April 18, 2025
Are traffic engineering decisions based on evidence-based research? Not as much as you might think. Plus, researchers captured the first confirmed video of a colossal squid swimming in its natural habitat. And, with brain-implanted devices, people with paralysis have been able to command computers to “move” virtual objects and speak for them.
A Short History Of Umbraphile Marvels And Mishaps
For some people, seeing an eclipse is a chance encounter. For umbraphiles, it’s a lifestyle. It doesn’t always work out.
11:44
The Engineering Behind Why The Bridge In Baltimore Collapsed
We look into the engineering reasons why the Francis Scott Key bridge collapsed after a ship crashed into it.
7:22
Mapping Out How Viruses Jump Between Species
A new analysis finds that more viruses spread from humans to animals than from animals to humans.
9:53
How ‘3 Body Problem’ Explores The Laws Of Physics
Particle accelerators, nanofibers, and solar physics: The science advisor for the Netflix adaptation breaks down the physics in the show.
12:08
In Defense Of ‘Out Of Place’ Plants
In her new book, Jessica J. Lee looks at how humans have moved plants around the globe–and how our migrations are intertwined with theirs.
17:29
The Complicated Truths About Offshore Wind And Right Whales
Officials say offshore wind turbines aren’t killing North Atlantic right whales. So why do so many people think otherwise?
17:17
Our Inevitable Cosmic Apocalypse
We revisit a 2020 interview with cosmologist Katie Mack about how the universe could end. Plus, remembering psychologist Daniel Kahneman.
16:41
The Bumpy Road To Approving New Alzheimer’s Drugs
After a controversial Alzheimer’s medication was discontinued, a new anti-amyloid drug receives extra scrutiny from the FDA.
Meet The Sago Pondweed, World Citizen
In “Dispersals,” the story of the sago pondweed helped the author imagine what it could mean to have roots that span continents.
Author Talk: What To Expect At The End Of The Universe
On April 26, we’ll discuss Katie Mack’s book on the end of the universe and imagine our inevitable demise together.
Why Total Solar Eclipses Won’t Be Around Forever
It’s something of a cosmic accident that total solar eclipses happen at all. Over time, the moon’s widening orbit will make them impossible.
¿Cómo puedo ver un eclipse solar de forma segura?
Ver un eclipse solar es una oportunidad de ser parte de uno de los fenómenos científicos más emocionantes. ¿Estás listo?
Cinco maneras de ver el eclipse solar
¿No tienes gafas para eclipses? No hay problema. Aquí hay cinco maneras para ver el eclipse solar de forma segura.
11:39
UN Report Confirms 2023 Was Hottest Year On Record
The World Meteorological Organization’s report confirms last year had the highest temperatures on record and predicts an even hotter 2024.
17:09
Swimming Sea Lions Teach Engineers About Fluid Dynamics
Understanding how sea lions move through water could help engineers design better underwater vehicles.
12:16
Why This NASA Satellite Is Studying Plankton
NASA’s new PACE satellite will study how these tiny creatures could affect Earth’s climate, and how aerosols influence air quality.
17:30
The ‘Asteroid Hunter’ Leading The OSIRIS-REx Mission
In a new memoir, planetary scientist Dr. Dante Lauretta takes readers behind the scenes of a mission to secure a sample from the asteroid Bennu.
17:05
The Legacy Of Primatologist Frans de Waal
Dr. Frans de Waal, who died this month, helped humans understand the emotional lives of our closest living animal relatives.
16:54
Botanical Rescue Centers Take In Illegally Trafficked Plants
The U.S. Botanic Garden is one of 62 locations across the United States that rescue endangered species poached in the wild.
The Launch Of A 7-Year Asteroid Mission
In his book, the principal investigator of NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission describes the frantic morning of final checks before the launch.