September 27, 2024
Climate activists Bill McKibben and Akaya Windwood say it isn’t fair to leave the climate crisis for younger generations to solve. Plus, a cultural anthropologist discusses the Mariana Islands’ long history of colonization and why demilitarization matters for climate progress. And, new research into a fish known as the sea robin finds that leg-like appendages can “taste” prey buried in the sand.
17:13
How Psychological Warfare Moved From Battlefields To Politics
A new book looks at the history of psychological warfare, its connections to science fiction, and how it’s been adapted to modern politics.
How Messenger RNA Made The COVID Vaccines Possible
In his new book, “The Catalyst,” Dr. Thomas Cech describes how mRNA in the COVID vaccines encodes the virus’s spike protein.
What Listening To The Ocean’s Sounds Can Teach Us
For many marine creatures, sound may be the best way to communicate and learn about the world. Humans have just started listening in.
A History Of Turning Minds Into Battlegrounds
Author Annalee Newitz shows how stories can be weapons if they can change human behavior—whether in the street or in the voting booth.
Plan An Ink-Credible STEAM Adventure For Cephalopod Week
Celebrate cephalopods anytime with fun party tips, mind-blowing videos, book suggestions for all ages, and exciting STEAM activities.
The State Of Space Research In Latin America
Sustainable development is the driving force of space research across the region, which has a lack of investment, but no lack of talent.
12:20
Starliner Crewed Test Flight Rescheduled For This Weekend
The much-delayed crewed test flight is back on the calendar, despite a helium leak.
8:27
Which Animals Like Cities Most? Slugs And Snails Top The List.
Researchers used data from the crowd-sourcing nature observation app iNaturalist to rank animals’ tolerance of urban environments.
12:17
Right-To-Repair Laws Gain Steam In State Legislatures
A growing number of states are adopting laws that force companies to give consumers better options to repair their devices.
17:31
Indigenous Nations Are Fighting To Take Back Their Data
Indigenous data sovereignty is the idea that Indigenous Peoples should decide how to collect, own, and use their own data.
8:49
The Organ That Gives Birds Their Voices
Scientists are studying birds’ unique vocal organ, the syrinx, to better understand its evolutionary history.
8:31
Common Loons Are Pop Music Icons
The eerie calls of the common loons have been heard in songs by Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, and more.
26:26
The Unseen World Of Plant Intelligence
Science journalist Zoë Schlanger discusses plants’ ability to communicate, store memories, and more in her new book, “The Light Eaters.”
Does Anyone Actually Know What A Plant Is?
As author Zoë Schlanger dives into the world of plants, she finds it’s filled with contradictions, mysteries, and astonishing ingenuity.
Return Of The GEDI: Scanning The Amazon With Lasers
Data collected by an instrument on the International Space Station gives scientists insight into deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.
This Scientist’s Memoir Charts Her Journey From Acting To Astrobiology
In her new memoir, astrobiologist Dr. Aomawa Shields describes how a quest for life in the cosmos helped her find meaning on Earth.
Federal Law Makes Weed Research Complicated. Can A Van Help?
Scientists want to understand how commercially available cannabis products affect users. They have to get creative to research it legally.
12:17
Zapping Nerves Into Regrowth
An early study found that electrical stimulation could improve hand and arm function in people with spinal cord injuries.
15:18
High-Speed Rail Gets A Boost In The U.S.
After decades of under-development, spending on high-speed rail projects is ramping up in California, Florida, and the Northeast Corridor.
8:21
Painting Wind Turbine Blades To Prevent Bird Collisions
A wind utility company in Wyoming is trying to make wind turbines more visible to birds by painting just one blade black.