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?
17:35
The World According to Microbes
In “I Contain Multitudes,” author Ed Yong examines the connections between species and ecosystems—from a microbial point of view.
Alone in a Post-Apocalyptic World
Margaret Atwood’s novel “Oryx and Crake” is told from the perspective of the lone human survivor of a mysterious catastrophe.
5:31
How Can We Keep the Endangered Vaquita from Vanishing?
Researchers are investigating a conservation strategy that would place some vaquitas in preserves in their natural habitat.
33:36
Margaret Atwood On The Science Behind ‘Oryx And Crake’
In this archival interview, the award-winning author calls the novel a form of “speculative fiction.”
The Sands Of Earth, And Beyond
Gary Greenberg uses 3D microscopes to inspect the diversity of sand grains.
7:17
A Health Check-Up for Dolly’s ‘Sister Clones’
Four sheep cloned from the same cell line as Dolly got a health check-up and showed no physical signs of premature aging.
9:37
A Creative Approach to Controlling a Deadly Snail
Freshwater snails take more lives than sharks each year.
17:06
Staying Healthy in Space
Weightlessness and radiation both take a toll on the body, in ways we still don’t fully understand.
11:26
Should People Be Made Stronger, Faster, or Smarter Through Technology?
A new survey finds many Americans are dubious about using certain new technologies for human enhancement.
17:31
How Hashtags, Texts, and Tweets Are Influencing Digital Language
What’s the difference between this, THIS, and #this?
4:18
New Zealand Chooses to Save Prey Over Predator
The plan to save native avian species means targeting non-native predators.
7:43
A New Antibiotic in the Nose, A Possible Ancient Ancestor of All Life, and More
How our own nasal microbiome could lead to new antibiotics, plus other short topics in science.
16:44
A Celebration of the Life in Flight Around Your Porch Light
We join the fifth annual celebration of National Moth Week.
Go Mothing!
All you need to observe moths is a sheet, a light, and good weather.
Frank Drake Is Still Searching for E.T.
More than 50 years later, the renowned astronomer is surprised by the cultural impact of his Drake Equation.
What Does a Rotisserie Chicken Have in Common With the Apollo Spacecraft?
And other facts you may not know from the Apollo missions.
12:13
The Women Who Brought Us Apollo 11
Forty-eight years ago, we witnessed Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon, thanks to a remarkable group of female coders.
5:01
The Shocking Behavior of Leaping Eels
Eels have been known to jump out of water to shock animals as big as horses.
17:38
Life In The Wrong Political Bubble
New research says being politically isolated hurts our relationships. What’s the best way to bridge the divide?