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February 21, 2025
The CEO of one of America’s oldest scientific societies discusses the recent cuts to scientific institutions, and how scientists can respond. Plus, flu infections are the highest they’ve been in nearly 30 years, and flu deaths this winter have surpassed COVID deaths. And, a video of a gloriously creepy anglerfish inspired tears and poetry online.
Untangling The Hairy Physics Of Rapunzel
Kelly Ward, of Walt Disney Animation Studios, was tasked with bringing Rapunzel’s locks to life.
How Movie Makers Use Science to Make Magic
From miniatures and matte paintings to motion capture, a look at how movie technology has changed.
Searching for Nature’s Time Machines in Relics
A new book documents the creatures and places that can tell us about life on Earth millions of years ago.
How Humans and Insects Conquered the Earth
E.O. Wilson discusses evolution and natural selection in The Social Conquest of Earth.
Marc Abrahams Makes Science Improbably Funny
The editor and co-founder of The Annals of Improbable Research talks about why some seemingly absurd science matters.
Engineering for Success by Building on Failure
A new book explores why engineers should pay close attention to past failures when designing a new bridge or plane.
Living It Up In Space
Two NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station talk about life and the view from 220 miles above Earth.
Coyotes Come to the Big Apple
Wildlife biologist Mark Weckel is documenting coyote immigration through camera traps in city parks.
How Homo sapiens Became Masters of the Planet
Paleoanthropologist Ian Tattersall discusses our human origins in Masters of the Planet.
Taking a Walk on New York’s Wild Side
From beavers to flying squirrels — researchers discuss how cities like New York are home to diverse plant and animal life.