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.
9:03
Male Researchers May Increase Stress in Lab Mice
The gender of a researcher might influence the stress levels of laboratory mice.
7:21
Nothing To Sneeze At
Sneezes and coughs generate gas clouds that can spread germs farther than previously imagined.
12:24
Forty Years of Mindbending Success with the Rubik’s Cube
The Rubik’s Cube has over 43 quintillion different starting combinations.
17:23
Squarepusher Rocks with Bots
Electronic musician Squarepusher talks about writing “Music for Robots.”
17:33
App Chat: Apps to Mind Your Money
Forget balancing a checkbook. Today there are better ways for the budget-minded to keep track of bank balances.
A Recipe for the Forager in You: Braised Beef, Dandelion Leaves, and Clear Noodles
A recipe from Tama Matsuoka Wong, using foraged ingredients.
Nothing to Sneeze At
Sneezes and coughs generate gas clouds which can spread germs farther than previously imagined.
These Infographics Show ‘The Way to Go’
When it comes to explaining how modern transportation infrastructure works, Kate Ascher prefers to show, not tell.
Llareta, One of the Oldest Living Plants in the World
This hard-as-a-rock South American cushion plant can live thousands of years.
Blog: Battle of the Bots
An international robotics competition challenges high schoolers to fund, design, and build an intelligent, semi-autonomous robot.
12:06
Thoreau, Climate Scientist
Scientists use Henry David Thoreau’s notes to study climate change at Walden Pond.
17:24
Serving Up the Origins of the Chicken and Chili Pepper
Scientists are combining genetics and linguistics to trace the origins of these staples of the modern-day menu.
17:03
The Science Club Talks Art Machines
The Science Club meets to recap the month’s “Build an Art Machine” project.
12:08
Is Aereo the Latest TV Technology Disruptor?
Is Aereo a high-tech TV game changer or a clever way to get around broadcast copyright law?
9:50
Recording the Global Soundscape
Ecologist Bryan Pijanowski hopes to create a soundscape of every ecosystem on the planet.
24:39
Can We Game Our Way to Better Health?
Gamers and scientists join forces to develop “serious games” to improve health.
Behold the Buckeye Dragon Mite
A newly discovered mite from Ohio is reminiscent of the caterpillar-like dragons of Chinese New Year fame.
An Unexplored Island in Mozambique
An excerpt from “A Window on Eternity” by E.O. Wilson.
Make a Model Eardrum to Detect Sound Waves
Create a model eardrum to visualize sound vibrations, and then use a smartphone to identify your model’s natural frequencies.