On Today's Podcast
Slow Breaking News: A Giant Tortoise Revival
With science and good luck, 158 young tortoises were reintroduced to Floreana Island in the Galapagos. Plus, an ancient sea turtle stampede.
Listen NowMarch 13, 2026
AI-generated songs are breaking onto the charts, and music labels are pivoting from lawsuits to partnerships with AI startups. What comes next? Plus, what’s the science behind the much-hyped idea that you can “reset” your nervous system by stimulating the vagus nerve? And, with science and good luck, 158 young tortoises were reintroduced to Floreana Island in the Galápagos.
34:06
How The Fashion Industry Is Responding To Climate Change
More and more industries are responding to climate change. Will fashion brands follow suit?
Is That Really Your Sister Calling?
How hackers and technology will evolve together.
6:35
A Clamp Down On Hurricane Dorian Data
Scientists were threatened with firings after the National Weather Service projections for Hurricane Dorian contradicted President Trump’s tweets.
5:33
Wind Turbines Leave Behind Hard-To-Manage Waste
Wind turbines are great at producing green energy. But when they reach the end of their life-span, their blades are incredibly difficult to recycle.
12:07
The Bubbles At The Center Of The Milky Way
A million years ago, the black hole at the center of our galaxy burped. Now, scientists are exploring what the resulting bubbles might say about our kinship with other galaxies.
17:36
Rats Learn To Hide And Seek
Neuroscientists say they can learn a lot by observing brains at play.
17:09
How Geometry Shaped The World
Science historian Amir Alexander shares how Euclidean geometry came to influence politics, art, and the nature of cities.
34:45
Why AI Is A Growing Part Of The Criminal Justice System
From facial recognition to emotion detection to risk assessments, AI is guiding the decisions of police departments and courtrooms across the country.
How Linear Perspective Made Florence’s Famed Dome Possible
Learn how a mirror and a painting helped design Brunelleschi’s Dome in this excerpt from “Proof!” by Amir Alexander.
Engineering A Fix For The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Students will consider the impact the Great Pacific Garbage Patch on the environment and marine life—and design a waste-catching device.
7:39
A Dimming Plan For Lighting Efficiency
The Trump administration plans to roll back efficiency plans that would have decreased the use of incandescent light bulbs.
4:23
Are Florida’s Nursing Homes Prepared For Hurricanes?
Florida has one of the largest nursing home populations in the country. But it’s struggling to meet new preparedness guidelines.
18:24
Diving Headfirst Into Football Season With A New Look At Concussion Research
Researchers discover you don’t need a concussion to cause changes to the brain.
27:37
Randall Munroe’s ‘How To’ Guide For Everyday Problems
In his book “How To,” Randall Munroe answers how to send a file, charge your phone, and other everyday questions with uncommon solutions.
33:34
Widening The Lens On A More Inclusive Science
Indigenous peoples have been observing the world for thousands of years. Why are they still underrepresented in science?
Relearning The Star Stories Of Indigenous Peoples
How the lost constellations of Indigenous North Americans can connect culture, science, and inspire the next generation of scientists.
How Serena Williams Destroyed A Drone With A Tennis Ball
Tennis legend Serena Williams hits the court to face off with a drone in this excerpt from Randall Munroe’s “How To.”
SciFri Extra: Bird Nerds Of A Feather Flock Together
New York’s biggest bird enthusiasts discuss their favorite birds to see in the city and how to protect them from urban hazards.
10:56
Soft Robot Gives Jellyfish A Hug
Studying the ocean’s delicate creatures requires a soft (robotic) touch.
12:20
Hurricane Watch And An Ocean Arrival
All eyes are on the Atlantic this week as Hurricane Dorian approaches, and Greta Thunberg arrives in New York City.