You might have heard the coronavirus is transmitted through droplets — but how far can they go? It's not as simple as 6 feet.
Almost 4 billion people around the world are under government orders to stay home as much as possible, and that might not change anytime soon. But there are some steps we can take while the world hopes for a cure.
U.S. unemployment numbers are reaching historic highs. Vox's Matthew Yglesias explains how the U.S. government could reat this pandemic like a war, and spend money putting people back to work producing urgently needed medical supplies.
After a few weeks of sheltering in place, your hair probably doesn't look like what you're used to. Hairdresser and YouTuber Brad Mando breaks down the key steps to maintaining your hair from home.
Countries like South Korea and Israel have used surveillance techniques to monitor and contain the virus. But in the US fears are growing about any approach that will infringe on our personal data and privacy.
As the country faces an unprecedented spike in unemployment, we explore how some cities managed to save both jobs and lives during the Spanish flu.
The one big reason why the US bungled the response to COVID-19? Testing.
CVID-19 and air pollution both attack our lungs. But could exposure to air pollution increase your chances of dying from COVID-19?
Researchers around the globe are using new technology to develop a COVID-19 vaccine in record time. We speak to one of the scientists leading the race to understand how this is possible, and how the vaccine will work.
The coronavirus pandemic could make exercising the right to vote incredibly dangerous...so why don't we vote by mail?
For the first time, our oceans have gone quiet. Now that the cruise, shipping, and drilling industries have halted in the pandemic, whale researchers are racing to study what happens underwater when we're not there.
Jails and prisons have become epicenters for coronavirus in the US. We look at the reasons the virus spreads so quickly in these facilities, what should be done about it, and why it impacts us all.
Determining who already had Covid-19 may be a major step in getting things back to normal. What happens to people who already had it? Is it possible to become immune to COVID-19, and for how long?
Remote and online work is a challenge for millions of people in rural America without access to reliable internet. We explore how the pandemic is highlighting this issue, and what needs to be to fix it.
Nobody wants to waste food but nobody wants to get sick from their food either. J Kenji Lopez-Alt gives tips of making the most of your groceries under quarantine.
Countries like South Africa implemented strict lockdowns and contained the virus. But as a consequence those most in need are facing an impossible choice.
Wondering if running outdoors is safe? Us too. This episode looks at the risk factors of outdoor transmission, and what would actually have to happen for a runner to infect someone with coronavirus.
Farmers are euthanizing excess livestock, but there's a shortage of meat at the deli counter. What is the pandemic doing to our meat supply?
Asian Giant hornets have arrived in the US, and they're a big threat to bees. Can bees defend themselves against the murder hornets?
Between the spike in alcohol sales and the endless social media posts with celebrities drinking, it seems like everyone might be drinking more in quarantine. But should we be worried about how much we're drinking now?
Offices will have to change for us to safely get back into the workspace. But we might not even need to go back -- the office of the future could be your bedroom.
We have seen reports of everything from Malaysian tigers to pugs testing positive for Covid-19. In this episode we explore which animals can contract and transmit the coronavirus, and whether or not we should be worried about our pets.
People around the world are being told that they need to stay at home for their safety. But for many, staying at home means being trapped with their abuser.
When comparing the US' uncoordinated pandemic response to China's organized efforts, some believe democracies might be worse than authoritarians at handling a health crisis. We looked back at outbreaks throughout history to see what the data says.
If you're stuck in quarantine, why not channel your energy into a hobby that's fun and fruitful? In today's episode, we'll teach you practical ways to grow a home garden regardless of the climate you're in or the space you have access to.
Black Americans are dying from coronavirus at three times the rate of white Americans. Many factors contribute to this disparity, but this pandemic is highlighting one problem especially: health care inequality between black and white Americans.
The first Covid-19 treatment has been authorized for use in the US. But with Americans consistently pay more for prescription drugs than patients in other countries, what will that mean for patients trying to get treatment during this pandemic?
As passenger volumes begin to rise, some airlines are blocking middle seats to create distancing on flights. But it might not work, and it will definitely cost us.
Data shows that 2019 recorded that 1000 people were killed due to police violence; however, the killing of George Floyd sparked protests across the US in demand for justice against police brutality.
If you have COVID-19, you may be flushing vital data down the toilet. So, can studying our sewage help us predict the next COVID-19 outbreak before it overwhelms clinics?
There is no open or centralized police data in America. It's a problem that could have contributed to the killing of George Floyd, Eric Garner, and others.
Officials say curfews reduce the number of people on the streets. Historically, during times of civil unrest, curfews have promoted more violence and silenced dissenting voices. In this episode, we examine if curfews help in restoring peace.
While everyone is spending more time at home during quarantine, our pets seem to be acting strange all of a sudden. What are signs of stress we should be looking for? And how can we help our pets through it?
Cicadas can reach noise levels of a motorcycle. How do they do it? And why do some only surface every 17 years?
In this special edition of Answered, actor and activist Michael K. Williams takes us through his plan to transform relationships between law enforcement and communities of colour.
Every state in the US is starting to lift Coronavirus restrictions in order to jumpstart their economies. But there is no clear national strategy for reopening, which raises the question; are people leaving lockdown safely?
Again and again, it can feel impossible to hold abusive police officers accountable. A big reason for this is the power of police unions. From protective city contracts, to political might, we look at how police unions block accountability.
Almost every US state recognizes Juneteenth is an official holiday. What is it, any why do people celebrate it?
Many restaurants have temporarily closed during the pandemic, and closures could become permanent for some. We talk to chef Marcus Samuelsson to break down profit margins and find out what COVID means for dining as we know it.
As the Supreme Court rules LGBTQ people are protected from job discrimination, there is still a long way to go towards achieving equality and justice to the transgender community in the US.
In lockdown, it seems like our sense of time is completely scrambled. The days can drag on, but then we look up and a month has flown by. Why does this happen? And wait, what day is it again?
Drag Queens have been taking their acts to the internet since the pandemic. Could drag shows survive digitally?
Across the country we are seeing protests and calls to defund the police. what does this actually mean? And what would defunding the police lead to?
The people of DC want autonomy. Despite having a larger population than two states, Washington, DC doesn't have voting representation in Congress. But all that could change, as the House has just voted to grant statehood to the district.
Coral reefs around the world are dying, but scientists in Florida may have found a way to save them by helping corals reproduce in labs.
July in America means bright lights, loud noises and things that explode...but how do fireworks actually work?
Ball pits have been a staple of malls and fast food joints for decades. But COVID might change that.
Dating hasn't stopped in lockdown - it's gone virtual. Can the connections we make online in the pandemic lead to long lasting relationships?
Body camera were implemented to increase police accountability, but are they working?
Each year, millions of acres of land are cut down and burned in the Amazon Rainforest. And this pandemic year, its expected to get worse.
The pandemic has highlighted our rat problem. Could managing our waste at home help us control rat infestations?
Crowdsourcing health information could be a solution to inadequate testing in the US. In this episode, we explore how symptom survey apps could track and predict outbreaks before they turn into crises.
Llamas may have the key to finding a cure for the coronavirus. Studies show that llamas have special antibodies that could neutralize Covid-19.
'How to files your own taxes?' could be the most searched question right now. We break down why filing US taxes can be so frustrating and how it could be easier. Reminder: July 15th is tax day. If you need to file, go to the IRS Free File website.
Recent coronavirus spikes in the South and West could be attributed to lax guidelines for indoor bars and restaurants.
If your furry friend is becoming more of a fur ball during lockdown, then it is probably time for a grooming session. Here is how to groom your dog at home in a few easy steps.
The coronavirus is mutating, and scientists are concerned about one mutation in particular: D614G.
In crowded urban environments, it's been difficult for people to maintain social distancing. The pandemic has forced cities to rethink its available space, which is helping revolutionize city planning.
Lockdown has definitely aggravated collective loneliness. What can we do to combat feeling lonely in future lockdowns.
Lately, the nickname "Karen" abounds on social media. But who exactly qualifies as a "Karen," and what do these viral takedowns teach us about racism in the United States?
Research shows that air conditioners are having an impact of the planet. However, the search is on for the next generation of ACs, which will be affordable and climate-friendly.
The US government confirmed UFOs are real. To find out what that means, we spoke with experts like former Sen. Harry Reid, who spearheaded the pentagon's secret research program investigating what military pilots have long been seeing in the sky.
For decades, researchers have been looking for missing matter in our universe. This year, they found it.
In a few months, cruises are set to sail again. But are we ready? We look at the ways cruise ships are particularly dangerous for outbreaks.
The federal eviction ban has expired, and experts are warning of an unprecedented wave of homelessness. But this is not a new problem, and evictions bans were only a temporary solution to an already-massive housing crisis.
Even in the most remote places on earth researchers are finding evidence of plastic pollution caused by the movement of microplastics. How do microplastics move across the planet and what role do humans play in that cycle?
Extra screen time has become a standard for many. It also means increased exposure to the blue light out devices emit. Blue light can cause eye strain and disrupt sleep cycles, but research shows it also can impact our skin.
Facial recognition is being used more and more by private companies and in public, by the police. But the technology is not perfect and when used for law enforcement it often further escalates bias against already vulnerable populations.
OnlyFans allows users to share nudity and sexual content. It's become extremely popular during lockdowns, and even got a shot-out from Beyonce. But will its success push out the sex workers who built it?
There are multiple theories surrounding the origins of the @ sign. Throughout history the use of the character changed numerous times. But in 1971, Ray Tomlinson revolutionized the @ symbol, forever shaping how we communicate online.
For years coal has been leading energy generation in the US and around the world. But that's no longer the case: renewable energy is surging.
We've long been fascinated by sharks, but there's actually a lot we don't know about them. Sharks are notoriously hard to research and study, but new tracking technology may be changing all of that.
Every year around this time, the Perseid meteor shower gives the northern hemisphere quite a show. But what causes the annual meteor shower and what is the best way to watch it?
Restaurants are known for bringing people closer together, but that makes them a risk for transmitting Covid-19. As they reopen, restaurants are looking at how they can transform their design to keep everyone as safe as possible.
With concerns circulating about phase two of Coronavirus, health professionals still advise to wear a face covering. Is wearing an N95 a safer choice? How does it work?
The coronavirus can last for days on some surfaces but only hours on others. How worried should we be about getting sick from touching household items? We spoke to an expert on viral transmission to find out.
Some say there is no Manhattan without traffic, but could 2020 be the year to hit the reset button on the city's gridlock?
It's been 100 years since the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote but some women are still denied that right today. What makes that suppression possible?
Sports are finally back on TV, but noticeably without any fans. So how do broadcasters bring us our games without any awkward silences?
The function of political conventions has strayed only slightly from their origin: to nominate a presidential candidate. But with little debate over nominees and remote conventions this year, many are wondering: do we even need conventions anymore?
MSG is an ingredient used in tons of common foods, so why is it so often associated with Chinese food? And can it really make us sick? Chef David Chang explains MSG's prejudiced past and how we can help change its reputation.
As Americans face increasing obstacles to in-person and mail-in voting, many voters are wondering: why can't we just vote online? We ask a cybersecurity expert why even when we can shop and bank easily by phone, we still can't simply vote.
There's life beyond earth. According to one astrophysicist, 36 communicating extraterrestrial intelligent civilizations exist in our galaxy. The only problem is they're 17,000 light years away, making interstellar communication impossible.
it's peak mosquito season, and some of us seem to get bit more than others. What makes some people more susceptible to mosquito bites than others?
The racial wealth gap between Black and White Americans is shocking. Researchers attribute the divide to slavery and years of systemic racism that followed. But, one economist thinks providing reparations to eligible recipients will close the gap.
For centuries, humans have used fossils to try and visualize dinosaurs, but these bones can be quite misleading. Today, paleoartists are taking dinosaur renderings a step further and have found that our ideas about dinosaurs might be all wrong.
Weather forecasting has come a long way since our first efforts to measure it in the 1920's. But weather apps still struggle to give us accurate long range forecasts. Why is the weather so hard to predict?
Countries around the world have bullet trains that zip passengers along at speeds of 300mph. Meanwhile US trains struggle to maintain speeds half that fast. Why don't we have our own bullet trains? And will we ever get them?
We've all seen fireflies glow but most people aren't familiar with the chemical reaction that causes them to light up. Doctors have harnessed this science for medical purposes and now are even using it in the fight against COVID-19.
It's very likely someone you love believes in a conspiracy theory. Sometimes these are harmless, but other times they can put us in danger. How do we talk to loved ones we're concerned about?
As people venture outside to socially distance in the great outdoors, there's a lot of poisonous plants to keep an eye out for but how do you know what is and isn't poisonous and what happens if you get a nasty rash?
Why do we still have a five-day work week? The idea for a four-day week isn't new, but it may be gaining ground as we rethink our work life during a pandemic. Especially because a four day week may be just as productive, if not more so.
As humans struggle to adapt to living under COVID-19, what lessons can we learn from the animal kingdom? Cleo talks with an expert who studies how different species react to diseases.
Electric scooters are popping up in cities all over the world, but riders are leaving them on sidewalks and making pedestrians very angry. Are these scooters the future of getting around in cities, or just a fad?
This election season, memes are everywhere. But what happens when some memes aren't based in fact? Can a meme make you believe something that isn't true?
Children have lived through crises like natural disasters and terrorist attacks, but Covid-19 is different from other traumatic events. Luckily, research shows that children are naturally resilient, but that's dependent on their support system.
We've all clipped a coupon or two in our day but down do you know if you are actually getting the deal you want instead of just doing the store a favor?
Space has only ever been for astronauts... mostly. Seven civilians have actually been to space to visit the ISS as space tourists, and now, aerospace companies are racing to send many more. Would you want to take a trip to space?
In June, robocalls averaged just over 11.2 million calls per day or roughly 1,297 calls per second and are increasing as lockdowns start to ease. Is there any way that you protect yourself from scams and stop those endless annoying calls?
face masks are essential to keeping us safe. But there's no denying that masks and other PPE waste are adding to our global plastic problem -- and entering our oceans. What is all our PPE doing to the planet?
During election season, polls flood the headlines giving a glimpse of how the public is thinking. But what do the results even mean? We spoke with FiveThirtyEight's Nate Silver to explain how polls get made and how they can sometimes be off.
The idea of space becoming a battlefield might feel like someone out of Hollywood, but it's not as far-fetched as you might think.
In the deep sea, there's nowhere to hide -- so these nightmare fish have evolved to disappear into the darkness. Ultra-black fish use a unique light reflecting skin system to become nearly invisible to predators and prey.
Even if you get infected with Covid and recover, there's still a chance you can get reinfected. While antibodies provide protection from the virus, it's only temporary—making herd immunity impossible. So, we still need a vaccine to go back to normal.
Trees are some of the oldest living beings on our planet. One bristlecone pine in California is 5,000 years old. How do they live so long, and what can they teach us about our own longevity?
Deepfakes are quickly becoming more realistic and easier to make. But image-forensics expert Hany Farid says that, for now, there are still a few ways to detect a deepfake on the internet.
This election year is unlike any other, with an unprecedented number of Americans expected to vote by mail due to the pandemic. How is your vote counted after you mail it in, and how is it kept safe?
Tonight kicks off the presidential debates, and we want to know how candidates prepare for the sparring. We spoke with longtime GOP political consultant Stuart Stevens to get insider tips on how candidates prepare.
While the world faces a pandemic and a global economic crisis, the US stock market is near an all time high. How can the market be doing so well when many Americans face dire financial situations?
American athletes have a long history of speaking out about racial injustice. In this episode, players Harrison Barnes and head coach Lloyd Pierce discuss how NBA players turned protests into action by converting their arenas into voting centers.
Curating algorithms are a feature of music streaming apps but have we lost something in the digital evolution? DJ Dani Deahl explains how algorithms have not only changed our music discovery experience but has also influenced artists in a new way.
Countries around the world are seeing second waves of Covid-19, while the U.S hasn't even tamped down its first wave. And it's only fall. Will winter lead to a surge of Coivid-19 cases?
Yep, your favorite songs may be coming from TikTok. We spoke to Salem Ilese, a singer-songwriter whose recent hit "Mad at Disney" took off on TikTok before gaining popularity outside the app.
The vice president of the United States often gets overlooked- but it remains a role that has the potential to be extremely influential. So, what does the vice president really do? And should we be paying better attention to the nominees?
Movie theaters have lost billions this year due to Covid shutdowns, and their full return to business is still uncertain. For now, drive-ins are seeing a resurgence that shows how much going to the movies actually meant to us.
Millions of girls globally were displaced and out of school before the pandemic hit -- now, it's even worse. Model and UNICEF Ambassador Halima Aden speaks to Vox about how the pandemic has affected girls' education around the world.
Today is Columbus Day, but there's a growing movement to replace it with Indigenous Peoples' Day. Professor Shannon Speed and student Sam Schimmel talk to us about their experience with this holiday as Indigenous Americans.
Every year fire season on the West Coast grows more and more destructive. We talk to an expert about how communities can help reduce wildfires by using fire itself.
How do politicians use branding, specifically color, to signal to the electorate? We answer the question with the help of a seasoned designer. By dissecting the 2020 campaign, we can see how color can be indicative of larger political moods and movements.
As most colleges in the U.S have pivoted to remote learning during the pandemic, students are adapting to their new reality. But many of them are wondering why their schools are charging campus-related fees -- when students aren't on campus.
Whether you're single or with someone, having a quality sex life under Covid-19 can be hard, but it doesn't have to be. Cleo talks with Shan Boodram, host of Sexology, to help figure out what we can do better in the bedroom.