On Today's Podcast
Deb Haaland is a politician, and proud of it
Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland recounts her unconventional path into politics in a new book. And she tells us why lawsuits can be good.
Listen NowAugust 7, 2026
Modern life involves a lot of sitting and staring at screens, and that takes a toll. Can moving for 5 minutes make a difference? Plus, DNA signatures of plant and animal species remain behind even after they’ve been eaten, digested, excreted, and flushed down the toilet. And, physician Masao Tomonaga reflects on a lifetime treating fellow survivors of the Nagasaki bombing.
17:17
Omicron May Be Less Severe. It’s Still A Big Healthcare Problem.
A breakdown of what to consider when talking about severity.
11:58
Glitter Gets An Eco-Friendly Glimmer
Chemists have developed a new way to make eco-friendly glitter from plant fibers.
25:39
Chilling Out With Unusual Ice
From pancake to frazil ice, an oceanographer shares insights into the Earth’s poles.
3:44
The Curious Case Of The Unmeltable Ice Cube
A non-melting ‘jelly ice’ cube could improve packaging and cold storage.
17:37
Francis Collins, Longest-Running NIH Director, To Step Down
An acclaimed geneticist who helped map the human genome, Dr. Francis Collins reflects on his long tenure at the NIH.
33:41
The Best Science Books Of 2021
Whether you’re spending down a holiday gift certificate or heading out to the library for winter page-turners, we’ve got you covered.
12:12
The Resurrection Of The American Chestnut
A once-common food staple, this giant tree has essentially disappeared from American forests. Can we bring it back—and should we?
16:42
Surfing Particles Can Supercharge Northern Lights
How the physics of plasma, particles, and the Earth’s magnetic field combine in dazzling displays of aurora.
29:14
Looking Back On A Century of Science
The archives of Science News offer a window into how science has progressed and changed over a hundred years.
16:40
Decking the Halls, Mathematically
How many calories does Santa consume? From Markov chains to matrices, mathematician Hannah Fry is here to optimize your holiday questions.
17:08
When Can Climate Change Be Comedy?
A disaster-ologist and a movie curator discuss the role that disaster movies play in understanding the biggest challenges facing humanity.
American Chestnut: Resurrecting A Forest Giant
The American Chestnut towered in forests, then disappeared. Now, it’s staging a comeback.
11:48
A Spike In Winter COVID Cases Begins
Plus, scientists discover a new species of millipede that actually lives up to its name.
10:19
Black Protestant Clergy Are Effectively Encouraging Vaccines
In historically Black Protestant churches, regular attendees are much more likely to be vaccinated than those who come infrequently.
6:34
What Is Causing Maine’s Puffins To Physically Shrink?
Centuries of see-sawing growth and decline now has a new factor: climate change.
11:57
Big Trees, Big Benefits
The largest one percent of trees play an outsized role in forest ecosystems.
4:22
How To Create Your Own Holiday Scent Memories
Why our brains connect smells to memories—and how to capture your favorite seasonal scents.
13:08
Caroling With COVID-19
Researchers tested a variety of face masks to find ones that least distorted a singer’s voice.
17:10
Exploring The Body’s Hidden Wonders, From The Inside Out
Dr. Jonathan Reisman considers the human body as an ecosystem in his new book.
17:28
The Webb Telescope Is Counting Down To Liftoff
The next-generation space telescope—over 20 years in the making—could finally launch next week.