November 22, 2024
On the 50th anniversary of Lucy’s discovery, paleoanthropologists reflect on what she taught us about ourselves. Plus, divers have recovered seeds of a long-lost rye variety from a 146-year-old shipwreck in Lake Huron. And, a potato researcher explains potato varieties, potato nutrition, and some tubular tuber facts.
The Emotive Power of Voice
New research reveals how emotions conveyed by our own voice influence our moods.
Make A Mathy Valentine
Spice up your valentines this year by using a little geometry to create consistent hearts and captivating patterns.
Why Are These Scientists Drilling Through the Ocean Floor?
A research team hopes they’ll find a biosphere beneath the earth’s crust.
Valentine’s Day Science
There’s chemistry in the air…here’s a look at animal mating behaviors, wine psychology, and more romantic science.
An ‘On the Move’ Playlist
Add some musical accompaniment to your reading of Oliver Sacks’ “On the Move” with these Sacks-inspired tracks, curated by Brain Pickings’ Maria Popova.
Can the Placebo Effect Have Real Clinical Value?
Some cases suggest that simply believing that we’re getting better has healing effects.
Where Are We in the War on Cancer?
Why one doctor thinks we’re winning the battle against cancer.
11:49
Bed Bug Genome, Zika Virus Update, and Computing Under the Waves
Two teams of researchers mapped out the bed bug genome. Plus, does Microsoft’s idea for underwater data centers hold water?
7:53
Restoring Maternal Microbes to Babies Born by C-Section
Researchers swabbed babies born through C-section with birth-canal bacteria to see if they could restore their microbiomes.
25:18
Weighing the Evidence on Mind-Body Medicine
In “Cure,” Jo Marchant shares the results of her deep dive into the evidence for—and against—mind-body medicine, from placebo effects to hypnosis and meditation.
12:04
Human Embryo Gene Editing Gets Go-Ahead in U.K.
Scientists will not be using the method for any direct therapeutic purpose, but instead will investigate the genes that guide human development.
7:06
The Problems Plaguing Election Polls
Why couldn’t the polls predict the Iowa primaries?
26:44
Pioneering Cancer Doc Foresees ‘The Death of Cancer’
When President Nixon signed the National Cancer Act of 1971, he waged the War on Cancer. Forty-five years and over $100 billion later, are we winning?
Does Overeating Make You Fat?
A practicing endocrinologist weighs in on conventional dieting wisdom.
Teachers Bring Fracking to School
Looking to inject a little fracking into your curriculum? Check out these resources developed by Colorado educators in the AirWaterGas Teachers-in-Residence program.
Coloring By Numbers, Mathematically
The new coloring book “Patterns of the Universe” highlights the visual beauty of mathematics.
11:51
Roots of Schizophrenia, Zebra Stripes, and Wind Chill
Scientists discover a clue into the root cause of schizophrenia. Plus, the highs and lows of the wind chill effect.