On Today's Podcast
Olympic Ski Mountaineering, And Mountain Goat Climbing Feats
The mountaineering history behind "skimo," a new Winter Olympic event. Plus, research into a true alpine champion, the mountain goat.
Listen NowFebruary 6, 2026
The mountaineering history behind "skimo," a new Winter Olympic event. Plus, new USDA dietary guidelines tell us to “eat real food.” Should policymakers get highly processed foods out of our stores and school lunches? And, it's easier than ever for companies to collect your personal data and compile it into a profile for advertisers, ICE, and other agencies.
10:31
Anal Teeth And Deadly Farts: The World Of Invertebrate Butts
In this story from 2022, we meet the scientists and illustrators who spread joy and knowledge about the backends of the backbone-less.
17:18
Are There Things That We Know We Can’t Know?
In “Into the Unknown,” an astronomer explores the mysteries of the cosmos and the limits of what science can test.
12:13
$8 Billion Of Climate Tech Projects Were Canceled In 3 Months
How will market uncertainty and a lack of federal support for climate efforts affect the future of clean energy in the United States?
17:23
A New Book On The Horrifying, Creative World Of Insect Zombies
“Rise of the Zombie Bugs” explores how parasites create real-life zombies in the insect and invertebrate world.
12:11
How Death Metal Singers Make Their Extreme Vocalizations
Vocal researchers are learning how death metal singers safely produce extreme vocal distortions, in hopes of improving vocal health care.
17:25
A Precisely Pointed Laser Allows People To See New Color ‘Olo’
Researchers isolated one kind of cone in the eye and aimed lasers at it to allow subjects to see a super vibrant teal shade they call “olo.”
7:19
In Louisiana, A Chance To Study A Successful, Growing Wetland
Many wetlands are disappearing, but Louisiana’s “accidental” Wax Lake Delta is growing—and informing coastal restoration techniques.
17:30
Untangling The Mind-Body Connection In Chronic Pain
Research suggests that better understanding the psychological and neurological components of chronic pain may lead to better treatments.
How ‘Zombie’ Parasites Control Their Victims’ Minds
The idea of zombies has fascinated humans for centuries. Real-life parasites have been taking over the minds of insects for eons.
Meet The Death Metal Singers Changing Vocal Health Research
With cameras down their throats, metal singers show how they produce growls, screams, and squeals without damaging their vocal tissues.
Earth Day Is The Perfect Time For Science
Participate in community science projects, use engineering to solve problems, and get outdoors with hands-on activities for Earth Day.
How Real Doctors Brought ‘The Pitt’ To Life
We go inside the scientifically accurate ER world created for the TV show with one of its medical consultants.
In ‘The Shrouds,’ E-Textiles Capture The Intimacy Of Death
The movie’s burial shroud is a way to surveil the dead. In real life, artists are capturing intimate moments by weaving tech into textiles.
11:34
Possible Signature Of Life Detected On Exoplanet—Maybe
The Webb Space Telescope picked up traces of dimethyl sulfide on planet K2-18b. On Earth, the molecule comes from microbes and phytoplankton.
17:14
A Blind Inventor’s Life Of Advocacy And Innovation
In “Connecting Dots: A Blind Life,” inventor Josh Miele recounts his life story and path to becoming an accessibility designer.
12:10
A Colossal Squid Video? That’s A Big Deal
Researchers captured the first confirmed video of a colossal squid swimming in its natural habitat—almost 2,000 feet deep.
17:24
Advances In Brain-Computer Interfaces For People With Paralysis
With brain-implanted devices, people with paralysis have been able to command computers to “move” virtual objects and speak for them.
17:03
Investigating Cat Behavior Through Genetics
With the help of cat owners, a new project investigates cats’ biology and aims to link some of their behaviors to their genes.
17:31
The Lack Of Science In Road Design Is Deadly
Are traffic engineering decisions based on evidence-based research? Not as much as you might think.
What Traffic Engineers Don’t Want You To Know
The way our streets are designed is killing us. A recent book details how the field of traffic engineering needs to catch up to the science.