Episodes

A Supreme Court decision could affect world efforts to combat climate change. Plus, climate researchers have felt ignored, but now a group of scientists are sounding the alarms in very public ways. And the best science books to read this summer.

Although gender-affirming care is safe and effective, there is more to learn about how to best care for trans people over the course of their entire lives. Plus, HIPAA is often cited when it’s not applicable. What’s covered and what’s not? And a new book dives into amazing animal sensory abilities.

Some state laws to ban or restrict abortion may also interfere with common IVF treatments—we’ll analyze the effects. Plus, a long-awaited COVID vaccine approval for kids nears release. And Ira and undersea experts tackle audience questions at a Cephalopod Week celebration.

Cephalopod Week is back! We explore the newest science about the fancy tricks and ineffable weirdness of these animals. Plus, race is often conflated with biology in medicine. A more nuanced approach is emerging: using culturally competent care in treatment. And a new book explores the surprising roots of facial reconstruction surgery.

A new book will make you question what you thought you knew about sex. Plus, A vast majority of medical school students graduate with no education on medical marijuana. As more states legalize it, that’s a problem. And how discovering thousands of new viruses in the ocean sheds new light on underwater ecosystems.

Personal health data, like the kind shared on period tracking apps, may be used in court if abortion protections are overturned. Plus, how can we inspire the next generation of female scientists? And we dive into the wonderful world of sharks.

A recent Texas law limiting abortions also limits safe miscarriage treatment. What does Texas’ current reality mean for a future without Roe v. Wade? Plus, should robots replace astronauts in space? And a conversation with the creators of the new dinosaur docuseries “Prehistoric Planet.’

In 2020, over half of American abortions were medication abortions. What will happen to women’s access to these pills if Roe v. Wade is overturned? Plus, scientists release the first image of the black hole at the center of our galaxy. And what happened in the aftermath of the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs?

Explorer and undersea archaeologist Robert Ballard describes finding the wreck of the Titanic and other deep-ocean discoveries. Plus, a neuroscientist explores the science behind heartache. And how social media is bringing diverse science communicators to a wider audience.

Judges are seeing skyrocketing numbers of separated parents arguing over whether to vaccinate their children. Plus, can hydrogen fuel cell cars catch up to the electric car market? And why your dog’s breed doesn’t necessarily indicate its behavior.