Rachel Feltman is former executive editor of Popular Science and forever host of the podcast The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week. She previously founded the blog Speaking of Science for the Washington Post.
Measles Misinformation Sparks Concern, Supreme Court Weakens EPA, and Scientists Engineer Woolly Mice
In this week's news roundup, we dig into measles misinformation, ozone recovery and new findings on using nasal cartilage to treat knee injuries.
Author John Green on How Tuberculosis Shaped Our Modern World
Novelist John Green talks about his new nonfiction book, Everything is Tuberculosis, and the inequities in treatment for the highly infectious disease.
How Plastics in the Brain Connect to the Wider Debate over Petroleum
Many people are concerned about microplastics reaching our brain—but few realize how this connects with petroleum production and the climate crisis
The Latest on Measles in the U.S, a Mystery Illness in the DRC and the Flu Vaccines
In this news roundup, we cover outbreak updates, microbes in space and a brain turned to glass.
Why You Can’t Get That Song Out of Your Head
Some songs get stuck in our head more than others, and scientists have uncovered what makes them so irresistible.
Saying Farewell to the Gaia Mission, Which Mapped the Milky Way
We look back on about 11 years of the Gaia spacecraft, now at the end of its mission to create the best map of the Milky Way.
Measles Outbreaks, Asteroid Risks and Fish Friends
In this week’s news roundup, we cover activity from the black hole at our galaxy’s center and a troubling measles outbreak in Texas.
Where Did Curly Hair Come From? Biological Anthropology May Provide Insights
Humans have a surprising lack of hair for mammals. Biological anthropology may provide insights into why the hair we have sometimes comes out curly.
The Air around Us Is Full of Life
Journalist Carl Zimmer chats about aerobiology and his new book Air-Borne: The Hidden History of the Life We Breathe.
Love Isn’t Just about Romance. Here’s How Nonromantic Bonds Shape Our Lives
Valentine’s Day often focuses on romance, but deep friendships deserve love, too. Here’s why they matter.
When It Comes to Impending Asteroid 2024 YR4, Risk of Impact Is a Wait-and-See Question
News of an asteroid with a 2 percent chance of hitting Earth in 2032 made headlines. But is its fluctuating risk really cause for concern?
What We’ve Learned about Superstrong Shrimp, How Deep Canyons Formed on the Moon, and What Bonobos Know
In this week’s roundup, we’re reviewing some animal research, the latest on bird flu and the burden of microplastics on our brain.
Funding Freeze and Communications Hold Create Confusion for U.S. Researchers
Researchers in the U.S. are grappling with Trump administration executive orders around health and science agency funding and communications.
Avoiding Outrage Fatigue while Staying Informed
Outrage fatigue can wear us down—but we can take care of ourselves in an onslaught of overwhelming news.
Tuberculosis Outbreak, Highly Pathogenic Bird Flu Strain and Polar Bear Hair
In this week’s roundup, catch up on the spread of bird flu in the U.S., a tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas and lessons from fossilized vomit.
Can Hopeful Skepticism Replace Harmful Cynicism?
Giving in to cynicism makes us less trusting, less connected, and even less physically and mentally healthy.
Why 2025 Is an Exciting Year in Heliophysics
From space weather to science missions, there’s a lot to be excited about in heliophysics this year.
WHO Withdrawal, Bird Flu News and the Way ‘Prehab’ Affects Surgical Outcomes
A rundown on what’s at stake for global health if the U.S. withdraws from the World Health Organization and an update on bird flu are in this week’s science news roundup.
Turning Outdoor Enthusiasts into Community Scientists
The founder of Adventure Scientists explains how community science is the ultimate civic engagement
What Happens to the Open Internet without Net Neutrality?
A U.S. federal court struck down the FCC’s enforcement of net neutrality. What does that mean for Internet users?
A Mixed Bag for Private Spaceflight, a New Spider Species and the Health Risks of Alcohol
We discuss a big week for commercial spaceflight, a red dye ban and a scary spider species in this news roundup.
The Ways We Express Pain Point to Universality in Language
Linguists think that the words that we use to express pain might tell us something about our shared biology and the commonality of language.
Mishandled Response to the Bird Flu Leaves U.S. Vulnerable to Outbreak
The U.S. government lost control of the bird flu because of a sluggish response and deference to industry.
A Death from Bird Flu, a Cosmic Kiss and Wildfires in L.A.
In this week’s news rundown, norovirus cases are up, a bird flu death is reported and Los Angeles has experienced devastating fires.