Public urban spaces are central to civic life, but the revitalization and upkeep of these spaces is critical to their success. On this episode, Andrew Manshel discussed his book, Learning from Bryant Park.

The goods and foods that are produced and manufactured around us contain both natural and unnatural chemicals. How much is known about the chemistry of everyday goods? On this episode, George Zaidan discussed the chemistry of what we put on us and in us.

Eating disorders are characterized by more than just the physiological processes in the body, but also importantly the mental health process involved. On this episode, Robyn Cruze discussed her book, Making Peace with Your Plate.

The H.L. Hunley was a civil war submarine whose recovery raised more questions than answers. On this episode, Rachel Lance discussed her investigation of this subject in her new book, In the Waves.

The story of Jackie Cochran and Jerrie Cobb is a fascinating tale of two accomplished pilots fighting for the future of women in space. On this episode, Amy Shira Teitel discussed her book, Fighting for Space.

The history of women in the space age is captured in a fascinating exhibit featuring collections of images from this past. On this episode, Dr. Julie Wosk discussed her exhibit, Imaging Women in the Space Age.

Brainwaves may seem like the subject of science fiction, but the study of these brainwaves is at the forefront of modern neuroscience. On this episode, R. Douglas Fields discussed his book, Electric Brain.

Although food is essential for survival, eating the wrong types of food may be deleterious to our health. What is the role of hormones in our food supply and our health? On this episode, Dr. Neal Barnard discussed his book, Your Body in Balance.

International competition for technological resources often leads to intellectual espionage, even over a resource as seemingly mundane as corn. On this episode, Mara Hvistendahl discussed her book, The Scientist and the Spy.

There is a question of a periodic table analogue for elementary particles and the nature of dark energy and dark matter. On this episode, Thomas Buckholtz joins us to discuss these classic problems and unified approaches for explaining them.