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.
Spending the Holidays at a Toxic Waste Site
Where the typical tourist sees putrid wasteland, writer Andrew Blackwell sees magnificent scenery.
Microscopic Movie Stars
In the 1950s-1970s, Roman Vishniac made educational science films, featuring footage he shot through his microscope.
Why Science Is a Non-Issue in the Election…Again
How science stacks up against other issues discussed and debated on the campaign trail.
Building Organs, On One Microchip at a Time
Scientists are making tiny microchips that can breathe, digest and pump blood like human organs.
“Resilience” Looks at How Things Bounce Back
Are you resilient? Writer Andrew Zolli describes how he thinks “resilience science” can help us weather life’s big and small catastrophes.
Ask an Astrophysicist
Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist Adam Riess takes your questions on dark energy and the cosmos.
Sally Ride, Pioneer
A tribute to space pioneer Sally Ride, America’s first female astronaut
A Spacesuit Ballet
This video features archival NASA footage of mobility tests for several spacesuit prototypes.
Technology Could Give Athletes an Edge at Olympic Park
From aerodynamic bikes to “fast pools,†a look at how technology impacts sporting success.
Getting High: Physics of the Fosbury Flop
The world record for the high jump is just over 8 feet–that’s like leaping over a stop sign.
Sniffing Out the Science Behind Sports Doping
The cat and mouse game between drug-taking athletes and scientists trying to catch them.
Neuroscientist Turned Crime Solver in Perception
A schizophrenic neuroscience professor is TV’s newest nerdy crimefighter.
Melting the World’s Biggest Ice Cube
As Antarctica warms, its ice sheets are sliding into the ocean–raising sea levels across the globe.
Its Budget Sunk, Undersea Lab May Have to Surface
Now that federal funds have dried up, Florida’s Aquarius undersea lab faces an uncertain future.
Getting a Leg Up: High Jump Explained
Jesus Dapena studies how humans reach great heights, biomechanically.
Tumors Evade Treatment with Help from Neighboring Cells
Researchers hone in on where cancer cells live for answers about drug resistance.
Silk Stretches Drugs Shelf Life to New Lengths
A silky solution to the age old question of how to keep drugs viable without refrigeration.
The Nuts and Bolts of High-Speed Rail
After years on the slow track, America’s high-speed rail may finally be building momentum.
Climate Change Ups Odds of Heat Waves, Drought
Researchers say heat waves are 20 times more likely today than in the 1960s, due to global warming.
What Happens When Scientists Get It Wrong?
When a controversial paper comes out, skeptical scientists can attempt to replicate the study. But how many scientists have the time–and money–to police bad science?