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.
Behold the Buckeye Dragon Mite
A newly discovered mite from Ohio is reminiscent of the caterpillar-like dragons of Chinese New Year fame.
An Unexplored Island in Mozambique
An excerpt from “A Window on Eternity” by E.O. Wilson.
Make a Model Eardrum to Detect Sound Waves
Create a model eardrum to visualize sound vibrations, and then use a smartphone to identify your model’s natural frequencies.
12:12
The Sticky Science Behind Maple Syrup
Plant physiologist Abby van den Berg traces how maple sap flows through trees and onto your plate.
17:13
Discovering Your Inner Fish
Evolutionary biologist Neil Shubin takes us through the evolutionary story of how the human body evolved from our fish and reptilian ancestors.
16:36
Amir Aczel: ‘Why Science Does Not Disprove God’
Aczel’s latest book chronicles the New Atheist movement, taking aim at scientists like Richard Dawkins.
21:40
How a Warming Planet Will Change What’s on Your Plate
Climate change has already cut yields of wheat and corn, taking a bite out of gains achieved by better farming technology.
17:02
E.O. Wilson: ‘A Window on Eternity’
E.O. Wilson discusses the recovery and biodiversity of Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park.
7:34
Spotting Earth’s Cousin in the Cosmos
Astronomers have found a planet about the size of Earth, far enough from its star to host liquid water.
The Sounds of Space, in Indie Music
A new compilation of indie rock music includes sounds collected from the Voyager space missions.
Suckers for Sap
By vacuum-sucking sap directly from the cut tops of juvenile maple trees, the researchers may revolutionize the maple syrup industry.
Practice Eye of Yesteryear
The instrument is an early version of a training device popularized by optometrists.
17:17
Busting Bad Bacteria With Their Viral Enemies
Phages added to packaged beef or spinach could cut down on E. coli bacteria outbreaks.
12:13
Bill Nye Stops By
Bill Nye stops by to chat about teaching science, launching solar sails into space, and more.
16:38
Up Close With the Lunar Eclipse
The lunar eclipse on Tuesday, April 15, will be visible from all over North and South America.
11:32
Scientists Study Vole Romance Under the Influence
To learn how alcohol affects relationships, scientists mix prairie voles a drink.
17:29
Reawakening Limbs After Years of Paralysis
Paraplegics were able to stand and move their legs again with the help of a spinal implant.
16:36
With Her Kids’ Help, Jean Craighead George’s ‘Ice Whale’ Sees Print
The final novel from “My Side of the Mountain” author Jean Craighead George takes children underneath the Arctic Ocean.
