Indigenous peoples burned their land for thousands of years to prevent much larger fires. It might be an important part of future wildfire prevention. Plus, a new film explores the extraordinary life of neurologist and writer Oliver Sacks. And some birds use the sound their feathers make as a communication tool.

Wildfires and COVID-19 are shining a light on the systemic issues in ill-equipped long-term care facilities. Plus, Senator Markey discusses the election and the environment.

The discovery of a medium-sized black hole offers new insights into how black holes form and grow. Then, a World War II tragedy offers compelling evidence that public education and social distancing actually work.

Are kids really COVID-19 “super spreaders”? We dive into the data. Plus, how urban forests can help combat climate change. And, cells can solve mazes. What does this mean for cancer research?

The underestimated importance of ventilation systems, and how they could stop the spread of COVID-19 indoors. Plus, biologist Sarah McAnulty answers listener questions about cephalopods.

For parents of new babies, the pandemic creates new hurdles. Plus, how Iowa’s storms can hit like a hurricane and why parasites shouldn’t get a bad rap.

How might faster, cheaper tests help with better tracking of infectious COVID-19 patients? Plus, a researcher looking for gendered bias against robots found something else instead: We just don’t trust them at all.

Presumed Democratic nominee Joe Biden has unveiled an ambitious $2 trillion plan for climate change—and the economy. Plus scientists search for tiny but mighty bacteria with medical value in Peru’s Boiling River.

For months, the incarcerated population has been battling COVID-19—and the struggle to contain the disease is highlighting systemic public health issues. Plus, a new look at how sperm swim, and the challenges of planning a sports league during pandemic times.

As recovered patients return home, medical professionals are learning about lingering health effects from serious cases of COVID-19. Plus, new pictures of our Sun’s surface remind us just how little we know about it. And new research looks at why we became the main course for some mosquitoes.