June 7, 2024
A new book looks at the history of psychological warfare, its connections to science fiction, and how it’s been adapted to modern politics. Plus, the genome of a little fern has 160.45 billion base pairs—50 times more DNA than a human. And, how will Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s leadership shape science policy in Mexico?
A Week Of Milestones For Spaceflight
Boeing’s Starliner successfully launched and docked at the ISS, SpaceX’s Starship rocket launched and returned, and Hubble had a hiccup.
A Tiny Fern Has The Largest Genome Ever Discovered
The little fern from New Caledonia is just a few inches tall, and its genome has 160.45 billion base pairs—50 times more DNA than a human.
Mexico Has Elected A Scientist President. What Will That Mean?
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo brings scientific expertise to the presidency. How will her leadership shape science policy?
How Metal-Absorbing Plants Could Make Mining Greener
Plants called “hyperaccumulators” have evolved to absorb high levels of metals. Scientists want to harness them for greener metal mining.
How Sound Rules Life Underwater
In her new book, science journalist Amorina Kingdon explores the astonishing variety of sound in the ocean, and how it affects ecosystems.
Step Aside, DNA. It’s RNA’s Time To Shine.
The COVID vaccines proved that RNA could be extremely powerful. A new book explores even more medical applications for the tiny molecule.
How Psychological Warfare Moved From Battlefields To Politics
A new book looks at the history of psychological warfare, its connections to science fiction, and how it’s been adapted to modern politics.
How Messenger RNA Made The COVID Vaccines Possible
In his new book, “The Catalyst,” Dr. Thomas Cech describes how mRNA in the COVID vaccines encodes the virus’s spike protein.
What Listening To The Ocean’s Sounds Can Teach Us
For many marine creatures, sound may be the best way to communicate and learn about the world. Humans have just started listening in.
A History Of Turning Minds Into Battlegrounds
Author Annalee Newitz shows how stories can be weapons if they can change human behavior—whether in the street or in the voting booth.
Plan An Ink-Credible STEAM Adventure For Cephalopod Week
Celebrate cephalopods anytime with fun party tips, mind-blowing videos, book suggestions for all ages, and exciting STEAM activities.
The State Of Space Research In Latin America
Sustainable development is the driving force of space research across the region, which has a lack of investment, but no lack of talent.
12:20
Starliner Crewed Test Flight Rescheduled For This Weekend
The much-delayed crewed test flight is back on the calendar, despite a helium leak.
8:27
Which Animals Like Cities Most? Slugs And Snails Top The List.
Researchers used data from the crowd-sourcing nature observation app iNaturalist to rank animals’ tolerance of urban environments.
12:17
Right-To-Repair Laws Gain Steam In State Legislatures
A growing number of states are adopting laws that force companies to give consumers better options to repair their devices.
17:31
Indigenous Nations Are Fighting To Take Back Their Data
Indigenous data sovereignty is the idea that Indigenous Peoples should decide how to collect, own, and use their own data.
8:49
The Organ That Gives Birds Their Voices
Scientists are studying birds’ unique vocal organ, the syrinx, to better understand its evolutionary history.
8:31
Common Loons Are Pop Music Icons
The eerie calls of the common loons have been heard in songs by Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, and more.
26:26
The Unseen World Of Plant Intelligence
Science journalist Zoë Schlanger discusses plants’ ability to communicate, store memories, and more in her new book, “The Light Eaters.”
Does Anyone Actually Know What A Plant Is?
As author Zoë Schlanger dives into the world of plants, she finds it’s filled with contradictions, mysteries, and astonishing ingenuity.