Science

How the future of robotics could begin with sand, MIT’s “Smart Sand” could provide customizable solutions to the unique problems in modern robotics.

How engineering human beings to be more energy efficient, could be the next step to combat global climate change.

What decides the trajectory of our lives, our successes or failures, our steps and stumbles? Do we achieve what we achieve through force of will, or does fate have us by the throat? This hour, Radiolab explores the tug of war between will and fate from birth to death - from a kid reaching for a marshmallow to hints of dementia in the words of a 20-year-old.

For more information, visit http://www.radiolab.org/.

Over 50% of the planet now lives in cities. This hour, Radiolab looks at what makes them tick. We talk to a couple physicists who think they can fit every city into a tidy mathematical formula, and we take to the streets to test their idea. We explore the water tunnels 700 feet below Manhattan and question whether cities are the source of, or the solution for, our growing global appetite.

For more information, visit http://www.radiolab.org/.

There are so many ways to fall - falling in love, falling asleep, even falling flat on your face. In an episode full of falling music, Radiolab plunges into a black hole, takes a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel, and debunks some myths about falling cats.

For more information, visit http://www.radiolab.org/.

Data shows that the idea of certain foods as "addictive" may not quite be on target.