Writer Jon Gertner talks about the search for traces of machines throughout the universe, and what happens if we actually find them.
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Animals have feelings, just like us
Writer Yudhijit Bhattacharjee discusses the mental abilities of animals and how they might have emotions as complex as our own.
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How your brain navigates
Neuroscientist Christopher Kemp explains our brain’s ability to orient ourselves in space and find our way through a confusing world.
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How to deal with workplace bullies
Tessa West examines the different personality types that tend to make work miserable and the methods of social psychology you can employ to neutralize them. Plus, a blog post on how to deal with bulldozing coworkers.
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We know what makes us laugh, but why?
Professor Jonathan Silvertown talks about the science behind why we giggle, laughter’s evolutionary advantages, and why you might want to tickle your houseplants.
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A young person’s guide to navigating the news
Dr. Seema Yasmin discusses ways to engage youth and help them learn to dispel rumors and myths about science and medicine. Plus, a bonus blog post on misinformation, disinformation and mal-information.
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The point of tiny T. rex arms and other dinosaur mysteries
David Hone, paleontologist and senior lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, shares the latest in dinosaur research, from child-rearing to habitats – and what might be the next big dinosaur discovery on the horizon.
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BFFs: The science of building friendships that last
Marisa G. Franco is a professor at the University of Maryland. She talks with us about the latest science on friendship, why it’s essential to our health, and ways to use your own strengths to forge lasting relationships.
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Neil deGrasse Tyson on why we should think more like scientists
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson joins us to make a case for the rationality of science—and to help us look at global challenges in new ways.
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You could be better at thinking in daily life, here’s how
Professor Woo-kyoung Ahn discusses confirmation bias and other forms of subconscious thinking that can get in the way of us being better versions of ourselves.
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Could a brain implant treat addiction?
Zachary Siegel of Harper’s Magazine discusses the details of deep brain stimulation, an experimental treatment for addiction. Plus, a special blog post from the show!
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Wasps are ‘pests’ worth protecting
Professor Seirian Sumner discusses the wild world of wasps, which she says have an undeserved reputation as nature’s bad guys.
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