February 28, 2025
A federal DEI ban is already prompting changes across science agencies. How will it affect medical research? A journalist traveled to five continents to learn about the afterlife of our trash, and why most “recyclable” plastic actually isn’t. And, the ocean liner SS United States will become an artificial reef in Florida. How do artificial reefs work?
16:27
Fossil Records Show Hell Ants Had “Mad Max” Style Mandibles
In this installment of Charismatic Creature corner, we look at an ancient that might have used its horn to pin down prey.
12:11
What Can Science Tell Us About Story Structure?
Researchers analyzed thousands of stories looking for linguistic clues to narrative structure.
17:04
Why Are Half The Pregnancies In The U.S. Unintended?
60 years after the introduction of the pill, we look at the effect of contraceptives—and how much progress has actually been made.
16:59
For These Robots, Sexism Isn’t The Problem
A researcher looking for gendered bias against robots found something else instead: We just don’t trust them at all.
16:59
Rethinking Our COVID-19 Testing Strategy
How might faster, cheaper tests help with better tracking of infectious COVID-19 patients?
Racial Injustice Is Increasing Chronic Disease In Black Americans
Systemic racism directly affects the health of marginalized communities, and it may be the cause of early health issues in Black Americans.
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Buscando microbios en el río Hirviente de Perú
En la Amazonía peruana, la bioquímica Rosa Vásquez Espinoza investiga las propiedades medicinales de los microbios que fluyen en el río sagrado.
Communal Eating With ‘Gastropod’
The science behind why sharing a meal means so much.
11:40
NYC Health Commissioner Steps Down After Butting Heads With Mayor
Plus more science news for the week, including the chemical linked to Beirut’s explosions.
17:00
This Peruvian Boiling River Holds More Than Meets The Eye
Scientists search for tiny but mighty bacteria with medical value.
19:37
Understanding Our Inevitable Cosmic Apocalypse
The universe will eventually end, writes cosmologist Katie Mack in her new book. But how? Will we get a cold lifeless soup, a bubble of doom, or matter tearing itself apart?
9:53
Making Day-Glo Glow More Brightly
Chemists find a way to make some of the brightest fluorescent objects yet.
16:36
Squid Gene-Editing Shows New Possibilities For Treating Genetic Diseases
A genetic breakthrough in squid research opens a new world for scientists.
Mapping Extreme Microbes In The Amazon’s Boiling River
Deep in the Peruvian Amazon, biochemist Rosa Vásquez Espinoza investigates the medicinal properties of microbes flowing in a sacred boiling river.
17:28
Are There Jobs In Ambitious Climate Action?
Presumed Democratic nominee Joe Biden has unveiled an ambitious $2 trillion plan for climate change—and the economy. These experts think it just might work.
What Will Happen When The Universe Collapses?
Scientists have a good idea about how the universe got to this point. But how will it end? Cosmologist Katie Mack explores one possible end, the Big Crunch.
Why Does ‘Rocky Road’ Ice Cream Sound So Delicious?
How linguistic tricks can influence your choices at the ice cream freezer.
17:01
The Beautiful Spirals Of Sperm Cells On The Move
New tools—and math—are shifting our picture of a vital reproductive cell.