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.
11:37
Feathers And Snarge: Identifying What’s Left After Birds And Planes Collide
There’s a CSI lab for birds that strike airplanes. The species that hits most often? Not the one you’d guess.
17:09
Keeping Your Habits Private In A Connected World
A new law allows internet service providers to sell your browsing data. What practical tools are there to save some of your privacy?
17:17
Bringing Rigor Back To Health Research
Scarce resources and the pressure to publish undermine researchers’ quests for cures. How can we fix these problems?
46:45
Can Science Survive In A More Politicized Age?
The March for Science makes history as science and advocacy come together.
Life Under a Rock: Bacteria in Extreme Environments
Explore the dry, dim world of hypolithic or “under rock” cyanobacteria and measure and compare colony growth in deserts around the world.
7:20
Freshwater Quality, Fungus-Farming Ants, And A Shrimp That Kills With Sound
Studies have shown that many lakes and streams are contaminated with human-made chemicals that water treatment facilities don’t remove.
4:49
Sensing Steps, And Perhaps Your PIN
The smartphone sensors that allow the device to count your footsteps could also give hackers clues to your access codes.
17:02
“The Cherry Pick,” “Credit Snatch” And Other Political Rhetoric That Can Distort Science
Journalist Dave Levitan provides a guide to cut through the deceptive arguments politicians use to undermine scientific evidence.
10:25
Reimagining A Martian Mission On A Hawaiian Volcano
In NASA’s BASALT project, a team of engineers simulate challenges astronauts may face during a mission on Mars.
11:38
A 14,000 Year-Old Discovery Emerges From Oral History
An older-than-expected archaeological dig in British Columbia is building the case for a long-inhabited Pacific coast.
17:33
Tapping Into The Creativity Of Brain Difference
In her new book, psychiatrist Gail Saltz explores the unique abilities of those with mental disorders.
7:37
A Water Widget For The World’s Driest Places
A new device collects water vapor in low humidity environments using the power of the sun.
9:10
Physics Is Untying Your Shoelaces
Researches investigated the forces created by walking that lead to untied shoelaces.
6:17
Saturn’s Moon Enceladus Becomes A Top Candidate For Life
The moon’s plumes contain evidence of hydrothermal activity…which on Earth support thriving ecological communities.
What Do Cochlear Implants And Hearing Aids Sound Like?
Learn how hearing aids work, then conduct your own test to determine whether hearing aids can improve speech recognition for cochlear implant users.
7:22
How Trump Is Letting Internet Providers Sell Your Data
Plus, why spinach makes the heart grow stronger and the return of the Tasmanian Tiger.
4:37
City Noise Could Quiet The Brain For Some
The roar of airplanes and highway traffic hits the ears of 97 percent of Americans. There are negative effects of noise, as well as an unexpected silver lining.
17:10
Conveying Science Across Partisan Lines
Michael Mann discusses his participation on the latest House Committee on Science hearing on climate change.
9:13
To Build A Wheel That Lasts, Test On Mars
A visit to the playground where Mars rovers are put through their paces.
7:59
The Anatomy Of A Splash
One researcher peers deep inside sneezes…coughs…and flushing toilets to answer questions about disease transmission.