Science, Spoken - podcast cover

Science, Spoken

WIREDplay.prx.org

Get in-depth coverage of current and future trends in technology, and how they are shaping business, entertainment, communications, science, politics, and society.

Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

What Would Happen if Every American Got a Heat Pump

Getting these climate superheroes into more US homes would massively cut emissions, and it would be cost-effective. Here’s how the revolution would play out. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Feb 27, 20249 min

A New Startup Wants to Turn the Sugar You Eat Into Fiber

Americans eat too much sugar. Food tech company Zya is developing a substance to add to sweet foods that can convert some of that sugar into fiber in the digestive system. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Feb 26, 20247 min

The Transport Companies Leaving Fossil Fuels Behind

Hydrogen-powered planes, more fuel-efficient aircraft designs, and all-electric parcel delivery services are just some of the ways in which the transport sector is looking to decarbonize. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Feb 23, 20242 min

Metal Prices Are Soaring. So Is Metal Theft

It’s a multibillion-dollar global problem, and in a rapidly electrifying world, the profits—and ease—of stealing metals are only going to increase. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Feb 22, 202410 min

Tech Still Isn’t Doing Enough to Care for the Environment

Priscilla Chomba-Kinywa, CTO of Greenpeace, says technology firms must shape up—and consumers and business clients should walk away if they don’t. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Feb 21, 20244 min

Los Angeles Just Proved How Spongy a City Can Be

As relentless rains pounded LA, the city’s “sponge” infrastructure helped gather 8.6 billion gallons of water—enough to sustain over 100,000 households for a year. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Feb 20, 20246 min

Kyiv Is Using Homegrown Tech to Treat the Trauma of War

Millions of Ukrainians are suffering the mental health implications of two years of Russian bombs and shells. The country’s recovery depends on building systems to help treat the trauma. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Feb 19, 20249 min

Farming Prioritizes Cows and Cars—Not People

Farmers and scientists are getting better at growing more crops on less land, but they’re not focusing on plants that people eat. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Feb 14, 20248 min

Did Climate Change Help This Skier Achieve the Impossible?

A slalom skier just achieved a remarkable result in the Alpine Ski World Cup—coming from last place to win. As mountains get warmer and conditions less predictable, expect more freak occurrences like this. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Feb 13, 20248 min

Why Is Our Solar System Flat?

It started as a big old ball of dust, so how did it end up like a giant pancake? Get the true story using fake forces. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Feb 12, 20247 min

I Tested a Next-Gen AI Assistant. It Will Blow You Away

WIRED experimented with a new form of voice assistant that can browse the web and perform tasks online. Siri, Alexa, and other virtual helpers could soon be much more powerful. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Feb 06, 20246 min

A Startup Has Unlocked a Way to Make Cheap Insulin

Houston-based rBIO has invented a new process to churn out insulin at higher yields using custom-made bacteria. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Feb 05, 20247 min

6 Deaf Children Can Now Hear After a Single Injection

Several gene therapies aim to restore a protein necessary for transmitting sound signals from the ear to the brain. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jan 29, 20248 min

The World’s Essential Aquifers Are in Deep Trouble

New research finds that the groundwater systems that hydrate your life are in rapid, sometimes accelerating decline around the globe. Here’s how to stop the retreat. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jan 25, 20248 min

The World's First Malaria Vaccine Program for Children Starts Now

On Monday, Cameroon became the first nation to establish routine childhood malaria immunizations. The race is on to give protection to as many people as possible. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jan 24, 20249 min

Scientists Will Test a Cancer-Hunting mRNA Treatment

Strand Therapeutics has figured out a way to turn the molecule on and off in certain tissues to more precisely treat tumors. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jan 23, 20247 min

A Scandal Is Tearing the World of Record-Breaking Dogs Apart

After doubts were raised about a 31-year-old dog, Guinness World Records has paused its records for the world’s oldest dogs, leaving one super-old dog in limbo. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jan 22, 20249 min

Scabies Is Making a Comeback

Cases of scabies, a highly contagious parasitic skin disease, are on the rise across Europe. The UK in particular is struggling with a shortage of treatments. Read this story here . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jan 18, 20248 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android