October 18, 2024
New research sheds light on changes in the brain's gray and white matter during pregnancy. Plus, philosopher Susana Monsó unpacks the latest research into how animals like possums, chimps, and ants interpret death. And, a pair of musicians wrote a concept album inspired by moths—and found that humans have more in common with the insects than they expected.
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.
¿Cómo puedo ver un eclipse solar de forma segura?
Ver un eclipse solar es una oportunidad de ser parte de uno de los fenómenos científicos más emocionantes. ¿Estás listo?
Cinco maneras de ver el eclipse solar
¿No tienes gafas para eclipses? No hay problema. Aquí hay cinco maneras para ver el eclipse solar de forma segura.
11:39
UN Report Confirms 2023 Was Hottest Year On Record
The World Meteorological Organization’s report confirms last year had the highest temperatures on record and predicts an even hotter 2024.
17:09
Swimming Sea Lions Teach Engineers About Fluid Dynamics
Understanding how sea lions move through water could help engineers design better underwater vehicles.
12:16
Why This NASA Satellite Is Studying Plankton
NASA’s new PACE satellite will study how these tiny creatures could affect Earth’s climate, and how aerosols influence air quality.
17:30
The ‘Asteroid Hunter’ Leading The OSIRIS-REx Mission
In a new memoir, planetary scientist Dr. Dante Lauretta takes readers behind the scenes of a mission to secure a sample from the asteroid Bennu.
17:05
The Legacy Of Primatologist Frans de Waal
Dr. Frans de Waal, who died this month, helped humans understand the emotional lives of our closest living animal relatives.