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.
2:28
Listen To The Haunting Howls That Once Permeated Europe
Iberian wolves were once common in Europe. Now they’re in danger of extinction. A field recordist captured a soundscape of their howls.
19:35
Stories From Those On The Frontlines Of Sea Level Rise
As seas rise, what do frontline communities want and need? Trust, agency—and money.
11:58
Biden’s Administration Preps For A Crucial Climate Conference
Can the U.S. make a difference in climate change without passing Biden’s clean energy rules?
17:20
Francis Collins, Longest-Running NIH Director, To Step Down
An acclaimed geneticist who helped map the human genome, Francis Collins reflects on his long tenure at the NIH.
11:58
The Ancient Neanderthal Traces Hidden In Your Genome
Traces of Denisovans and Neanderthals can be found scattered throughout the human genome, suggesting a shared inheritance.
17:21
Beavers Build Ecosystems Of Resilience
In a Colorado burn scar, wetland oases created by beavers are surviving the West’s new megafires.
9:14
DIY Halloween Hacks
We resurrect a 2013 interview with the co-founder of Evil Mad Scientist, who shares tips for a festive fright fest.
7:54
The Burn Of Volcanic Beauty
In both the Atlantic and the Pacific, erupting volcanoes are bringing destruction and disruption.
15:47
Seeing The History Of Filipinos In Nursing
A deep history of healthcare work in the U.S. has put Filipinos at risk during the pandemic.
Algebra: From Broken Bones To Twitter Feuds
When a high school student asked a question about algebra on TikTok, she unknowingly awoke an age-old debate in mathematics history.
12:08
More Boosters, For More People
An FDA advisory panel met this week to debate the role of COVID-19 vaccine boosters, and mixing and matching different vaccines.
17:03
Indigenous Activists Helped Save Almost A Billion Tons Of Carbon Per Year
Native American protesters and their allies have helped keep substantial amounts of fossil fuels in the ground.
10:06
On Long Island, A Tribal Nation Faces Growing Pressures
A new podcast from WSHU Public Radio explores the intersection of Native American territory, climate change, and suburbia in one of the wealthiest parts of the East Coast.
1:53
The World According To Sound: Listening To Lightning
The podcast ‘World According To Sound’ shows how there is more than one way to listen to a bolt of lightning.
17:30
Save The Wetlands, Save The World
Ecologists explain why tidal marshes are “the most valuable ecosystem you’ve never heard of,” and how to save them from rising seas.
7:23
This Weekend, Take Time For The Moon
From the Orionid meteor shower to International Observe The Moon Night, it’s a great weekend to look up.
17:11
Indigenous-Led Biology, Designed For Native Communities
Biological samples have been used for purposes that don’t benefit indigenous people. The Native BioData Consortium is working to change that.
9:39
Widening The Lens On A More Inclusive Science
Indigenous peoples have been observing the world for thousands of years. Why are they still underrepresented in science?
12:08
First Malaria Vaccine Is Approved by WHO
The parasite kills half a million people per year. How a malaria vaccine could save lives.
17:11
Will Improved Testing And New Antivirals Change The Pandemic’s Path?
As the government plans to spend $1 billion on at-home testing, a science reporter and an epidemiologist unpack this week’s pandemic news.