Science

The role of nitrates in supporting plant growth is well-known, but nitrates also have negative impacts on ecosystems when there is excessive algae growth. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talked with U-M Professor of Chemistry Nathaniel Szymczak about his team’s work to reduce nitrates into compounds that could be reused as fertilizer or otherwise recycled.

New discoveries regarding far-away solar systems could lead to breakthroughs in exoplanetary research. The University of Michigan has been a key player in leading the investigation. WEMU’s Joshua Nieman reports.

School is officially back in session for Ypsilanti Community Schools (YCS) students, but summer didn't keep some students and teachers away from the classroom. YCS's Grizzly Learning Camp gives students opportunities to explore their interests and further their education through hands-on projects and field trips. The camp's coordinator, YCS teacher Tiffany Powell, talked about the camp and the partnerships behind it with Lee Van Roth.

Ann Arbor youth are very lucky to have not one, but two, fantastic educational venues. The Leslie Science and Nature Center gives kids a great outdoor experience, while the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum stimulates their minds with indoor activities. Charlie Reischl is the Director of Advancement at both institutions, and he joined Decky Alexander to talk about their latest work, including the "Access for All" initiative and the upcoming "Flutter" fundraiser.

For more than 40 years, the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum has filled the space of a former firehouse at 220 E. Ann Street in Ann Arbor. As we close out 2025, we can look forward to another fascinating and intriguing year. Susan Westhoff is President and CEO of the Museum and of the Leslie Science and Nature Center. She joined WEMU's David Fair to reflect on the current year and let us know about all of the new things we’ll get to learn in 2026!

There’s a new educational program that's literally transforming the landscape around Ypsilanti Community Schools, sometimes one sweet potato or pawpaw tree at a time. YCS has launched a new agriscience and botany career technical education program. It's part of a countywide push to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students. Lee Van Roth discussed the program and what it hopes to achieve with Ypsilanti Community High School biology teacher Laurel Wiinikka-Buesser.

A University of Michigan study dives into the world of minerals and finds very few of them are named after women compared to men. Ana Longoria reports.

The University of Michigan will be spending nearly $80 million to expand the diversity of faculty members in the health science fields. WEMU’s Cathy Shafran has details.

A Saline High School student has won one of the country’s most prestigious awards for scientific research. WEMU's Josh Hakala reports.

An Eastern Michigan University neuropsychologist has been awarded a multi-million-dollar National Institute of Health grant for groundbreaking research on how the neurons in the mouth interact with the brain. WEMU's Cathy Shafran has more.