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.
5:02
When Great Lakes Water Is ‘Public’ And When It Isn’t
Foxconn’s Lake Michigan bid raises questions about interpreting a young law.
10:12
Help Us Weigh Galaxies!
Participate in a citizen science project and help astronomers identify gravitational lenses.
11:56
The Yeast Also Rises
The microorganism’s contributions to society, from bread to biotechnology.
17:25
The Frogs And Insects That Freeze
From midge larvae to wood frogs, how extremophiles weather brutal winter temperatures without harm.
16:18
Reconstructing The World Of Our Ancient Ancestors
Paleoecologists use fossils to figure out the environment of early hominins and how those conditions played a role in the evolution of our early ancestors.
23:31
Four Billion Years Of Climate Change
Longtime climate reporter Andrew Revkin discusses the not-so-brief history of Earth’s weather and climate change.
7:21
The Next All-Natural Recycling Solution? An Enzyme
Plus, exploding ants and other science headlines in this week’s News Round-up.
4:33
Drone Radar System Takes Flight In Ohio
A new radar system is being tested that will provide an air traffic control system for drones at a local airport.
17:32
Planning For—And Surviving—‘The Big Ones’
In her new book The Big Ones, seismologist Lucy Jones catalogues devastating earthquakes, eruptions and tsunamis throughout history, and what happened in the aftermath.
12:03
The Tiny Swimmers That May Stir The Seas
Every night, the largest migration on Earth happens underwater. Now, engineers say their collective movement could create ocean-mixing currents.
17:34
Diving Deep To Appreciate The Spleen
Evolutionary adaptations, such as having a larger spleen, have let humans live comfortably in some of the world’s extreme places.
17:21
With Summer Around The Corner, A Guide To The Night Skies
Astronomer Dean Regas gives tips for astronomical sights to try to spot in the months ahead.
17:05
A ‘Fingerprint Scan’ For Earthquakes Caused By Fracking
Can small earthquakes predict where oil and gas extraction can be done most safely?
Waiting (And Waiting) For The Big One
Seismologist Lucy Jones explains what makes the San Andreas fault ripe for large earthquakes.
A Yearbook Of Seeds
From the Uncarina seed’s fashionable coat to the flowing orange locks of the Bird of Paradise seed, we present this year’s seed superlatives.
The Very Hungry Maggot
What happens when you give hundreds of puppies a single bowl of food? This mechanical engineer is trying to solve this problem with physics…and maggots.
7:29
A New Planet-Hunter Takes To The Sky
Plus, a new search for dark matter, a massive ichthyosaur, and the nature of randomness.
4:28
Does More Sand Always Mean A Better Beach?
Adding sand to beaches is a longstanding coastal tool. But are there any downsides?
6:19
If You Give A Maggot A Cookie…
Researchers are digging into the eating habits of maggots to help solve the food waste problem.