Zookeeper Mariel Lally answers questions about pandas including why they are black and white, if they hibernate, and how to save them. The podcast also discusses the role of zoos in panda conservation, enrichment items for pandas, and the importance of biology and animal care for working with zoo animals.

Explore birthday traditions around the world and learn why birthdays fall on different days each year. Delve into the curiosities of leap years and the origin of birthday cakes and candles. Discover unique birthday traditions from listeners and more!

Explore why some people enjoy being scared, the positive effects of fear on mental health, and the physical reactions to fear. Discover the benefits of fear, finding the balance between fear and safety, and how fear can contribute to personal growth.

Scientists have developed the ability to grow meat in labs, which could address issues of food insecurity, pollution, and animal cruelty. The podcast explores the concept of bioengineering and its various applications, as well as the limitations of the current food system and the goal of reducing resource consumption. It delves into the process of creating lab-grown meat and raises questions about its future labeling and legal status. The podcast also briefly mentions different types of mushrooms found in the woods.

Why do people age? Dr. Suvi Neukam explains the science behind aging, including why hair turns gray, why wrinkles form, and why veins stick up as people age. Additionally, the podcast explores why older people get shorter and the importance of oxygen for older adults. The hosts also talk about why leaves change color in the fall and promote 'But Why Adventures Northeast Nature'.

Expert from Vermont Institute of Natural Science and Bird Diva discuss bird flight. Topics include how birds fly, purposes of flight, techniques to generate lift, flying abilities of different birds, why penguins can't fly, adaptations for swimming, why ostriches and emus can't fly, and whether birds have fun flying.

Learn about sun bears, their size, habitat, and marking on their chests. Discover why bears climb trees and hibernate in winter. Explore the efforts to protect sun bears through education and research. Discover the unique aspects of sun bears' hibernation process and their sleeping habits. Dive into post-hibernation behavior, including increased appetite and diet.

It's all about bikes in this episode of But Why? How come bicycles stay up when you're riding, but fall over once you stop? We turn to Andy Ruina, professor of engineering at Cornell University, for the scientific answer. We also learn how a bike chain works and Olympic mountain biker Lea Davison tells how to get started when riding. Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript

11-year-old Alaska (from Colorado) wants to know: why do some kids love reading while others don’t? We know there’s a lot of debate lately about the best ways to teach kids how to read. But in this episode we leave the pedagogy to adults and let kids share with one another why they love to read and their best tips for kids like them, who may be struggling to learn (and love) to read. Plus, guest Fumiko Hoeft, medical doctor and professor at the University of Connecticut and at the University of California San Francisco, lifts the lid on our brains to explain what’s happening inside us when we learn to read. Dr. Hoeft runs a brain imaging research program and a lab called BrainLENS. Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript

How are crickets so loud? Why do they chirp at night? How are they different from grasshoppers? We’re talking crickets today with Karim Vahed, a cricket and katydid expert and entomologist (bug scientist) in England who works with BugLife, the Invertebrate Conservation Trust. In this episode, Professor Vahed takes on some of pressing general insect questions as well: Do insects have bones? What do baby bugs like to do? Do insects drink water? Why are bugs so important? Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript