NASA Hopes Supersonic X Plane Will Deliver Less Bang For The Buck
The new plane will test technologies to reduce the loud boom planes make when they break the sound barrier.
Science
What Do Hamburgers Have To Do With Gender?
Meat and veggie burgers evolved together in the 20th century, but when it comes to associations with gender, their histories diverge. Anthropologist Barbara J. King explores a new book on the topic.
Invisibilia: When Daydreaming Gets In The Way Of Real Life
In this episode of the Invisibilia podcast, our hosts explore how it feels to be "in between," including the story of one woman who spends so much time daydreaming that it interferes with her life.
USDA Defies Advisers, Allows Carrageenan To Keep Organic Label
The Department of Agriculture says organic-food makers can keep using carrageenan, a thickener made from seaweed. It's the second time this year that it has reversed an organic board's recommendation.
GMO Yeast Mimics Flavors Of Hops, But Will Craft Brewers Bite?
Some beer-brewing scientists have developed a genetically modified yeast that produces the same hoppy aromas and flavors beer drinkers like, without the hops. But some craft brewers are skeptical.
Center Of The Milky Way Has Thousands Of Black Holes, Study Shows
The supermassive black hole lurking at the center of our galaxy appears to have a lot of company, according to a new study that suggests the monster is surrounded by about 10,000 other black holes.
DNA Test Reveals Fertility Doctor Used His Own Sperm To Impregnate Patient
Kelli Rowlette first thought the results were a mistake when she learned her dad was not her dad. But she learned her mother's OB-GYN had lied and inseminated her using his semen and not a donor's.
A Novel Virus Killed 24,000 Piglets In China. Where Did It Come From?
At first, tests were positive for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. Then something strange happened. The pigs stopped testing positive for that virus — but kept getting sick.
Suffering From Nature Deficit Disorder? Try Forest Bathing
Positive scientific results aside, the idea of shinrin-yoku shouldn't be surprising: Who hasn't felt an inner sense of well-being when walking along a forest trail? asks commentator Marcelo Gleiser.
A Tale Of 2 Whale Songs
Oceanographer Kate Stafford of the University of Washington talks about a new study on the differences between the whale songs of bowhead whales and humpback whales.