September 27, 2024
Climate activists Bill McKibben and Akaya Windwood say it isn’t fair to leave the climate crisis for younger generations to solve. Plus, a cultural anthropologist discusses the Mariana Islands’ long history of colonization and why demilitarization matters for climate progress. And, new research into a fish known as the sea robin finds that leg-like appendages can “taste” prey buried in the sand.
7:38
How AI Could Predict Heart Disease From Chest X-Rays
Dr. Eric Topol discusses the promise of “opportunistic” AI, using medical scans for unintended diagnostic purposes.
9:03
Neurons ‘Tag’ New Memories For Storage During Sleep
A study in mice found that the brain tags new memories through a “sharp wave ripple” mechanism that then repeats during sleep.
12:06
How Trees Keep D.C. And Baltimore Cool
Satellite technology—and community outreach—can help harness trees’ cooling power for city residents.
17:15
Eating More Oysters Helps Us—And The Chesapeake Bay
In the ever-changing and biodiverse Chesapeake Bay, conservation, aquaculture, and food production go hand in hand.
17:03
Investigating Animal Deaths At The National Zoo
When an animal dies at Washington, D.C.’s National Zoo, a pathologist gathers clues about its health and death from a necropsy.
16:32
Answering Your Questions About Monday’s Eclipse
On April 8, a total solar eclipse will plunge parts of North America into darkness. Scientists answer the questions you asked.
How Do Eclipse Glasses Actually Work?
A combination of materials that reflect and absorb light make it safe to look right at the sun.
Participate In Science While You Watch The Solar Eclipse
Be a scientist with four easy ways to observe the total solar eclipse and report your results to researchers.
Breaking Down The Physics Behind ‘3 Body Problem’
The science advisor for the Netflix adaptation of the sci-fi novel delves into the physics behind the show.
A Short History Of Umbraphile Marvels And Mishaps
For some people, seeing an eclipse is a chance encounter. For umbraphiles, it’s a lifestyle. It doesn’t always work out.
11:44
The Engineering Behind Why The Bridge In Baltimore Collapsed
We look into the engineering reasons why the Francis Scott Key bridge collapsed after a ship crashed into it.
7:22
Mapping Out How Viruses Jump Between Species
A new analysis finds that more viruses spread from humans to animals than from animals to humans.
9:53
How ‘3 Body Problem’ Explores The Laws Of Physics
Particle accelerators, nanofibers, and solar physics: The science advisor for the Netflix adaptation breaks down the physics in the show.
12:08
In Defense Of ‘Out Of Place’ Plants
In her new book, Jessica J. Lee looks at how humans have moved plants around the globe–and how our migrations are intertwined with theirs.
17:29
The Complicated Truths About Offshore Wind And Right Whales
Officials say offshore wind turbines aren’t killing North Atlantic right whales. So why do so many people think otherwise?
17:17
Our Inevitable Cosmic Apocalypse
We revisit a 2020 interview with cosmologist Katie Mack about how the universe could end. Plus, remembering psychologist Daniel Kahneman.
16:41
The Bumpy Road To Approving New Alzheimer’s Drugs
After a controversial Alzheimer’s medication was discontinued, a new anti-amyloid drug receives extra scrutiny from the FDA.
Meet The Sago Pondweed, World Citizen
In “Dispersals,” the story of the sago pondweed helped the author imagine what it could mean to have roots that span continents.
Author Talk: What To Expect At The End Of The Universe
On April 26, we’ll discuss Katie Mack’s book on the end of the universe and imagine our inevitable demise together.
Why Total Solar Eclipses Won’t Be Around Forever
It’s something of a cosmic accident that total solar eclipses happen at all. Over time, the moon’s widening orbit will make them impossible.