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.
Federal Law Makes Weed Research Complicated. Can A Van Help?
Scientists want to understand how commercially available cannabis products affect users. They have to get creative to research it legally.
12:17
Zapping Nerves Into Regrowth
An early study found that electrical stimulation could improve hand and arm function in people with spinal cord injuries.
15:18
High-Speed Rail Gets A Boost In The U.S.
After decades of under-development, spending on high-speed rail projects is ramping up in California, Florida, and the Northeast Corridor.
8:21
Painting Wind Turbine Blades To Prevent Bird Collisions
A wind utility company in Wyoming is trying to make wind turbines more visible to birds by painting just one blade black.
8:10
Celebrating the Maya Calendar In Guatemala’s Highlands
For thousands of years, Indigenous communities in Guatemala have used observations and mathematics to track astronomical events.
11:36
The Small Jelly Creatures That Link Up And Swim In Corkscrews
For the first time, scientists have recorded how salps form chains and swim in corkscrews to reach the ocean’s surface each night.
17:25
Your ‘Biological Age’ Could Be Different Than How Old You Are
Metabolic markers could eventually result in a test for “biological age,” which considers how things other than time age the body.
17:15
Using A Lab On Wheels To Study Weed From Dispensaries
A van outfitted as a mobile laboratory helps scientists study how legal cannabis products affect users—without breaking the law.
The Deep Roots Of Astronomy In Latin America
By observing the cosmos, Indigenous peoples precisely measured natural phenomena like solar eclipses, leap years, and El Niño.
12:11
New Rule Sets Stage For Electric Grid Update
Upgrades to the power grid under the new rule could help accommodate increasing renewable energy supply and meet data center demands.
16:50
New Evidence Questions Dark Energy’s ‘Constant’ Nature
Early data from the DESI collaboration suggests that dark energy, which powers the universe’s accelerating expansion, may evolve over time.
11:51
Could Vaccines Of The Future Be Made With Nanoparticles?
Extremely small particles might help scientists develop vaccines that are stable at room temperature and easier to administer.
17:19
How To Recycle Rare Earth Elements
Scientists have developed a way to recycle rare earth elements found in discarded electronics without using acid or harsh chemicals.
16:48
Fine-Tuning Grapes For Iowa’s Wine Industry
Scientists are breeding wine grapes that will grow in Iowa’s climate in hopes of expanding the state’s wine industry.
16:31
New Guidelines Recommend Earlier Breast Cancer Screening
The latest update moves the recommended age to start mammograms from 50 down to 40. How are these decisions made?
13:51
Cuando los pájaros duermen, ¿con qué cantan?
Las aves mueven sus órganos vocales mientras duermen. Científicos de Argentina han traducido esos movimientos en un canto sintético.
Investigate How Sunlight Affects Your Favorite Plastic Toys
Learn how UV light from the sun degrades plastic over time and discover ways to protect toys from discoloration and damage.
Three Listeners Tell Us About Their Science-Inspired Art
For Universe of Art’s first birthday, three listeners share their science-inspired poems, sound art, and collages.
12:12
In A First, JWST Detects An Atmosphere Around A Rocky Exoplanet
Astronomers have confirmed they found an atmosphere around an Earth-like rocky exoplanet for the first time.
17:31
Finding Purpose In A ‘Wild Life’
In her new book, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant shares how her lifelong love for the natural world led her to become a nature TV show host.