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.
7:06
Dusting Off Voyager 1’s Thrusters
After 37 years in space, Voyager 1’s thrusters still work.
5:15
The Battle Of Coastal Restoration In Louisiana
From dropping mangrove seed bombs to battling an invasive insect, a look at efforts to restore the coast of Louisiana.
10:58
A Golden Age For Children’s Science Books
Explore a curated list of engaging science books for kids (and babies, too).
11:51
The Recipe for California’s Wildfires? A Wet Winter And A Sweltering Summer
Epic rains and snows quenched California’s drought earlier this year. But record summer temperatures and dry, searing winds triggered a devastating wildfire season.
8:20
A Narwhal’s Slow, Anxious Heart
Skittish narwhals have a strange response to stress. Could it hurt them in the long run?
8:56
Invasion Of The Jellyfish
Are the oceans filling with jellyfish? Just ask this giant jellyfish eater.
6:32
Microbes In Space! (But They’re Ours)
Researchers sampled the microbiome of the International Space Station. The results were all too familiar.
10:00
May Your Holiday Cheer Be Bright (But Not Overloaded)
Tips for keeping your holiday lights safe this season.
22:57
The Best Science Books Of 2017
From Oliver Sacks to graphic novels, Maria Popova and Deborah Blum discuss their favorite science books of the year.
The History Of Science History
Science isn’t a “triumphant march”—it’s sloppy, messy, and full of stops and starts. Meet the people who tell that story.
Ten Awesome Science Books For Curious Kids
Inspire the budding scientists in your life with science stories and inquiry adventures.
6:58
Trapping A Proton, The Speed of A Muscle, And Switching Attention
Plus, the latest on the eruption of volcano Mount Agung on the island of Bali.
5:11
Bad News Bears For Yeti Hunters
Alleged “Yeti” samples reveal clues about elusive Himalayan and Tibetan brown bears.
5:51
How Much Will The House Tax Plan Cost Grad Students?
Two graduate students have developed an online calculator to estimate the effects of the House tax plan.
11:48
No Bones About It: Neolithic Women Were Very, Very Strong
Women in prehistoric Central Europe performed enough manual labor that they were likely stronger than modern athletes.
17:11
In The South, Examining An HIV Epidemic
In the U.S., 44 percent of people living with HIV reside in the 10 southern states.
9:53
Super Strong Robot ‘Muscles’ Inspired By Origami
The flexible muscles have a skeleton inspired from the delicate paper folds of origami—and they can lift objects a thousand times their own weight.
6:59
Alan Alda Wants To Know: ‘What Is Climate?’
In his annual Flame Challenge, Alan Alda is calling on scientists to answer a seemingly simple, but complex question.
27:15
Life In The Internet Slow Lane
The internet grew for decades without 2015’s net neutrality rules. So what happens if the FCC repeals them?