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?
11:52
Will Nations Share Their COVID-19 Vaccines?
As the U.S., Russia, and other nations push forward on COVID-19 vaccine trials, what happens to countries that can’t develop their own?
17:11
How Zero Gravity Can Reveal Basic Biological Questions
Astronauts just bioengineered human cells on the International Space Station.
11:44
What’s The Game Plan For A COVID-19 Outbreak In Pro Sports?
Different sports are using combinations of ‘bubbles,’ testing, and quarantine to try to keep the season in play. But will it all work?
5:08
New Science Diction Episode: Learn About The Fishy History Of Ketchup
Ketchup is an essential companion of American summer cuisine, but where did it come from?
29:44
Living With Coronavirus, Behind Bars
For months, the incarcerated population has been battling COVID-19—and the struggle to contain the disease is highlighting systemic public health issues.
Before Facing COVID-19, A California State Prison Struggled With Valley Fever
A decade ago, Avenal State Prison scrambled to contain an outbreak of a deadly fungal disease that former inmates still battle today.
Arizona Inmates And Staff “Just Trying To Survive” COVID-19
In two Arizona state prisons, understaffed correctional officers and inmates are navigating rising rates of COVID-19 infections with few resources.
A Coronavirus Outbreak Inside An Ohio Correctional Institution
At Marion Correctional Institution in Ohio, coronavirus testing revealed more than 80% of the incarcerated population was contaminated—becoming one of the country’s largest outbreaks.
Indiana Women’s Prison Forced To Sweat Out Coronavirus Lockdown
In an effort to contain coronavirus numbers, inmates are confined up to 20 hours in their cells with no air conditioning, toilets, or sinks.
Challenge: Make A Better Face Mask
Now that masks are a regular part of life, it’s time to design ones that look and feel just a little bit cooler.
Challenge: Create Something New Using Plastic Bags
Your challenge is to repurpose plastic shopping bags to create something new and useful. The sky’s the limit, whether you’re making a prom dress, area rug, a dog poncho, or a kite!
Challenge: Make Your Own Paint
Say you run out of paint, what should you do? Make paint from scratch! Learn about pigments and get experimenting in this DIY paint challenge.
Maker Challenge: Engineer With Cardboard
What can you design, engineer, or make out of cardboard? Pretty much anything. Get creative and take this all-ages open-ended challenge.
Challenge: Design A Game
A good game is fun, challenging, and social. Your challenge is to invent a new game.
Challenge: Simulate A Sneeze
Make sneeze art, and learn a bit about fluid dynamics in the process
Challenge: Build A Roller Coaster
Roller coasters are fun, fast, and are a great example of physics in action. Let’s make one.
11:16
Three Missions To Mars
The United Arab Emirates, China and the U.S. are all launching missions to Mars this month.
16:46
New Photos Show Swirling Mysteries On Sun’s Surface
Scientists say phenomena on the surface of the sun look like “campfires.”
12:11
Federal Ruling Against Common Herbicides Leaves Farmers Confused
While this is an environmental win, farmers say the ruling is yet another hurdle in an already difficult year.