Science
Stories of the science that shapes our world and news on the environment and energy policy in Pennsylvania
Atomic Angst and the Teenage Spy
How did a brilliant teenage physicist working on the Manhattan Project get away with spying for the Soviets? And why did he do it?
Air Date: March 1, 2024
Listen 48:54Our ancient animal ancestors had tails. Why don’t we?
When apes diverged from monkeys, our branch of the tree of life shed its tail. From Darwin’s time, scientists have wondered why — and how — this happened.
3 weeks ago
New federal funding to speed clean up efforts at Montgomery County superfund sites
Residents with private wells in parts of Montgomery County have relied on bottled water or filtration systems since the 1990s.
3 weeks ago
Eco-Friendly Burials on the Rise, Learning to ‘Speak’ Whale
Eco-friendly funerals are popular. We'll talk about composting, green burial and the death industry. Plus, do you speak whale? Exploring new research on whale communication.
Air Date: February 27, 2024 12:00 pm
Listen 49:59Private company Intuitive Machines is set to land on the moon. Here’s what to know
The Houston-based company hopes to make the first successful commercial landing on the lunar surface. It would also be America's first soft landing in decades.
4 weeks ago
NASA is looking for people to test out its Mars simulator for a year
Applications are live for a four-person cohort to live and work from a 3D-printed, 1,700-square-foot facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
4 weeks ago
First there were AI chatbots. Now AI assistants can order Ubers and book vacations
A slate of tech startups are developing products that use AI to complete real-world tasks.
4 weeks ago
Can de-escalation strategies help angry customers stay calm?
Staff at restaurants, shops, airlines, faced much more anger during the pandemic. Many organizations offer de-escalation training. But does it work?
4 weeks ago
Listen 9:00Rage rooms invite people to ‘engage’ with their anger, but do they actually work?
‘Rage’ rooms have become a popular catharsis for people desperate to release pent up anger, but some psychologists are cautious about the hype.
4 weeks ago
Listen 8:42Reduce, reuse, redirect outrage: How plastic makers used recycling as a fig leaf
For more than 30 years, industry leaders knew recycling couldn't deal with increasing amounts of waste, according to documents uncovered by the Center for Climate Integrity.
4 weeks ago
An artist who grew up on the streets of Philadelphia returns with an ‘optimistic’ climate exhibit
Artist Stephen Talasnik’s bamboo sculpture tells the story of melting glaciers.
1 month ago
‘Long Live Sturgeon!’: WHYY, Academy of Natural Sciences host discussion on endangered fish
Scientists discussed the importance of protecting endangered species during an event hosted by WHYY and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.
1 month ago
Listen 1:21