Science, Spoken

Recent studies have revealed flaws in the heat index. With rising temperatures and humidity, maybe it’s time for a more holistic approach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Neurons get a lot of attention—but researchers think this star-shaped brain cell type could hold the key to treating some disorders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The line to see Queen Elizabeth II lying in state is snaking across central London. Could it have been done better? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A software update can help turbines become less disruptive to their neighbors and distribute the wind more efficiently. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Storing more water to deal with climate change seems like a no-brainer, but such reservoirs are complex undertakings with environmental issues of their own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The influential astronomer led the hunt for extraterrestrial signals and helped make the field of astrobiology what it is today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The jacket can raise and lower its own hood—without chips or batteries—and might one day help disabled wearers move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many people report that their aches and pains intensify when they’re trying to sleep, but new research into the circadian clock helps explain this mystery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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