July 5, 2024
Discover new science reads for the summer with two authors and science writers familiar with the best books on the shelf. Plus, Ira talks to restoration experts about the science of preserving America’s founding documents. And, from drought-resistant crops to making sure farmers of color thrive, here’s how experts in Iowa are looking at the future of agriculture.
30:00
How Politics And Diplomacy Shape Panda Conservation
China just sent new pandas to the San Diego Zoo, and another pair will arrive at the National Zoo this year.
17:41
How Do They Actually Store The Declaration Of Independence?
At a live event in Washington, Ira talks to restoration experts about the science of preserving America’s founding documents.
17:05
How Can Iowa’s Agriculture Adapt To Climate Threats?
From drought-resistant crops to making sure farmers of color thrive, here’s how experts in Iowa are looking at the future of agriculture.
29:51
The Best Science Beach Reads For Summer 2024
Discover new science reads for this summer with two authors and science writers familiar with the best books on the shelf.
Two Last Names: Reflections From A Colombian Astronomer
Countries across Latin America have very different struggles, and successes, in producing and retaining astronomy talent.
12:09
A Sample From The Far Side Of The Moon Lands On Earth
China’s Chang’e 6 return capsule landed in Mongolia, carrying samples from the far side of the moon.
15:12
Study Shows Which Kids Are Getting Periods Younger Than Others
The age of first menstruation trended downward from 1950 to 2005, but more so among low-income kids and kids of color.
12:13
Will The Seine Be Clean Enough For Olympic Swimmers?
Paris has invested $1.5B in cleaning up the Seine for open-water swimming events, but recent tests indicate it’s not yet safe.
26:52
From Microbes To Mammoths: How Life Transformed The Planet
In “Becoming Earth,” author Ferris Jabr reexamines our relationship to Earth, and makes the case that Earth itself is alive.
7:23
Avoiding Grilling and Barbecue Pitfalls
Marinade myths, charcoal chemistry, and the elusive “smoke ring”—the science behind barbecue and grilling.
17:08
What To Do When Your Hypothesis Is Wrong? Publish!
In an effort to learn from scientific failure, The Journal of Trial Error only publishes “negative” results.
Climbing High To See A Rainforest’s Connection To Rain
Through his visit to the Amazon tall tower observatory in Brazil, author Ferris Jabr explains how microbes change the weather.
The Feat Of Building The World’s Largest Telescope
The Extremely Large Telescope is under construction on a mountaintop in Chile’s Atacama Desert. It could revolutionize astronomy.
‘Inside Out 2’ And The Psychology Behind Teenage Angst
Psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour helped make the film more scientifically accurate to how a teenager’s mind works.
12:15
Yes, It’s Hot. But How Hot?
Researchers say the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is a better indicator of heat stress.
16:16
Crowdsourced Data Identifies 126 ‘Lost’ Bird Species
Researchers analyzed photos, videos, and audio from crowdsource platforms to identify bird species that have not been spotted in over a decade.
12:04
A Canine Cancer Vaccine Shows Promising Results
Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs. A new vaccine has increased survival rates in clinical trials, offering hope for dogs and humans.
17:01
House Stalls On Bill To Compensate Victims Of Nuclear Testing
The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act expired on June 10, but supporters are still fighting to expand it.
11:05
Why It Took Decades For This Octopus To Be Recognized
The larger Pacific striped octopus is unusually social. But it wasn’t recognized by scientists until 2015, despite one man’s efforts.
6:16
Squid With ‘Giant’ Eggs Could Be A New Species
A deep-sea squid in the family Gonatidae was filmed cradling large eggs for its body size, which suggests it’s an entirely new species.