On Today's Podcast
Why a paper about relocating coastal communities hit a nerve
In a recent analysis, scientists argued that New Orleans should relocate. But planning for a city's future is about much more than geography.
Listen NowJuly 17, 2026
Sci-fi stories often imagine how humans would react to intelligent alien life. But what does the science say? Plus, botflies are gross, but they also know just how to hitch a ride on a camel sneeze. An entomologist celebrates the wonder of parasites. And, in a recent analysis, scientists argued that New Orleans should relocate. But planning for a city's future is about much more than geography.
Fungi Fans ‘Felt’ the Love
At the Northeast Mycological Federation’s 36th Annual Foray, some 15 crafty people learned how to use wool roving to create a mushroom-themed felt pillow.
Seeing Through the Smoke—The Secrets in a Cigarette
Many cigarettes are only two-thirds tobacco, and contain hundreds of additives, such as antifreeze, cocoa shells, and liquorice.
Study May Link Pro Football, Brain Decline
A new study suggests that pro football players are more likely to develop neurodegenerative diseases.
Tracking Viruses from Animals to People
Researchers discuss West Nile, hantavirus, and other diseases that cross from animals to people.
Oregon Power Project Needs the Motion of the Ocean
A generator that makes electricity from wave power is being prepared for installation off the Oregon coast.
Tour A Bat Cave
Nickolay Hristov uses a long-range laser scanner and portable thermal cameras to see bats in new ways.
The Importance of Strange Science
Science doesn’t have to be serious—you can always learn from it.
To The Bat Cave!
Bat biologist Nickolay Hristov, of UNC’s Center for Design Innovation and Winston-Salem State University, develops new techniques for filming and visualizing bats.
Meet Your Ancient Relatives — The Denisovans
Scientists sequenced the genome of a Denisovan—a distant cousin to modern humans and Neanderthals.
Time to Overhaul America’s Aging Bridges?
Experts say some 8000 bridges are in dire need of repair—but at what cost?
Unwinding the Cucumber Tendril Mystery
Researchers use time-lapse photography and a prosthetic plant to understand why cucumber tendrils twist.
Surveying the Mobile Landscape, Post Patent Battle
Will the Apple/Samsung patent ruling affect the phones and tablets consumers can buy?
Meet the Brains Behind ‘Bones’
Forensic anthropologist and writer Kathy Reichs talks about her new novel “Bones Are Forever” and her ongoing work on the TV crime-fighting series “Bones.”
Gazing Up at a Double Sun
Astronomers have found multiple planets orbiting a double star system.
The World Remembers Neil Armstrong
A goodbye to Neil Armstrong: Pilot, pioneer, and the first person to walk on the Moon.
Unwinding the Cucumber Tendril Mystery
Plants may be stationary, but they’re rarely still, says biologist Roger Hangarter, creator of the website Plants in Motion.
Curiosity Rover Zaps a Rock, Starts to Roll
The rover is on its way to Glenelg, an area where scientists hope to drill into bedrock.
Tree Rings Tell Tales of Ancient Fires and Climate
Are the movements of wildfires as predictable as the weather? And does climate change cause bigger, hotter blazes?
Mapping the Birthplace of Modern Languages
Scientists have traced the roots of languages like English and Spanish back to present-day Turkey.