In most U.S. states, a surge in cases is reigniting conversations about the country’s response to the pandemic. Dr. Alok Patel speaks with a leading epidemiologist and a specialist in infectious diseases to gain perspective on pressing concerns, from vaccine effectiveness and boosters to vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and inequity at a national and global scale.

What makes PFAS chemicals extremely useful — and extremely hard to get rid of — are bonds between carbon and fluorine atoms that are almost impossible to break.

An ornithologist and conservationist shares how the coronavirus pandemic's effects on his ability to breathe has echoed the disproportionate effects of climate change on certain communities

According to a recent report released by the U.S. government, nearly 150 aerial objects observed between 2004 and 2021 remain unidentified—with the exception of one large deflated balloon. But what if there’s another explanation out there? Could extraterrestrial intelligence explain some sightings? To find out, Dr. Alok Patel explores the possibilities with an astrophysicist and a NASA engineer.

With the help of hydrologists and innovators on the ground and in the lab, Dr. Alok Patel learns about the traditional ecological knowledge of the Navajo Nation in the especially hard-hit Southwest. And he speaks with innovators applying advanced technology to agricultural practices, like drone surveillance and artificial intelligence, to prepare for and cope with drought.

Each year, California and the Southwest break new records for droughts and high temperatures, which bring damaging heat waves, wildfires, and even flooding. Learn how these catastrophes operate together—and how engineers are working on new technologies to help us survive.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 8 or higher hasn’t rumbled beneath the contiguous U.S. in more than 300 years. Now, the Pacific Northwest is due for another "big one." Clues from the past, along with modern-day science, can help coastal Indigenous communities understand the risks and develop novel mitigation strategies.

Why do people make clickbait, and how do we identify false information in it? Sometimes it helps to have a system to ID the CAP.

Solar storms have the potential to affect our power grid and cause widespread blackouts. Watch how researchers and engineers are working together to make sure that doesn’t happen.

NASA is launching a new spacecraft mission, DART, which will test scientists' ability to deflect asteroids at risk of colliding with Earth.

We’re stretching it out and exploring the science of exercise and—after more than a year of unexpected interruption—getting back in the game. Dr. Alok Patel checks in with an expert in exercise physiology and an Olympic athlete, biomechanist, and chiropractor.

New York City Audubon's Christian Cooper shares stories of his early days as a birdwatcher, and offers suggestions on how to get involved in birding and make it more accessible in your community.

In this episode of Sciencing Out, host Reyhaneh Maktoufi introduces you to two of these experts—statistician and pioneer of modern nursing Florence Nightingale, and modern-day data journalist Mona Chalabi, who’s used her illustrations and graphics to visualize everything from how hairy you are to healthcare inequities.

Underwater archaeologists find mysterious bone fragments in a 500-year-old shipwreck off the coast of Sweden. What could they belong to?

The Age of Exploration and Europe’s imperial colonization of far-off lands was launched by a revolution in ship design that made long-distance voyages practical. A newly discovered 500-year-old wreck offers vital clues to this momentous innovation.

In the second episode of Sciencing Out, host Reyhaneh Maktoufi introduces us to two women: 18th-century Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and modern-day wildlife conservationist Paula Kahumbu. By dedicating time to build public trust, both Lady Mary and Paula made major positive changes in their communities.

Mia Fassi’s infertility journey started when she was in her mid-30s. After unsuccessful in vitro treatments, adopting a child felt like an easy transition to consider.

As electric vehicle technology takes off—literally—how will the logistics of air traffic work? Watch how NASA researchers are writing the rules that will make air travel via electric vehicles safe.

"Beyond the Elements" host David Pogue and chemical and environmental engineer Ruoxue Yan illustrate how the molecular bonds around us actually make sounds—even if we can’t hear them.

Can new emission-free electric planes replace our polluting airliners and revolutionize personal transportation in our cities? NOVA takes a ride in some quiet, energy-efficient, prototypes that are vying for success as electric flight takes off.