On Today's Podcast
FDA approves a well-known sunscreen ingredient—finally
The FDA approved the first new sunscreen ingredient in over 20 years—one that's long been used around the world. What took so long?
Listen NowJune 19, 2026
The FDA approved the first new sunscreen ingredient in over 20 years—one that’s long been used around the world. What took so long? A linguist breaks down “sports announcer talk,” from inverted speech to the world-famous goal roar. What do musical daydreams tell us about our brains? Plus, a massive whale graveyard, zombie sea cucumber parts, and the case for loving scorpions.
23:47
How Would Humanity Survive A Sci-Fi Disaster?
Journalist Mike Pearl investigates what the world would look like after technology breakdowns, a real-life Jurassic Park, and other sci-fi doomsday scenarios.
9:58
How Feets Of Dexterity Change The Brain
New research on the brains of people who paint with their toes reveal how our limbs affect our internal maps from birth.
34:06
How The Fashion Industry Is Responding To Climate Change
More and more industries are responding to climate change. Will fashion brands follow suit?
Is That Really Your Sister Calling?
How hackers and technology will evolve together.
6:35
A Clamp Down On Hurricane Dorian Data
Scientists were threatened with firings after the National Weather Service projections for Hurricane Dorian contradicted President Trump’s tweets.
5:33
Wind Turbines Leave Behind Hard-To-Manage Waste
Wind turbines are great at producing green energy. But when they reach the end of their life-span, their blades are incredibly difficult to recycle.
12:07
The Bubbles At The Center Of The Milky Way
A million years ago, the black hole at the center of our galaxy burped. Now, scientists are exploring what the resulting bubbles might say about our kinship with other galaxies.
17:36
Rats Learn To Hide And Seek
Neuroscientists say they can learn a lot by observing brains at play.
17:09
How Geometry Shaped The World
Science historian Amir Alexander shares how Euclidean geometry came to influence politics, art, and the nature of cities.
34:45
Why AI Is A Growing Part Of The Criminal Justice System
From facial recognition to emotion detection to risk assessments, AI is guiding the decisions of police departments and courtrooms across the country.
How Linear Perspective Made Florence’s Famed Dome Possible
Learn how a mirror and a painting helped design Brunelleschi’s Dome in this excerpt from “Proof!” by Amir Alexander.
Engineering A Fix For The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Students will consider the impact the Great Pacific Garbage Patch on the environment and marine life—and design a waste-catching device.
7:39
A Dimming Plan For Lighting Efficiency
The Trump administration plans to roll back efficiency plans that would have decreased the use of incandescent light bulbs.
4:23
Are Florida’s Nursing Homes Prepared For Hurricanes?
Florida has one of the largest nursing home populations in the country. But it’s struggling to meet new preparedness guidelines.
18:24
Diving Headfirst Into Football Season With A New Look At Concussion Research
Researchers discover you don’t need a concussion to cause changes to the brain.
27:37
Randall Munroe’s ‘How To’ Guide For Everyday Problems
In his book “How To,” Randall Munroe answers how to send a file, charge your phone, and other everyday questions with uncommon solutions.
33:34
Widening The Lens On A More Inclusive Science
Indigenous peoples have been observing the world for thousands of years. Why are they still underrepresented in science?
Relearning The Star Stories Of Indigenous Peoples
How the lost constellations of Indigenous North Americans can connect culture, science, and inspire the next generation of scientists.
How Serena Williams Destroyed A Drone With A Tennis Ball
Tennis legend Serena Williams hits the court to face off with a drone in this excerpt from Randall Munroe’s “How To.”
SciFri Extra: Bird Nerds Of A Feather Flock Together
New York’s biggest bird enthusiasts discuss their favorite birds to see in the city and how to protect them from urban hazards.