Flash flooding on September 29 caught many New Yorkers by surprise, closing subway stations and flooding major roadways. A system of sensors developed by NYU Tandon researchers hopes to alleviate some of that pain.

Named FloodNet, the devices are installed throughout the five boroughs and transmit real time flood data to a publicly available, interactive dashboard. The researchers hope these devices will enable the city to better prepared for the next emergency and provide valuable data for city planners.

Also in this episode: Similarities between real life chess prodigies and the Queen’s Gambit protagonist Beth Harmon, and social media’s lack of impact on political divisions.