On Today's Podcast
‘Project Hail Mary’ brings a new kind of alien to the big screen
Move over, Ryan Gosling: Rocky the alien is the breakout star of the big-budget movie adaptation of "Project Hail Mary."
Listen NowMarch 20, 2026
Move over, Ryan Gosling: Rocky the alien is the breakout star of the movie adaptation of "Project Hail Mary." Plus, how a particle accelerator, a robot, and 2,000 ants came together to paint a picture of biological diversity. And, a mathematician analyzed 150 years of women’s fashion to understand 20-year trend cycles, and how “optimal distinctiveness” drives change.
28:27
How Grief Rewires The Brain
A neuroscientist explores the science behind heartache.
17:12
Fish Make More Noise Than You Think
Far from being silent, many fishes either have been observed to make sounds, or have the capability to do so.
29:33
The Seafaring Life Of ‘Modern-Day Captain Nemo,’ Robert Ballard
Undersea archaeologist Robert Ballard shares adventures from beneath the waves and his love for deep sea exploration.
17:11
Meet The Drag Artists Who Are Making Science More Accessible
Drag performers, like Pattie Gonia and Kyne, are using social media to bring science communication to a wider audience.
11:25
What’s Up With The Spike In Hepatitis Among Young Kids?
Plus, more info about the holdup in COVID-19 vaccines for children under five.
6:00
COVID-19 Vaccines Are Some Divorced Parents’ Newest Divide
Judges are seeing skyrocketing numbers of separated parents arguing over whether to vaccinate their children.
26:46
Why Sharing Viruses Is Good… For Science
COVID-19 spurred global scientific collaboration, but sharing virus specimens remains complicated. Plus, the role of global politics in monitoring disease.
12:15
Your Dog’s Breed Doesn’t Always Determine How They’ll Behave
Though some types of dogs come with a reputation, new genetic analysis finds that breed is a poor predictor of behavior.
17:25
Life At The Poles Is Changing. What Do These Frozen Regions Forecast?
The Arctic and Antarctic are the two fastest-warming regions on Earth. Here’s how climate change is altering our poles.
8:56
Can Hydrogen-Fuel Cells Drive The Car Market?
Hydrogen fuel cells have some advantages over battery-powered electrics, but infrastructure challenges remain.
8:28
Is It Possible To Decarbonize Shipping?
Global shipping giant Maersk has ordered a dozen cargo ships that run on methanol. Can it make a difference?
Eight Evenings Of Talks, Tentacles, And Talent At Cephalopod Movie Nights
This June, Cephalopod Week is back, with another eight days to cephalo-brate our favorite many-armed friends!
Love Letters To The Earth
We asked you what you love and appreciate about our home. Here are photos, reflections, poems, and songs you sent back.
12:08
Celebrating Earth Day With Sustainable Action
While climate change is a global challenge, there are still many things you can personally do to make a small difference.
17:14
Can The Latest IPCC Report Pave The Way To Better Climate Policy?
We examine how effective the IPCC Report can be at generating climate policy. Plus, a look at promising climate solutions in development.
11:18
Can Carbon Removal Actually Make A Difference In Reducing Emissions?
A new carbon removal industry is booming, but how much should we rely on it—and invest in it—to reach our climate goals?
5:35
Composing A Sound Map Of An Ever-Changing River
Composer Annea Lockwood has been using stereo microphones and underwater hydrophones to create detailed “river maps” since the 1960s.
12:21
Building The World’s Largest Animal Crossing Outside of LA
An engineering feat will soon reconnect habitats cut off from each other by Highway 101 for 75 years.
7:30
Life Has Found A Way On The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Researchers have found marine life colonizing the giant, swirling patch of trash in the Pacific Ocean.
9:25
Enzymes Are Taking On Our Plastic Problem
Breaking PET down to its building blocks with enzymes could give it a better chance for a second (or third) life.