Science, Spoken

Latest Episodes:

Could MJ Really Hang on During Spider-Man’s Swing? Oct 28, 2021

Show notes

Shooting a web from your hands requires Spidey powers. But does keeping your grip on one of them require Spidey strength?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Malaria Vaccine Is a Big Deal, but Not a Silver Bullet Oct 27, 2021

Show notes

RTS,S proves that shots can work against parasites. But to eradicate this disease, scientists say we need more than just one tool.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Growing Crops Under Solar Panels? Now There’s a Bright Idea Oct 26, 2021

Show notes

In the new scientific (and literal) field of agrivoltaics, researchers are showing how panels can increase yields and reduce water use on a warming planet.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NASA Is Preparing for the Ravages of Climate Change Oct 25, 2021

Show notes

The agency knows it needs to adapt to climate-driven events that will increasingly threaten coastal launch sites and other key space infrastructure.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another Global Pandemic Is Spreading—Among Pigs Oct 22, 2021

Show notes

African swine fever killed half the pigs in China. There is no vaccine and no treatment. Now it’s in the Caribbean and on the doorstep of the US.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Deadly Heat Is Baking Cities. Here’s How to Cool Them Down Oct 21, 2021

Show notes

Urban areas can be 20 degrees hotter than the surrounding country. But green spaces and reflective pavement can make city life more bearable.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Huge Subterranean ‘Tree’ Is Moving Magma to Earth’s Surface Oct 20, 2021

Show notes

Deep in the mantle, a branching plume of intensely hot material appears to be the engine powering vast volcanic activity.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Astronomers Get Ready to Probe Europa’s Hidden Ocean for Life Oct 19, 2021

Show notes

Jupiter’s most enigmatic moon, one of a few ocean worlds in the solar system, will be the target of upcoming missions by NASA and the European Space Agency.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Grid Isn’t Ready for the Renewable Revolution Oct 18, 2021

Show notes

The massive deployment of wind and solar will turn you, the humble homeowner, into a critical actor in the operation of the US power grid.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Controversial Quest to Make Cow Burps Less Noxious Oct 15, 2021

Show notes

Their incessant belching loads the atmosphere with planet-warming methane. But it’s not so simple as just feeding them gas-busting seaweed.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices