November 15, 2024
Medical historian Dr. Elsa Richardson discusses the changing cultural and scientific understandings of the gut. Plus, a “one-of-a-kind” fossil helps fill a giant gap in scientists’ understanding of how bird brains evolved. And, walking pneumonia typically affects school-age kids, but the CDC reports a rise in cases in children aged 2-4.
11:25
What A Rodent Brain Shows Us About Love–And Loss
Monogamous prairie voles may help us understand how our brains respond to love, and how they move on after heartbreak.
6:04
If You Rolled Colorado Out Into A Brownie, How Big Would It Be?
Science suggests it would be very, very large. And still, somehow, probably larger than you think.
17:13
Inside The Race To Save Honeybees From Parasitic Mites
Varroa destructor mites are killing honeybees and their babies at alarming rates.
12:12
A Science Hero, Lost and Found
In our August book club pick, “The Invention of Nature,” Andrea Wulf restores Alexander von Humboldt to his rightful place in science history.
17:02
Sodium Replaces Lithium In A New Type Of Battery
Researchers developed the first anode-free solid-state battery that’s based on sodium, which is cheaper and more abundant than lithium.
17:25
From Farm To Fridge: The Science And History Of Refrigeration
In her book ‘Frostbite,’ Nicola Twilley examines how refrigeration changed the world and spoiled us—and our food.
Stepping Inside The Global Cold Chain
Author Nicola Twilley ventures into the often-overlooked—but rapidly expanding—global network of food refrigeration.
The Tornado Science Of ‘Twisters’ And A Real Life ‘Dune’ Stillsuit
A meteorologist decodes the tornado science in the new ‘Twisters’ sequel, and researchers made a spacesuit inspired by the one from ‘Dune.’
11:49
A Small Meteor Blazes Over New York City
The foot-long meteor passed through the Earth’s atmosphere near the Statue of Liberty. Don’t worry, it was fine.
17:20
FDA Panel Rejects MDMA Therapy For PTSD
The panel raised concerns about the study’s methods and failure to address previous instances of research misconduct.
17:14
How A Shark Scientist Forged Her Own Path
In her book, marine biologist Jasmin Graham writes about uplifting young scientists of color and why she pursues research outside of academia.
11:35
The Tornado Science To Know Before Seeing ‘Twisters’
The follow-up to the 1996 movie “Twister” is a whirlwind of tornado science. A weather expert decodes its lingo—and real-life tornado trends.
5:56
A ‘Dune’-Inspired Space Suit To Turn Astronaut Pee Into Water
Researchers developed a prototype of the system, which could replace the high-absorbency diapers that astronauts wear on space walks.
16:52
What Are The Risks Of Drinking Raw Milk?
As public figures promote raw milk, and sales increase, experts warn about the risks from pathogens like salmonella and avian flu.
12:15
A Noisy Bitcoin Mine Is Causing A Health Crisis In A Texas Town
The mine’s cooling fans are so loud they rattle windows. Residents of Granbury, Texas, are having migraines, panic attacks, and hearing loss.
‘Twisters’ Highlights The Turbulent Language Of Twin Tornadoes
Comparing clusters of tornadoes is a tricky task for researchers and could affect their ability to predict these superstorms.
Finding Community As A Black Woman In Shark Science
In her book “Sharks Don’t Sink,” Jasmin Graham describes what it was like to find other shark scientists like herself on Twitter.
Breaking Down The U.S. Drug Shortage Problem
There are hundreds of ongoing drug shortages in the U.S. Generic drugs, particularly injectables, are most affected.
11:25
Galaxies ‘Dance’ In Stunning New JWST Image
As the James Webb Space Telescope marks two years of operations, NASA unveils a new image of two galaxies interacting.
17:08
How Congestion Pricing Can Impact Human Health
Congestion pricing increases commuting costs in cities, but it can also mean better air quality and a healthier population.