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.
8:58
A Homecoming For The Whales
In New York, one of the world’s largest mammals makes its comeback.
11:48
Got Neanderthal DNA?
Genetic advances are telling us more about how Neanderthal DNA might shape our appearance, behavior, and health.
10:29
Once Dismissed And Hidden, Chronic Fatigue Patients Speak Up
“When medicine has no answers for you, where do you turn?” asks filmmaker and patient Jennifer Brea.
When Mustang Populations Run Wild
When there’s frequent “hanky-panky among the herd,” researchers harness wild horses’ own immune systems as a contraceptive.
5:57
Science Club Challenge: Grab A Neat Rock
That cool rock you found probably has a story to tell about Earth’s past.
17:06
Big Trouble Managing Mustangs
Some 75,000 wild horses roam the sagebrush-lined slopes and basins of the American West—and the government can’t figure out what to do with them.
In NYC Waters, A Whale Of A Tale
After decades of absence, whales are back in New York City waters. Scientists say it could signal a wildlife resurgence.
The Whales Of New York
Just a few short miles from downtown Manhattan, you might see something unexpected—whales feeding.
Smell That? It’s Forensic Entomology At The Body Farm
Try your hand at forensic entomology and use insect larvae to find the age of a rotting corpse in this body farm simulation
The ‘Unbelievable’ Power Of Nuclear Bombs, Caught On Film
Last March, physicists declassified a trove of nuclear test films. Now you can see them for yourself.
The High Cost Of Notifications
The more you’re interrupted, the more likely you are to interrupt yourself. Can we win the war on our prefrontal cortex?
7:32
A Giant Rat, An Octopus City, And Space Life Beyond The ISS
This week, NASA and Roscosmos announced that they would cooperate to build a new space station, closer to the moon.
4:31
How Wind Farms Affect The World Beneath The Waves
Offshore wind farms are spreading around the globe. But how much do we know about how they affect the ecosystems beneath them?
22:21
The ABCs Of Nuclear War
From bomb chemistry, to radiation dosage to missile defense, there’s a lot of science behind nuclear warfare.
29:26
Charles Darwin’s Lesser-Known Eccentric Exploits
Paddling a duck foot in water and other small experiments led to Darwin’s big theory of evolution.
16:39
The Case For Boredom
How our smartphones are robbing us of an undervalued cognitive resource—and what to do about it.
Recreate Darwin’s Experiments In Your Backyard
Biologist James T. Costa recreated some of Darwin’s experiments that led to his theory of evolution. Now, you can try them in the comfort of your backyard.
11:08
Ensuring Recovery Efforts Work In Flooded Puerto Rico
Disaster researchers look to past catastrophes to find better responses to Hurricane Maria.
Why Don’t Banana Candies Taste Like Real Bananas?
Actually, they do. The story of artificial banana flavoring is, well, bananas.
Fossilization And Decay At The La Brea Tar Pits
Using the La Brea Tar Pits as inspiration, look at the conditions that affect fossil formation.