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.
How Often Do 100-Year Floods Actually Occur?
Buying a home? Let probability help you estimate your flood risk.
Real Estate Hunting For The Climate Apocalypse
The debate regarding humanity’s role in climate change is over. The discussion of how to adapt has begun.
7:08
Saturn’s Moon Count Goes Up, Overtaking The Number Of Jupiter’s Moons
Astronomers found 20 new moons orbiting Saturn, edging out Jupiter as the planet with the most moons in the solar system.
4:37
Your Questions Answered About California’s Power Shut-Offs
Strong winds could damage power lines and spark deadly wildfires, so utility companies are shutting off power to millions of California residents.
8:29
Humans Might Be Able To Regrow Cartilage
Researchers found that the cartilage in our ankles might be able to turnover more easily compared to our hips and knees.
12:05
The Decision-Making Puzzle
What observing champion Tetris players can teach researchers about how the brain makes snap decisions.
17:00
Should Drug Companies Stop Pursuing Amyloid In Treatments For Alzheimer’s?
A look at some high profile drug failures, and where the industry may be heading next for treatment
16:38
How People Pollute The Workplace
When it comes to the air quality in your office, the problem…may be you.
24:47
Understanding The Trust (And Distrust) In Science
In her new book, Naomi Oreskes says we should trust science, but not for the reasons you might think.
Why Should We Trust Science?
Harvard professor Naomi Oreskes argues why the public should trust scientists—but not for the reason most of us think.
Botanists Explain The Chemical Roots Behind Your Favorite Bitters
You told us your favorite drinkable plant flavors. Three botanists tell the backstories of bitters, tinctures, and teas from around the world.
7:05
Egypt Is Building A Massive 1.8-Gigawatt Solar Park
The $4 billion Benban Solar Park will be the country’s first utility-scale solar power plant.
4:47
Growing Cannabis Could Lead To More Air Pollution
Growing cannabis has environmental impacts, like increased water and electricity use. But it might also contribute to air pollution.
17:24
Your Smart TV Is Watching You
Smart TVs join the ranks of websites and smartphone apps that collect and share your data.
17:26
You Are What You Cook
How cooking your food changes your microbiome—and what that could say about human evolution.
12:20
Climate Denial Sneaks Into A Federal Report
Buried in the appendix of a Bureau of Land Management report about Arctic oil development is the assertion by a bureau employee that “there is not a climate crisis.”
34:48
Food Failures: Rise Your Bread Baking Skills With Science
How gluten-free flours affect bread structure and how to keep your sourdough starter happy.
7:12
NASA To Launch An Eye In The Sky For Asteroids
The space agency plans to launch an infrared telescope to spot space rocks whizzing towards Earth.
4:45
After Global Cries For Climate Action, Silence From Big Polluters
The world’s biggest emitters—India, China, and the U.S.—had very little to contribute to the UN Climate Action Summit.
15:58
How Schrödinger’s Cat Became Schrödinger’s Cats
Physicist Sean Carroll discusses the “many worlds” view of quantum mechanics.