John Dankosky

Research shows people are often quite willing to help others. Plus, a possible Achilles heel for troublesome PFAS chemicals. And, an author finds humor in the nuances of depression.

How Bangladeshi farmers found a way to save massive amounts of water. Plus, a soundscape artist’s entire collection of work is going to the Library of Congress.

How (and why) NASA successfully caused a collision between a small spacecraft and an asteroid. Plus, how do you vaccinate a wild raccoon for rabies? Hint: Fish-flavored candy.

Race is often conflated with biology in medicine. A more nuanced approach is emerging: using culturally competent care in treatment. Plus, how a Facebook group identifies mushrooms.

Dive into the fancy tricks and ineffable weirdness of cephalopods. Plus, a new book explores the surprising roots of facial reconstruction surgery—the battlefields of World War I.

Period tracking apps data may be used in court if abortion protections are overturned. Plus, a new children’s book about female researchers and the obstacles they have overcome.

In this hour, we dive into the wonderful world of sharks. Plus, a primer on monkeypox. And feeding babies, from baby formula to milk banking. 

Rain and drought are predicted to create better conditions for mosquitoes to spread the West Nile virus across the U.S. Plus, astronomers logged 5,000 exoplanets.

How losing genes allowed vampire bats to gain bloodsucking superpowers. Plus, what ethical controls are needed to guide groundbreaking research on the human brain?

Blast off to Mars with us for this spring’s SciFri Book Club! Plus, exploring the 6 million years of no feline-like animals. And why are mice the most frequently used lab animal?

A medical device startup ends support for its bionic eye implants—and blind patients who use them have to figure out what’s next. And human activity is erasing the natural soundscape.

We explore the parallels between the nature and human anatomy. Plus, the largest 1% of trees play a big role in forest ecosystems. And how to capture your favorite seasonal scents.

The James Webb space telescope could launch next week. Plus, in Black Protestant churches, regular attendees are much more likely to be vaccinated than those who come infrequently.

Scientists are studying what a prosthetic device they’re calling a “Third Thumb” does to your brain. Plus, the healing power of nostalgia. 

In communities of color, the pandemic is leading to growing numbers of suicides. Plus, how the Myers-Briggs test was invented by a mother-daughter duo, and its complicated legacy.

Epidemiologist Dr. Céline Gounder untangles rapidly changing pandemic updates. Plus, a plan to replace an aging oil pipeline spurs heated debates over safety, amid a worsening drought.

Experts estimate over a billion sea creatures were scorched during the Pacific Northwest’s record-breaking heat wave. Plus, whistleblowers allege “atmosphere of fear” at the EPA. 

A mystery illness is affecting American songbirds. Plus, why our sweat is useful and even worth celebrating. And what might be behind the dimming of the red giant star Betelgeuse.

The FDA approved the first drug for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in almost 20 years. But the benefits of it aren’t clear. Plus, what happens when scientists admit they’re wrong?