February 21, 2025
The CEO of one of America’s oldest scientific societies discusses the recent cuts to scientific institutions, and how scientists can respond. Plus, flu infections are the highest they’ve been in nearly 30 years, and flu deaths this winter have surpassed COVID deaths. And, a video of a gloriously creepy anglerfish inspired tears and poetry online.
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.
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.