“The Deep End” Dives into Catastrophic Glacial Melting Challenges

A new show titled "The Deep End" is set to debut on February 10, thanks to a collaboration with PRX. The show, hosted by Douglas Fox, a seasoned freelance journalist and frequent contributor to Science News, will delve into the pressing issue of glacial melting. Scientists have expressed growing concerns over the catastrophic implications of melting ice and are contemplating ambitious engineering projects as potential solutions.

Among the proposed projects are innovative concepts such as building underwater curtains designed to prevent warm seawater from exacerbating glacial melting. The vast glaciers of the North and South poles pose significant threats to global sea levels, with the potential to cause widespread inundation. This rising threat places low-lying Pacific islands and major cities, including Bangkok, Amsterdam, Shanghai, and Miami, at significant risk. Fox's expertise in this area stems from his previous expeditions to Antarctica, where he reported on the immense glaciers that dominate the continent.

In tandem with "The Deep End," Science News is launching its inaugural podcast. Hosted by senior neuroscience writer Laura Sanders, the podcast is inspired by the award-winning multimedia project "Electricity Saved My Brain." This project documented the transformative experiences of individuals battling severe depression who underwent experimental brain implant treatments.

Adding yet another layer of engagement for its audience, Science News introduces a new feature this month: math puzzles. Crafted by Ben Orlin, author of "Math for English Majors," these puzzles aim to challenge and entertain readers with intriguing mathematical conundrums.

The historical figure Canute, the 11th-century king of England, is invoked in reference to the ambitious scale of these scientific endeavors. Canute famously ordered his servants to bring his throne to the shore in an attempt to command the tide to halt its rise—a metaphor for humanity's ongoing struggle against nature's forces.

Further enriching the offerings for its audience, Science News now provides subscribers full access to its comprehensive archives and digital editions. Subscribers can avail themselves of this resource by entering their email address, gaining a wealth of information at their fingertips.