On Today's Podcast
The heaviness and (not) hope of climate change
Elizabeth Kolbert has been writing about the environment for decades. And right now, she isn't feeling optimistic.
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.
17:20
Can We Predict Urban Gun Homicides?
Thousands of people of color die every year from gun homicides in cities. Can social science predict and prevent their deaths?
16:43
Little Bats, Impressive Resumes
Fancy flying, fast thinking, and sophisticated sonar: Why bats seem to have it all.
25:55
Beyond The Hive: The Wonderful World Of Native Bees
There are 4,000 types of native bees in North America, including species that secrete silk and others that build tiny towers.
Bats Take Flight
Thanks to high-speed video, we now know that bats fly very differently compared to birds.
Get Your Future Issue Of ‘Your Martian Daily’
Tips from a NASA astronaut for what to eat, how to dress, and how to manage your modern life on Mars.
Celebrate Spring At The Orchid Social
On April 9 in New York City, join Ira Flatow for a Science Friday garden party.
7:24
A Rhino’s Last Chance, Carbon Emission Carnivores, And Water On Exoplanets
The last male northern white rhino is dead. But he may still be able to help his species survive.
4:29
In Alaskan Cities, Climate Risks Could Become Credit Risks
In the state’s coastal fishing communities, climate change is becoming a threat to the economy.
17:13
How Do You Prevent Russia From Hacking Into The U.S. Power Grid?
Russian cyber groups have proven they can hack their way into U.S. power stations. Is there any way to make the grid safe?
16:47
After You Die, Your “Necrobiome” Lives On
A team of bacteria, insects, and other organisms take over bodies after death. But what can they tell scientists about how someone lived and died?
11:47
A Dung Detective Hunts For Rare Microbes
Most zoo visitors go to see the animals. Michelle O’Malley visits for their poop.
7:10
Coughs On A Plane
Researchers map out how the behavior of airplane passengers affects the chances of in-flight disease transmission.
9:14
After Finding Thousands Of Exoplanets, Kepler Rides Into The Sunset
The Kepler and K2 missions have found over 2,500 planets around distant stars, but the end is coming.
17:28
Shaping The Future Of Gun Research
As federal resources for firearm injury research lag, states like California are trying to do it themselves.
11:48
Remembering Stephen Hawking
Plus, rogue satellites, graphene hair dye, and hungry ravens.
4:51
To Flap, Perchance To Fly
Inside the fossilized bones of Archaeopteryx, one of the earliest bird-like dinosaur specimens, researchers have found evidence of a capability for flight.
12:01
Bringing (Accurate) Dinosaurs Back To Life
Meet Gabriel Ugueto, a paleoartist who relies on scientific papers and fossils to get closer to what dinosaurs actually looked like.
11:40
Complex Human Behaviors May Have Evolved In Our Earliest Ancestors
Our earliest human ancestors had trading networks and advanced technology—tens of thousands of years earlier than previously thought.
27:10
A Guide To Daily Life On Mars
We asked an astronaut, an aerospace engineer, and a space futurist what life would be like on the Red Planet.