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.
17:32
A Race To Save Florida’s Manatees
This charismatic mammal had its worst year on record in 2021. Scientists are scrambling to reverse manatees’ bad fortune.
10:37
It’s A Bird. It’s A Plane. It’s An Astronomical Photo Bomb.
Internet satellites are interfering with astronomical research—and the problem is only getting worse.
6:07
Webb Telescope Arrives To Its Final Home In Deep Space
After weeks of travel, the James Webb Space Telescope moved into its final orbit this week. Here’s what’s next for the historic observatory.
17:33
Understanding The Cannabis-Body Connection With Exercise
The first human study on how cannabis affects exercise sheds light on the body’s endocannabinoid system.
20:29
Are Electric Planes Finally Ready For Takeoff?
Aviation powered by electricity promises cleaner, quieter flight. But is it practical?
7:25
Beware Of Fake Pop-Up COVID Sites
A regulation loophole allows pop-up testing sites to proliferate with little regulation and oversight.
Read ‘The Sirens Of Mars’ With The SciFri Book Club
Sarah Stewart Johnson explores humanity’s fascination with the Red Planet in ‘The Sirens of Mars.’ We’ll read it together this spring.
The Importance Of Gathering Samples From Mars Before Humans Arrive
Scientist Sarah Stewart Johnson makes the case for why we should do as much science as we can on Mars—before humans step foot on the planet.
12:15
Scientists Are Working On A Universal COVID Vaccine
Making a vaccine for all COVID-19 variants requires a different approach. Plus Tonga’s volcano, and other stories.
5:44
Saliva Sharing Might Help Kids Identify Their Closest Relationships
A new study shows that small children use subtle saliva cues, like sharing utensils, to determine those closest to them.
7:28
Big Agriculture Schools Face Increasing Donor Conflicts Of Interest
Harvest Public Media and Investigate Midwest find corporations have given colleges at least $170 million in the last decade. How does that influence their research?
12:12
Identifying Animals Through Airborne DNA
Ecologists were able to successfully identify animals in a zoo simply by taking samples of DNA from the air.
8:49
Growing Plants—And Providing Solar Energy
Growing crops under solar panels is an efficient way to approach a new era of agriculture.
12:57
These Beetles Go Boing
Scientists discover new jumping behavior in a common beetle species.
4:35
This is Your Brain on Wordle
A social psychologist explains why the popular word game is so addictive.
17:16
Pigeons Are More Than Pests
The humble city pigeon has a history with humans, one that echoes our lives with cats and dogs.
12:40
New Research Links Epstein-Barr Virus to Multiple Sclerosis
Research out of Harvard links the degenerative and incurable condition to an infection with the common virus that causes “kissing disease.”
Pigeons Are More Than Rats With Wings
Read an excerpt of Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching: Getting to Know the World’s Most Misunderstood Bird by Rosemary Mosco.
Bring Your Brainy Buds To SciFri Trivia Night At Caveat NYC!
On Wednesday, February 23, join us at Caveat as SciFri Trivia Night returns to NYC.
12:16
A Replacement Heart, From A Pig
Doctors report transplanting a heart from a genetically-modified pig into a human.