Science, Spoken
Get in-depth coverage of current and future trends in technology, and how they are shaping business, entertainment, communications, science, politics, and society.
Latest episodes
Oct 13, 2023 • 8min
This First Peek Inside NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Capsule Is a Glimpse Back in Time
Scientists open rock sample from asteroid Bennu, revealing hydrated clay minerals, carbon, and organic molecules. Importance of water-bearing clay minerals in Earth's water formation and habitability of Venus and Mars. Presence of sulfur and magnetite in asteroids. Analysis and future studies of sample collected by NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission.
Oct 12, 2023 • 7min
A Monkey Got a New Kidney From a Pig—and Lived for 2 Years
Scientists are experimenting with genetically engineered pig kidneys as a solution to the shortage of human donor kidneys. This podcast explores the history of xenotransplantation and the promising results of transplanting pig kidneys into monkeys. It also discusses the use of genetic engineering to enhance pig organs for human transplantation, including adding human genes to regulate inflammation and immunity. The goal is to eliminate endogenous retroviruses and conduct clinical trials in the future.
Oct 11, 2023 • 8min
Heat Waves in the Ground Are Getting More Extreme—and Perilous
The atmosphere is rapidly warming, but the soil is also prone to heat waves. Scientists are racing to understand the consequences.Read this story here.
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Oct 10, 2023 • 8min
New Malaria Vaccines Offer a Real Shot at Fighting the Disease
Explore the development of two promising malaria vaccines, their potential impact in saving children's lives in tropical countries, and the challenges of creating a malaria vaccine including the need for mass vaccination, manufacturing capacity, and continued funding.
Oct 9, 2023 • 15min
How Neuralink Keeps Dead Monkey Photos Secret
Elon Musk’s brain-chip startup conducted years of tests at UC Davis, a public university. A WIRED investigation reveals how Neuralink and the university keep the grisly images of test subjects hidden.Read this story here.
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Oct 6, 2023 • 9min
A Lab Just 3D-Printed a Neural Network of Living Brain Cells
Mini-brains that work and grow like their full-size counterparts could offer an alternative to animal testing, and advance the quest for personalized medicine.Read this story here.
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Oct 5, 2023 • 5min
September's Record-Shattering Heat Was ‘Absolutely Gobsmackingly Bananas’
Experts discuss September's record-breaking heat, the implications for climate change, and the urgent need for action.
Oct 4, 2023 • 5min
The ‘Green’ Future of Furniture Is a Sofa Stuffed With Seaweed
Discover how seaweed could be the eco-friendly alternative to foam rubber in furniture. Delve into the challenges and perseverance in developing sustainable foam from biomass.
Oct 3, 2023 • 8min
Why It’s Too Soon to Call It Covid Season
Covid seems to spike twice a year—but unlike with flu season, not in a predictable pattern. That could be due to the virus, the environment, or the people it is infecting.Read this story here.
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Oct 2, 2023 • 9min
A Revelation About Trees Is Messing With Climate Calculations
Trees make clouds by releasing small quantities of vapors called “sesquiterpenes.” Scientists are learning more—and it’s making climate models hazy.Read this story here.
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