, and more from staff at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The Climate Solution Actually Adding Millions Of Tons Of CO2 Into The Atmosphere
California’s climate policy created up to 39 million carbon credits that aren’t achieving carbon savings. But companies can buy these offsets to justify polluting more anyway.
Untangling The Long-Armed Mystery Of The Bigfin Squid
The elbowed, spindly appendages of the bigfin squid have long stunned the public. But scientists say there is more to this deep-sea dweller than its ghostly appearance.
What Do You Call A Tiny Octopus That’s Cute As A Button?
Plus: What squid have to do with Instagram filters.
Paper Airplane Flight Challenge
Discover what makes a paper airplane fly longer, farther, and higher with this design challenge — all you need is a piece of paper!
12:11
Kids Are Benefiting From Adult Vaccinations, Too
Plus, how climate change could bring cicadas out more often.
17:20
How To Talk About Medical Marijuana With Your Doctor
With more states legalizing medical marijuana, physicians and patients are both figuring out how to best use cannabis.
9:36
What Can Crayfish Tell Us About Drugs In Our Waterways?
Scientists found that one antidepressant made crayfish bolder.
19:28
COVID-19 Vaccines May Not Protect Immunocompromised People
If you have a compromised immune system, you can be fully vaccinated, but still not protected against COVID-19.
27:05
The Best Sci-Fi Books To Read This Summer
Need a literary escape this summer? We’ve asked two sci-fi aficionados for their recommendations.
7:05
We Aren’t Squidding Around—It’s Cephalopod Week 2021!
A week-long celebration kicks off with some trivia on the origins of squiddy words.
11:54
Senate Bill Supports NSF Overhaul And Tech Research Funding
Plus, reports on UFOs, the impact of climate change on the military, and an elephant dictionary.
17:00
Why Oxen Were The Original Robots
A roboticist on why we should look at animals, not humans, to understand how artificial intelligence can fit into our lives.
12:14
FDA’s Approval Of Debated Alzheimer’s Treatment Raises Controversy
The FDA approved the first drug for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in almost 20 years. But the benefits of the costly medication aren’t clear.
22:05
When Scientists Get It Wrong
Science is supposed to be self-correcting, but admitting mistakes is easier said than done.