Science, Spoken

Daniel Holz studies the universe’s ultimate catastrophes. And he knows a thing or two about existential threats on Earth, since he helps set the Doomsday Clock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Researchers are working on an injectable that could get dormant follicles growing again. Trials on mice show promise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meltwater from the island’s ice sheet is loaded with the right kind of sand for concrete production—which further warms the planet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The country is exploring cloud seeding, GM crops, and a multibillion-dollar water-transfer system to address its worst water shortages on record. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Movable metal type is often traced back to Gutenberg’s workshop, but its history is far older in Asia. Researchers are using atomic-scale tools to rewrite the narrative. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new paper argues that excitement has veered into misinformation—and scientists should be the ones to set things straight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Farmers have to apply heaps of emissions-heavy fertilizer to provide crops with enough nitrogen. Scientists are looking to legumes for help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In some of the world’s most inaccessible places, tiny satellites are watching—and listening—for signs of destruction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Standardized time is broadcast by satellite networks around the world, but their signals are vulnerable to interference—so the UK is building a more resilient system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two Spanish towns have built a network of towers that douse surrounding trees with recycled water—stopping fire in its tracks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In much of the US, donors aren’t obliged to disclose potentially inheritable health conditions. A proposed law could change that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As students return to school, many will find restricted campus access to abortion services and information—and perhaps reproductive care in general. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parched ground is less likely to absorb water and increases the risk of dangerous flash floods. But there are ways to mitigate these conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gases trapped in lunar meteorites hint that the moon was formed out of material displaced from Earth after a planetary collision. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Treatment options for lasting Covid symptoms are limited, but initial studies suggest hyperbaric oxygen could help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Climate change is making fire season worse. Now astronomers are feeling the heat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hi-res imaging can help determine cause of death in very young babies—giving parents answers without the distress of an invasive autopsy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Researchers have found a new way to keep records of when a cell’s genes turn on and off—by harnessing systems that bacteria already use for self-defense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scientists are driving around in a specialized observatory to better understand how urban heat varies not only block to block, but door to door. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Individual choices and habits help the climate. Understanding how people think can make it happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The underground excavation industry is exploring mini robots, plasma torches, and superheated gas to replace the massive boring machines now in use. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The zoonotic disease is now spreading from person to person. But if it finds a home in new wildlife species, it could settle in to become a permanent risk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new system for keeping body tissues functional after death could help make more organs available for transplant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a new experiment, researchers looked for tiny flickers in the fundamental constants of nature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Space fans around the world can help analyze data collected by the Mars Climate Sounder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices