
Science
River otters in Western Pennsylvania: An environmental success story
North American river otters once lived in every major river system in Pennsylvania. But because of development, otters largely disappeared from the state by the early 1900s.
2 months ago
Repairs to a broken air pollution control device could take two more weeks, a refinery official said.
2 months ago
Delaware lawmakers tackle toxic PFAS, as Trump administration weakens regulations
The EPA regulated "forever chemicals" last year, but recently proposed to rescind certain restrictions.
2 months ago
‘Boiler failure’ at Delaware City Refinery releases toxic air pollutants
The air pollutant sulfur dioxide can make breathing harder for people with asthma. The refinery has been releasing it for several days.
2 months ago
Sharks — From Fear to Fascination
On this rebroadcast of The Pulse: Before dinosaurs, before trees — even before Saturn had its rings – there were sharks. The fierce p ...
Air Date: May 30, 2025
Listen 48:54Why Amazon is doubling down on robots at its massive Delaware fulfillment center
About 4,500 people are working inside Amazon’s fulfillment center in Wilmington at any given time. After renovations, some of their newest coworkers will be robots.
2 months ago
Listen 1:07U.S. peregrine falcons adapt well to city living as their coastal cousins struggle with bird flu
City falcons have successfully added buildings and bridges to the their natural habitats in cities such as Elizabeth, New Jersey.
2 months ago
Penn researchers worked on USAID contracts for years. Some are now out of a job
Researchers say losing USAID funding means less research that benefits the U.S. government, fewer opportunities for students, and a loss of trust in the U.S. overseas.
2 months ago
Listen 3:41An invasive tick is swarming southeastern Pa. Here’s what you need to know
Why researchers say the Asian longhorned tick is spreading so rapidly — and why it could pose a serious threat to human and animal health.
2 months ago
Listen 1:08The grandmother and the bomb builder: How one woman’s search for the truth forged an unlikely bond
For 30 years, Kathy Sanders has sought answers about the terrorist attack that killed her grandsons. She hopes a new piece of evidence will bring her closer to the truth.
2 months ago
Listen 26:14What It Takes to Prove the Truth
In the “post-truth era,” we explore standards of proof, evidence, and how we know what we think we know.
Air Date: May 23, 2025
Listen 49:14A mild winter prevented serious beach erosion. But officials worry federal funding cuts could hamper future data collection and monitoring efforts.
3 months ago
Listen 0:59Philadelphia residents are tracking air quality and pollution from their rowhouses in real time
With the fate of EPA regulations uncertain, advocates say local environmental protection efforts, like a community air monitoring network, are increasingly important.
3 months ago
Listen 3:15In Holmesburg, a vacant lot turned sunflower farm offers a place for Philly veterans to rebuild
At the Pennypack Sunflower Farm, Heroic Gardens uses horticultural therapy to support veterans’ mental health.
3 months ago
Listen 5:20FAA extends flight limits at Newark airport into June because of controller shortage and tech issues
The rule announced Tuesday will cap the number of arrivals and departures at Newark Liberty International Airport at 28 apiece per hour.
3 months ago