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
Jul 20, 2021 • 7min
Why Humans See Faces in Everyday Objects
The ability to spot Jesus’ mug in a piece of burnt toast might be a product of evolution.
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Jul 19, 2021 • 8min
Richard Branson Reaches Space on Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity
The historic flight is only the second time that the rocket plane has carried people.
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Jul 16, 2021 • 8min
Which Crops Can Survive Drought? Nanosensors May Offer Clues
The technique can be used to track how water flows through plants—which could be key to breeding more resilient crops in an increasingly hot, dry climate.
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Jul 15, 2021 • 11min
Mystery Solved: How Plant Cells Know When to Stop Growing
The discovery could have a profound effect on cell research for many species of plants and animals, as well as the future of crops.
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Jul 14, 2021 • 8min
An Observatory Spied on LA’s Carbon Emissions—From Space
The instrument reads sunlight intensity to determine carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere. Its findings could help reduce our carbon footprint.
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Jul 13, 2021 • 12min
The Coelacanth May Live for a Century. That’s Not Great News
Scale markings reveal that this weird fish's lifespan is double what scientists first estimated. That also means they’re closer to extinction than we thought.
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Jul 12, 2021 • 8min
Why Utilities Want to Control Your Smart Thermostat Sometimes
Don’t mess with Texans’ air conditioning. Here’s why some customers in the state had their thermostats remotely controlled.
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Jul 9, 2021 • 8min
Northern Farms Are Releasing Massive Amounts of Carbon
Humans have been draining peatlands to grow crops for centuries. It's a huge, underestimated source of greenhouse gas, scientists say.Â
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Jul 8, 2021 • 9min
Lakes Are Losing Oxygen—and Their Inhabitants Are in Danger
Hundreds of temperate lakes around the world are showing trends toward anoxia, becoming warmer, murkier, and less hospitable to cold-water species.
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Jul 7, 2021 • 5min
What's With All This Ooey, Gooey Sea Snot?
A phlegmy film is coating the coast around Istanbul—and warmer water could be to blame.
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