Science

Hidden Brain

Liar, Liar, Liar

We all lie. But what separates the average person from the infamous cheaters we see on the news? Dan Ariely says we like to think it's character — but in his research he's found it's more often opportunity. Dan Ariely is a professor at Duke University and the author of the book, The Honest Truth About Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone — Especially Ourselves. We spoke to him in March 2017.

'Ghost' DNA In West Africans Complicates Story Of Human Origins

Modern genomes from Nigeria and Sierra Leone show signals that scientists call "ghost" DNA — from an unknown human ancestor. That means that prehistoric humans likely procreated with an unknown group.

Dates Like Jesus Ate? Scientists Revive Ancient Trees From 2,000-Year-Old Seeds

Researchers in Israel have grown date palm trees from ancient seeds found at the same site as the Dead Sea Scrolls. Those trees might soon produce fruit, re-creating the taste of antiquity.

Speakers Forum

It’s a train, on a bridge, that floats. It’s complicated

An engineering first: answering the challenge of East Link

All Things Considered

Scientists Find Imperfections In 'Minibrains' That Raise Questions For Research

Brain organoids grown in the lab look a lot like developing human brains. But a new study finds some important differences that could affect how scientists use them.

Hidden Brain

Secret Friends: Tapping Into The Power Of Imagination

Where is the line between what is real and what is imaginary? It seems like an easy question to answer: if you can see it, hear it, or touch it, then it's real, right? But what if this way of thinking is limiting one of the greatest gifts of the mind? This week, we meet people who experience the invisible as real, and learn how they hone their imaginations to see the world with new eyes.

How To See The Future (No Crystal Ball Needed)

When disaster strikes, we want to know, who screwed up? This week we explore the psychology of warnings: Why some warnings get heard, and why some of us are better at seeing what lies ahead.

All Things Considered

NASA Taps Snowstorm-Chasing Team To Improve Forecasting

NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with Lynn McMurdie, a University of Washington professor and principal investigator for IMPACTS, NASA's new project to more accurately predict snowstorms.

Hidden Brain

The Cassandra Curse: Why We Heed Some Warnings, And Ignore Others

After a disaster happens, we want to know whether something could have been done to avoid it. Did anyone see this coming? Many times, the answer is yes. So why didn't the warnings lead to action? This week, we revisit a favorite 2018 episode about the psychology of warnings. We visit a smelly Alaskan tunnel, hear about a gory (and fictional) murder plot, and even listen to some ABBA.