February 7, 2025
Some research shows that e-cigarettes can be a useful tool for quitting cigarettes, but that strategy is hotly contested by scientists. Plus, an investigative journalist outlines how fraud and misconduct have stalled the search for effective Alzheimer’s treatments in a new book. And, why snow has that crisp, clean smell.
7:49
Wireless Monitoring Gives Parents Greater Access To Newborns In The NICU
Free from wires, parents can experience more skin to skin contact with their babies thanks to a new wireless monitoring device.
25:58
Rewriting The Genomic Alphabet
Scientists are creating unnatural base pairs and synthesizing genomes to better understand DNA—and create new medicines and fuels.
The Moments After Chernobyl Blew
First responders arrive at the crippled nuclear power station in this excerpt from ‘Midnight in Chernobyl’ by Adam Higginbotham.
A Night Of Volcanoes And Earthquakes With N.K. Jemisin
Learn how N.K. Jemisin used volcanology and seismology to write ‘The Fifth Season.’
6:46
A Tantalum Bullet For Asteroid Research
Japan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft will use a bullet to collect samples from an asteroid and return them to Earth.
4:57
California And The Federal Government Clash Over Environmental Rules (Again)
Trump Administration officials have pulled out of talks with California over fuel economy standards for cars.
7:45
Why Do Grapes Spark In The Microwave?
The answer involves hotspots, ions, electrons, and plasma. Yes, plasma.
8:58
Clearing Up The ‘Art Acne’ On Georgia O’Keeffe’s Paintings
Scientists are working to clean up small dimples on Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings caused by the aging of pigments.
9:20
Now Presenting, The Nominees For The Next Space Telescope
Four telescope projects have been nominated to be NASA’s next great observatory. But which will take home the coveted award?
7:17
Israel Launches The First Privately-Funded Lunar Mission
The Beresheet lunar lander’s $90 million budget came mostly from private funders.
16:44
Is California Ready For The Next Catastrophic Flood?
The worst flood in California history was once thought to be incredibly rare. But new data—and climate change—are changing the equations.
28:52
When Black Holes Burp, Stars Sense It
As a grad student, Priya Natarajan theorized that winds emanate from black holes, affecting nearby stars. Now, new evidence hints that she was right.
Cocktail Chemistry Quest With Science Friday And OMSI
On Friday April 5, we’re brewing up trouble in Portland, Oregon with a chance to taste and learn about the science behind spirits.
Hungry Hungry Hermetia
Food waste is a real problem in the world today. Can you design an economic and environmental solution—with fly larvae?
The Origin Of ‘The Five-Second Rule’
It has to do with Genghis Khan and Julia Child.
11:19
What Does That Parking Lot Puddle Have To Do With Climate Change?
The amount of water in the streets and other low-level flooding in coastal communities has increased—and it is linked to changes in climate.
The Art And History Shaped By Volcanic Winters
Volcanoes have a long and storied history of altering the course of human culture.
Why You Can’t Bring A Jar Of Peanut Butter On A Plane—And Other Illusive Liquids
Peanut butter’s thick, sticky spread is not a solid, but a liquid. Explore the many curious properties of fluid materials that can be tricky to grasp.
7:39
NASA Loses An Opportunity, And Greenland Takes One
This week, we say goodbye to the rover that turned a 90-day mission into a 14-year journey on the Red Planet.
4:41
How Will Arizona Battle Drought In The Next Decade?
Arizona, and seven other states that use the Colorado River for water, is putting together a plan to address future drought and water needs.