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?
12:11
Self-Driving Cars Are Bringing The Trolley Problem Into The Real World
How can autonomous car makers develop ethical vehicles when ethics are different across cultural lines?
27:02
Science Goes To The Movies: ‘First Man’
We gather a panel of space experts to discuss the new movie. Plus, what are the stories that Hollywood could tell about space that we haven’t heard yet?
6:52
The Love Songs Of The Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle
You might know the horned male Japanese rhinoceros beetles for being ruthless fighters. But they also sing songs to win over potential mates.
17:15
The Mysterious Power Of Blood
Blood banks, taboos, and other ways that humans have tried to harness the power of blood.
The Problem With The Plasma
In this excerpt from “Nine Pints,” Rose George explains how issues with the 1970s American plasma led to a contaminated supply.
Beetle Royale
For some rhino beetles, winning a battle doesn’t mean winning the war over a female’s heart.
Welcome To The Bone Room
Biologist and functional morphologist Steve Huskey has nothing to hide, despite the hundreds of skeletons in his closet.
7:41
Is The Oil Industry Ready To Do Something About Climate Change?
Exxon Mobil says it will spend $1 million lobbying for a carbon tax. But there’s a catch.
4:18
In Puerto Rico, Farmers Still Grapple With The Effects Of Hurricane Maria
In Puerto Rico, volunteers and farmers are working together to rebuild after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico’s small agriculture sector.
6:35
A Turtle By Any Other Name
What happens when the rules established by the scientific community are used against it?
12:29
Money Mark Is Reviving Dead Pianists
His ‘Echolodeon’ machine converts original piano rolls from great composers into MIDI signals, in effect letting the dead pianists ‘play’ various synthesizers.
17:44
The Complex Societies Of Bees And Beyond
Honeybees, bumblebees, ants, and even spiders can live complicated social lives.
17:39
How Genes Determine Our Quality Of Sleep
Are you a night owl or a morning lark? Why genetics dictate when, how long, and how well we sleep.
12:16
Outfitting Avatars To Cross The Uncanny Valley
A virtual reality designer says success is being able to generate photorealistic faces that don’t spook.
26:47
Why Are More Expecting Mothers Having C-Section Deliveries?
One out of every three children in the United States are now born born via cesarean section.
Explosion Math
Investigate different types of volcanic eruptions and linear equations to see if you, a car, Usain Bolt, or a tortoise could survive by simply running away.
Turning The Tide On Jellyfish Stings
One scientist is fighting back against the tide of online misinformation on how to treat the potentially fatal sting of the box jellyfish.
7:37
An Aborted Launch Brings Space Station Questions
On Thursday, two astronauts en route to the International Space Station had to abort their launch, making a ‘ballistic descent’ back to Earth.
4:37
Eagles And Foxes, Plants And Ants
Ecologists are using tools—from captive breeding programs to ant-sniffing dogs—to restore and protect the unique ecosystem of California’s Channel Islands.
17:29
A U.N. Report Gives A Glimpse Of A World Warmed By 1.5 Degrees Celsius
How much will half a degree save us from the worst impacts of climate change?