April 26, 2024
For her new book, Aarathi Prasad spent years researching the past and future of silk—and even grew her own silkworms. Plus, an array of new products monitors users’ brain waves using caps or headbands. That neural data has few privacy protections. And, bonobo males may not live up to their reputation as calmer, more peaceful great apes.
25:26
Nobel Prize Roundup: “God Particle” Strikes Gold
Guest host John Dankosky reviews the discoveries behind this year’s Nobel Prizes.
20:38
“Brave Genius”: A Tale of Two Nobelists
“Brave Genius” profiles two extraordinary men: biologist Jacques Monod and philosopher Albert Camus.
The Scientist and the Philosopher
An excerpt from “Brave Genius: A Scientist, a Philosopher, and Their Daring Adventures From the French Resistance to the Nobel Prize.”
The Uncanny Geometry of Martian Dunes
A lofty view from space reveals the Red Planet’s polygonal geometry.
Music Lover? This Startup Knows What Tunes You Want to Hear
The Echo Nest mines big data to find songs and musical artists that suit a range of auditory affinities.
7:33
With Government Shut Down, Science Idles
As the budgetary stalemate in Washington continues, many federally funded science projects are now on hold.
4:15
Sifting Martian Soil and Dreaming of Future Expeditions
Recent analyses of Martian soil have found significant amounts of water.
33:31
Cracking Open Encryption Standards
How secure are the encryption systems that protect our communications?
21:34
‘Countdown’ Explores the Effects of Our Overpopulated Planet
How can we sustain and balance the exploding global population?
14:03
Radio Rewind: Leon Lederman
Physicist Leon Lederman discusses the Standard Model versus a Unified Theory of particle physics.
Following Up on ‘A World Without Us’
An excerpt from “Countdown: Our Last, Best Hope for a Future on Earth?”
Like That Wine? You Might Thank an Earth Scientist
Geologist Kevin Pogue helps winemakers pick out top vineyards based on the region’s terroir, which entails environmental attributes such as soil, climate, and rock composition.
10 Questions for Donna Nelson, Breaking Bad’s Science Muse
The organic chemistry professor helps the Emmy-winning series make scientific sense.
22:49
Modern Humans Still Evolving, and Faster Than Ever
Recent evolution has given humans the ability to break down starch and digest cheese. Bon appetit!
23:32
Saving Wild Places in the ‘Anthropocene’
Do we need to rethink how we protect nature in the age of climate change?
11:50
World’s Largest Neutrino Telescope Buried in Antarctic Ice
The IceCube telescope detects over 100,000 neutrinos every year.
17:07
Food Fermentation: The Science of Sausage and Cheese
The chemistry behind sausage and cheese.
16:50
Les Paul: Inventor and Innovator
Paul was a lifelong tinkerer, building a railroad rail guitar as a teen and hearing aids in his 90s.