July 19, 2024
A bitcoin mine’s cooling fans are so loud they rattle windows. Residents of Granbury, Texas, are experiencing symptoms of noise pollution. Plus, a weather expert decodes the lingo from the new movie “Twisters”—and real-life tornado trends. And, an FDA panel rejects MDMA therapy for PTSD, raising concerns about the study’s methods and failure to address previous instances of research misconduct.
16:32
Now Playing: The (Real) Secret Life Of Pets
Researchers are using “catcams” to study the real secret lives of your feline friends.
16:36
Outdated Gender Stereotypes Are Harming Science
For half a century, most neuroscience experiments have ignored female study subjects.
The Continental Outlier
In the world’s coldest, most remote desert, keepers of Antarctica’s longest melt record have detected a recent, and dramatic shift.
The Continental Outlier
In the world’s coldest, most remote desert, keepers of Antarctica’s longest melt record have detected a recent and dramatic shift.
Children Of Invention
From a worry shredder to an odd sock sorter, Little Inventors brings kids’ ideas to life.
SciFri Extra: Remembering Murray Gell-Mann
A 1994 conversation with Nobel physicist Murray Gell-Mann, who died recently at the age of 89.
John Urschel Learns The ‘Secret Code’ Of Calculus
Calculus helped retired NFL player John Urschel “move from a world that was static to a world that could move and flow.”
6:38
What’s Whipping Up The Strong Tornado Season?
Blame the jet stream and climate change. Plus: More stories in this week’s News Roundup.
5:20
When A Dominant Herbicide Becomes Less Effective, What Next?
The herbicide glyphosate, found in products such as Roundup, has become a crucial tool on midwestern farms—but weeds are becoming resistant.
5:56
All The Single (Salamander) Ladies
Some populations of the mole salamander survive—and thrive without having any males of its own species to reproduce with.
12:18
Climate Wars Heat Up In Washington
Republican lawmakers are warming up to talking about climate change, but the Trump administration is striking back.
17:10
Former NFL Player Tackles Football And Math
At 26, John Urschel left the NFL to pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics.
16:15
Revisiting A Once-Great Scientific Idea
Mainstream physicists once believed light was simply a disturbance of the “luminiferous ether”—before the idea fell from grace.
27:51
Spoiler Alert! When Does Food Actually Go Bad?
Puzzled by sell-by dates, freezer burn, and just how long you can eat your food? Don’t be a food failure—you’re not alone.
Remembering The Eclipse That Forever Changed Physics
A century ago, an eclipse proved Einstein right—and altered our understanding of the universe.
7:35
Under The Sea: Future Factories And A New Volcano
It was a big news week under the sea.
4:08
Hoping For A Sunny Future, The Navajo Tribe Turns To Solar
As the last coal-fired power plant plans to shut down at the end of the year, the Navajo Tribe is embracing renewables.
16:57
Battling An Ebola Outbreak In A War Zone
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, distrust of the government and healthcare workers are hampering efforts to contain the current outbreak.
16:10
In New Climate Change Play, The Story’s The Thing
A playwright explores what kinds of narratives we need to stir action on climate.
45:34
Beekeeping Tips—From Bees!
How wild honey bees can teach us better ways to cultivate them. Plus, could probiotics help beef up bees’ immune systems?