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.
24:46
Can We Outbuild Future Coastal Flooding?
The Army Corps of Engineers is investigating sea gates and other barriers to protect New York from a future Sandy. But others have doubts.
The Roots Of The Tangled Genetic Tree
In this excerpt from David Quammen’s “The Tangled Tree,” meet the people who saw that evolution is more complex than you’d think.
The Invisible Forest Under The Sea
Half of the planet’s oxygen comes from tiny plant-like organisms under the ocean’s surface.
7:23
The Good—And Bad—Of A Geoengineered Climate
Could humans geoengineer their way out of the climate crisis? Plus California wildfire weather, gooey corn, and other science headlines in this week’s News Round-up.
4:26
Revealing The Ruins Below
The U.K.’s lawn-killing summer has an archaeological upside.
22:29
One Force Driving Deadlier Wildfires? People
A population boom in forests and other wild areas is leading to deadlier, more destructive blazes. How do we cope with worsening wildfires?
11:54
Who Wrote That Beatles Song? This Algorithm Will Tell You
A statistician developed an algorithm to figure out who wrote disputed Beatles songs.
26:17
Science In Motion
Where science and art intersect, dance can help bring new understanding and metaphors for researchers and the public.
20:55
From Skyscrapers to Sand Thieves—Digging Into The World Of Sand
Each year, we use nearly 50 billion tons of sand and gravel worldwide. Is that sustainable?
The Man Who Builds Beaches
In this excerpt from “The World in a Grain,” beach sand is gold. Illegal sand mining and rising seas are shrinking beaches, but this man is working to replenish them.
7:34
After A Radical Brain Surgery, A Normal Life
After surgery that removed one-sixth of his brain, a 10-year old boy is living a remarkably normal life—a tribute to the plasticity of the human brain.
3:55
After New Jersey Floods, Rebuild Or Retreat?
Instead of rebuilding after repeated flooding, New Jersey is offering some homeowners a buyout.
10:51
Alan Alda Opens Up About His Parkinson’s Disease
Alan Alda discusses how science informs his perspective on the diagnosis and view of the future.
11:50
Not Even The Smallest Are Spared Extinction
Bacteria have been on Earth longer than any of us. And new research suggests that even they suffer from extinction.
17:00
Is Facial Recognition Ready For The Real World?
Some police departments are using facial recognition software to help identify suspects. But accuracy remains an issue.
16:35
Why Is The Sun’s Corona Hotter Than Its Surface?
Scientists hope the Parker Solar Probe will help them find the answer—and not burn up in the process.
22:08
In Physics, Beauty May Be Overrated
Physicists are still trying to prove decades-old theories. One theorist argues for why the best answers may not come until scientists embrace messier math.
The Alluring Beauty Of Supersymmetry
In this excerpt from “Lost in Math,” Sabine Hossenfelder explains how the idea of supersymmetry is just too beautiful for scientists to ignore.