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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

You may not realize it, but many major cities have been built over rivers. Urban planners are experimenting with 'daylighting', which seeks to resurface and call attention to the water bodies our cities obscure. This week, we examine "The Rights of Rivers" buff.ly/AOnWuTI

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

When gold mining threatened the Los Cedros cloud forest in Ecuador, one resident went to court to save it, following a growing 'rights of nature' movement led by indigenous people. Learn more on this week's episode: buff.ly/AOnWuTI

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

In 2008, indigenous leaders in Ecuador made a historic decision. The rights of nature would now be enshrined in the country's constitution. This revolutionary moment would change the fate of the Los Cedros cloud forest and its many rivers buff.ly/AOnWuTI

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Climate change is reshaping rivers across the world. In some cases, it's even causing river systems to die out. Now, advocates are finding innovative ways to protect these water bodies on which all life depends. It's "The Rights of Rivers" buff.ly/AOnWuTI

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

A river doesn't stop at its banks, says Robert Macfarlane. Life radiates from it. He explores how looking at rivers as living beings rather than just resources could help save them from an uncertain future. buff.ly/AOnWuTI

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

When dams were put into the Klamath River in the early 20th century, its wildlife suffered. Salmon, a source of food sovereignty for the Yurok tribe, could no longer reach their spawning grounds. Indigenous advocates worked for decades to bring them back. buff.ly/AOnWuTI

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

People aren't always convinced that a river is alive, says author Robert Macfarlane. But they do know what a dead river looks like. Today, pollution, climate change, and over-damming have put rivers in crisis. It's "The Rights of Rivers" buff.ly/AOnWuTI

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

In 2023, four hydroelectric dams were removed from the 250 mile long Klamath River on the Western Coast of the United States, allowing the river to flow freely for the first time in 100 years. But why de-dam a river? We're looking at "The Rights of Rivers" buff.ly/AOnWuTI

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

In his latest book, author Robert Macfarlane poses a profound question: Is A River Alive? This question is central to a growing movement that claims natural entities like rivers have legal rights. This week episode is "The Rights of Rivers" buff.ly/AOnWuTI

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Water is central to life. But our planet’s rivers are in crisis. Can the growing rights-of-nature movement help save our threatened watersheds upon which all life depends? buff.ly/AOnWuTI

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Could a “great act of moral imagination” save our imperiled watersheds and their rivers? Writer Robert Macfarlane presents the case for why rivers are alive, on this week’s episode, "The Rights of Rivers." buff.ly/AOnWuTI

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Our bodies have a unique cooling mechanism - sweating! In extreme heat however, the body cannot dissipate heat fast enough through sweat, and things can go downhill quickly. We explore the consequences of heat exposure in this week's episode "How Hot is Too Hot?" buff.ly/az9PZ7G

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Life on Earth evolved in a specific range of temperatures, often referred to as the "Goldilocks Zone." But the climate crisis is starting to push us out of this comfortable range. How can we get back to a "just right" environment? buff.ly/az9PZ7G

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Hotter temperatures are changing the migratory patterns of many animals, including bats, sharks, and even ticks. As our ecological landscape changes, so too does the geography of diseases like malaria and Dengue fever. Learn more on this week's episode: buff.ly/az9PZ7G

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

"As we heat our planet, we're causing a great rearrangement," says author Jeff Goodell. The more animals are forced to find new places to live, the more we risk coming into contact with new diseases. How heat is increasing tick and mosquito borne disease: buff.ly/az9PZ7G

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

How can we combat extreme heat and build a cooler future? One way is by rethinking urban planning. Reintroducing nature into heat-stressed cities could be key. buff.ly/az9PZ7G

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

As temperatures rise, we might be tempted to stay inside and crank up the AC - if we have access to it. But this dependence on air conditioning can lead to a vicious cycle, explains author Jeff Goodell, and isn't a long-term solution. buff.ly/az9PZ7G

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Earth’s scorching temperatures aren’t yet Venusian, but our increasing average temperatures have made scientists worried about the long-term habitability of the planet. Are we leaving the Goldilocks Zone? This episode is “How Hot is Too Hot?” buff.ly/az9PZ7G

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Author Jeff Goodell joins us to talk about his new book, which lays out the insidious, deadly effects that rising temperatures are having on our landscape and bodies. This episode is “How Hot is Too Hot?” buff.ly/h8Zjmb1

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

On this week's episode, @neildegrassetyson.com joins the show to remind us that the universe is vast, expanding, and still has many weird and wonderful things left to explore. It's "A Coup de Grace in Space"! buff.ly/l0Z5SB2

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Using the James Webb Space Telescope, a team of researchers believe they discovered a hybrid between a black hole and a star. The "black hole star" discovery may change our understanding of supermassive black holes. buff.ly/l0Z5SB2

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Dark energy and dark matter make up over 95% of the universe, and we don't know much about these forces, explains astrophysicist @neildegrassetyson.com. Using tools like the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, astronomers hope to make progress on this mystery. buff.ly/l0Z5SB2

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Though the field of astronomy has changed a lot over the course of his career, @neildegrassetyson.com says one thing that hasn't is how the subject continues to capture our imaginations. This week, he discusses hot topics in astronomy and his latest book, "Lost in Space." buff.ly/l0Z5SB2

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

This week, astrophysicist @neildegrassetyson.com joins Seth Shostak to discuss the Roman Space Telescope launch, black holes, and the future of astronomy. This week's episode is "A Coup de Grace in Space" buff.ly/l0Z5SB2

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

In addition to unraveling the mysteries of dark energy and dark matter, the Roman Space Telescope will also help us answer the question always on our minds - are we alone in the universe? This week, learn more about the promise Roman holds for further exoplanet discoveries. buff.ly/l0Z5SB2

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

With its large field of view and infrared capabilities, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will be able to survey the sky a thousand times faster than Hubble. Scientists plan to use it to look further back into the early universe. This week, it's "A Coup de Grace in Space" buff.ly/l0Z5SB2

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Nancy Grace Roman, NASA's first chief astronomer and the "Mother of Hubble," played a pivotal role in getting the Hubble Space Telescope into space. Now, a new space telescope bearing her name has been sent skyward for an ambitious mission. buff.ly/l0Z5SB2

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope successfully launched on August 30th. It's poised to give us a greater understanding of the universe, including black holes and dark matter. This week's episode is "A Coup de Grace in Space" buff.ly/l0Z5SB2

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Neil deGrasse Tyson and Seth Shostak chat about how astronomical instruments have evolved over their careers, and the project scientist for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope explains the mission’s science goals, including finding exoplanets. buff.ly/l0Z5SB2

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

This week, we talk black holes, dark matter, dark energy, and exoplanets with the scientists behind NASA’s newly launched Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Also, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Seth chat about how astronomy has changed over their careers. buff.ly/l0Z5SB2

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

In Malawi, a $9 motorbike ride may determine whether a pregnant woman gets prenatal care. Science Magazine and BPS spoke with Emily Mvula who had received prenatal counseling through USAID’s MOMENTUM mobile outreach clinics about what happened when the program’s funding ended. bit.ly/4yqdVTN

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Our reporting in Malawi revealed that while USAID-funded NGOs weren't officially responsible for transporting women in medical emergencies, they could be counted as backups. After USAID cuts, emergency support has disappeared. Mothers in labor now may wait hours for an ambulance. bit.ly/4yqdVTN

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

In Malawi, the village of Katenje began crowdfunding to build its own health outpost about a year before the 2025 USAID cuts. Science Magazine’s Catherine Offord and BPS’s Shannon Geary visited the unfinished building, an attempt at self-sufficiency in a changing health landscape. bit.ly/4yqdVTN

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

More than half of the health spending in Malawi, one of the world’s most aid-dependent countries, comes from foreign donors. More than 80% of the population lives in rural areas, making the loss of externally supported services, like those provided by USAID, especially consequential. bit.ly/4yqdVTN

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

The cancellation of USAID in 2025 hit hard in the African country of Malawi. In the first of a series supported by the Pulitzer Center and in collaboration with Science Magazine, we look at the impact the cuts have had on the country. bit.ly/4yqdVTN

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

In the wake of cuts to USAID, Malawi's healthcare system has struggled to fill the funding gaps. But many are optimistic that in the long-term, a more resilient and self-sufficient system can be built in its place. This episode is "Malawi: A Path Forward". bit.ly/4yqdVTN

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

The scale of the cuts to USAID programs in 2025 had an immediate impact on Malawi's healthcare system. But despite the challenges, many Malawians see the cuts as an opportunity to rethink their relationship to foreign aid and make positive long-term change. bigpicturescience.org/episodes/mal...

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Following the loss of foreign aid, many services in rural communities in Malawi have ended, giving healthcare workers less visibility into said communities. Nurse midwife technician Sungeni Thole says he is seeing an increase in birth complications as a result. bit.ly/4yqdVTN

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

For healthcare workers in Malawi, transportation is a major challenge. Large distances and limited access to ambulances make it difficult for medical professionals to reach communities or transfer patients in an emergency. bit.ly/4yqdVTN

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Thirty years ago, Malawi had one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. But that rate has decreased, in part due to funding from USAID. Following cuts to foreign aid, Malawians are fighting to protect hard-won gains in maternal health. bit.ly/4yqdVTN

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

The defunding of USAID impaired services to combat infectious diseases and provide maternal medical care. In the first of a series supported by the Pulitzer Center and Science Magazine, we look at the impact of the loss of USAID in key spots around the globe. bigpicturescience.org/episodes/mal...

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

The abrupt defunding of USAID caused global shockwaves. In the first of a series supported by the Pulitzer Center and in collaboration with Science Magazine, we take an on-the-ground look at the impact of defunding health services in key spots across the globe. bigpicturescience.org/episodes/mal...

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Restoration ecologist Clay Frazer describes working with Wisconsin landowners to allow beavers to return to river networks and how installing flow devices in rivers help control flooding. bigpicturescience.org/episodes/lea...

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Traditional ecological knowledge specialist Michael Waasegiizhig Price describes the effort of Anishinaabe people to recover lost language and traditions, including their once sacred relationship with “amik”, the beaver. bigpicturescience.org/episodes/lea...

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Marveling at beaver constructed dams, Molly asks author Leila Philip if beavers are artists, engineers, or architects. “Definitely all three,” Leila says, as they visit beaver dams and ponds in Connecticut. bigpicturescience.org/episodes/lea...

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

“If we want to survive the kind of storm events that are coming at us with climate change, we need the kind of water storage that's created” says writer Leila Philip on why beavers help provide water resiliency. bigpicturescience.org/episodes/lea...

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

River scientist Denise Burchsted describes the concept of paleo rivers - ancient river networks that no longer flow now but which beavers can revive if we let them do their beaver thing. bigpicturescience.org/episodes/lea...

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

The fur trade nearly wiped out 400 million beaver in North America. Now the animal once valued only for its pelts, or considered a pest, is being brought back to repair our damaged river systems. bigpicturescience.org/episodes/lea...

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

The return of beavers to river systems comes as our nation’s wetlands are disappearing, and new federal policies are stripping protection for many of those that remain. BPS traipses through soggy meadows to learn why beavers are key to water resilience. bigpicturescience.org/episodes/lea...

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Big Picture Science @bipisci.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Molly is awed at the size and beauty of newly-created beaver ponds on walks with Leila Philip, author of Beaverland, in Connecticut as Leila discuss why beavers are making a comeback. bigpicturescience.org/episodes/lea...

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