Science, Spoken
WIRED
Get in-depth coverage of current and future trends in technology, and how they are shaping business, entertainment, communications, science, politics, and society.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 14, 2021 • 9min
Radioactive Rat Snakes Could Help Monitor Fukushima Fallout
Scientists have attached dosimeters to the reptiles so they can serve as living “bioindicators” to gauge contamination levels near the shuttered nuclear power plant.
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Sep 13, 2021 • 11min
The Delta Variant Is Making Covid a Pandemic of the Young
Children and teens have been spared the worst of the pandemic, but without vaccines they’re sitting ducks as the virus rages. What risks are they facing?
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Sep 10, 2021 • 11min
Would the Free Guy Inflatable Bubble Protect a Real Person?
In the movie’s video game world, a whole-body airbag protects Ryan Reynolds as he falls off of a building and onto a car. Would that … work?
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Sep 9, 2021 • 8min
How the Cuttlefish’s Robust Memory System Defies Old Age
This cephalopod is the only known animal that doesn’t exhibit age-related deterioration when recalling specific events.
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Sep 8, 2021 • 10min
This Barnacle-Inspired Glue Seals Bleeding Organs in Seconds
The paste sticks onto wet tissue firmly by repelling blood. Surgeons hope it can save time—and lives.
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Sep 7, 2021 • 10min
Would It Be Fair to Treat Vaccinated Covid Patients First?
Last week, Texas health care policymakers discussed taking vaccination status into account for Covid triage. It’s a larger conversation ethicists are bracing for.
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Sep 6, 2021 • 11min
The FDA OKs an Extra Covid Vaccine Dose for Immunosuppressed People
The federal agency will allow people living with organ transplants, undergoing cancer treatments and taking some medications to get a third shot.
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Sep 3, 2021 • 8min
This AI Helps Detect Wildlife Health Issues in Real Time
A system that scans animal rehabilitation center data could provide early alerts when a disease is spreading.
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Sep 2, 2021 • 11min
The Next Big Challenge for Lunar Astronauts? Moon Dust
NASA is trying out sonic waves, electrostatic devices, and extra-slick coatings as ways to repel pesky space dirt.
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Sep 1, 2021 • 9min
An Experimental Birth Control Attacks Sperm Like a Virus
Monoclonal antibodies have been touted for their potential to fight off infections like Covid-19. Could they be used as contraceptives, too?
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
