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?
4:13
Winners And Losers In Warming Northeast Waters
Climate change can create more habitat for some species of fish. But will fisheries adapt?
22:44
Spreading The Word About The ‘Mother Of Wi-Fi’
Actress Hedy Lamarr was so much more than a beautiful face. Here’s why her story needs to be told.
29:40
Why Are Allergies So Dang Hard To Get Rid Of?
A look at why our immune systems turn on us, and why we’re still powerless to stop the attack.
8:25
Bringing Sensation To Bionic Limbs
An innovative muscle graft could help people with amputations “feel” their bionic limbs.
9:04
Need A Boost? Try An Exosuit
Researchers are developing wearable devices that can make human movements more efficient, boost strength, and increase endurance.
10:12
LIGO Scientists Detect Another Cosmic Collision
Scientists using LIGO detected a third gravitational wave, this time from two colliding black holes located 3 billion light-years away.
What Happens If The US Leaves The Paris Climate Deal?
One way is fast and dramatic. The other is slower and leaves wiggle room.
The Flaws In Forensic Science
Forensic scientists re-evaluate how to improve the state of the field.
How To Have A Dinner Party In Space
Astronaut Leland Melvin recounts daily life aboard the International Space Station, including a communal dinner, celebrating a birthday, and the challenges of trying to sleep in microgravity.
7:39
Why Are Whales Whale-Sized?
Plus, a genetic map of the Zika virus and a new planetary object round out this week’s science news.
4:20
Can You Fidget Away Your Anxiety?
Fidget spinners and other widgets can help you focus, but they can also distract.
17:15
On Being A Scientist (And Patent Holder) At Any Age
Amber Yang, 18, won Intel’s Young Scientist Award with her novel space debris tracker.
9:03
Digesting The White House’s ‘Devastating’ Cuts To Science Funding
Ultimately, Congress appropriates the research funds. Will it retain billions of dollars in proposed cuts?
7:06
Magnus Hirschfeld, The ‘Einstein Of Sex’
The pioneering sex researcher’s goal was to prove homosexuality was rooted in biology. But his ideas fell into the wrong hands.
16:35
Chasing Space: Astronaut Leland Melvin’s Journey From Sports To Space
Leland Melvin on the perseverance and different communities that helped launch his career into space.
17:03
The Many Uses Of ‘Useless’ Research
Reviving a case for foundational science that dates back to Einstein.
11:34
Jupiter Surprises In Its Closeup
Scientists report the first scientific results from the Juno mission, now in orbit around Jupiter.
Will Driverless Cars Work Outside The United States?
Driverless car technology is built with the West in mind—but will the same rules work in other countries?
Use Your Senses To Make Sense Of Your Soil
You can see, feel, and even smell the difference between good and lousy soil.
Can Opioid Addiction Be Cured?
Tom Price’s claims about opioid addiction are disputed by experts.