On Today's Podcast
Who uses Farmers’ Almanacs? + Zebra finch home design
Have climate change and weather apps made Farmers' Almanacs obsolete? Plus, home decorating tips from zebra finches.
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.
12:19
The Neuroscience of a Microchip, Remembering a Keystone Ecologist, and Brexit’s Effect on Science
What can “Donkey Kong” tell us about the state of neuroscience? Plus the possible implications of Brexit for science.
16:59
Eight (or More) Reasons to be Amazed by the Octopus
Octopus researchers help kick off our annual Cephalopod Week celebrations with a look at the octopus, from its genes to its outlook on life.
12:09
Unlocking Blood-Forming Stem Cells for Personalized Therapies
A look at how stem cells found in the blood can be used to treat cancer, diabetes, and other diseases.
17:11
Forecasting the Revolution in Human Reproduction
In “The End of Sex and the Future of Human Reproduction,” Hank Greely explores the legal and ethical frontiers of human reproductive technology.
17:20
What We Do (And Mostly Don’t) Know About Guns
The CDC doesn’t study effects of firearms. Here’s what researchers have to say about that.
The Technology That’s Changing the Future of Human Reproduction
Author Hank Greely on how humans will conceive and reproduce in the brave new world ahead of us.
I, Octopus
With thousands of chemically-sensitive suckers, color-changing skin, and a brain that literally stretches when they eat, octopuses seem like aliens living in our oceans.
Don’t Eat This Tomato
This Australian tomato enclosed inside a spiky burr is no tasty treat, according to researchers.
From Chicken Guns to Testing Cobra Venom: The Strange World of Military Science
Author Mary Roach dives into the odd and fascinating experiments conducted by the military.
11:56
Human-Like Hobbits, Spitting Fish, and Arecibo’s Uncertain Future
The origin of the human-like “hobbit” H. floresiensis, and the future of an iconic telescope.
12:07
Google Doodles Add Some Science History to Your Search
Google Doodle team lead Ryan Germick shares the stories behind some of the search engine’s geekiest “doodles.”
9:40
Melding Biology and Chemistry in a ‘Bionic Leaf’
A “bionic leaf” combines advanced catalysts with engineered bacteria to produce hydrocarbon fuels from light, water, and carbon dioxide.
23:03
Stink Bombs, Submarine Safety, and the Science of Soldiering
In “Grunt,” author Mary Roach looks at the technology used to battle disease, shock, and exhaustion in the ranks.
10:15
The Hyperloop: From Pipe Dream to Possible
Inside the race to realize Elon Musk’s vision of tube-based transport.
24:32
Tracing Light to Map the Cosmic Darkness
Two astrophysicists are creating maps and images of the hidden side of the universe: dark matter and black holes.
Sampling and Estimation With Bountiful ‘Beetles’
In this activity, explore the science and the math behind sampling. Use your data to make predictions about the most common color in a population of candy beetles.
How Do Scientists Create A Vegan Alternative To Beef?
Beyond Meat says that its new plant-based burger cooks and tastes just like beef.
17:21
Solar Ovens, Water Rockets, and Other DIY Summer Science Projects
These DIY experiments will keep your kitchen chemists and backyard explorers busy throughout the summer vacation.
12:10
Bumblebees Pick Up On The ‘Buzz’ From Flowers
Bumblebees use hairs on their bodies to pick up on weak electrical signals emitted by flowers.
11:50
Progress on a Universal Cancer Vaccine, an Inflatable Space Habitat, and Blocking Mobile Ads
A tool for recruiting the immune system to fight cancer, and a look at mobile ad-blocking software.