On Today's Podcast
Why it's so hard to tell the age of a fungus
One of the world’s largest organisms is an Oregon fungus thought to be over 8,000 years old. But what does age mean to a fungus, anyway?
Listen NowAugust 28, 2026
Medical AI tools are transcribing patient visits, responding to doctors' questions, and analyzing scans. What are the benefits—and the risks? Plus, how GPS transformed from a niche military technology to one we rely on every day. And, the science behind the "nervous system reset," and how genetics work could help restore American chestnut trees more quickly.
11:35
Unequal Levees Could Leave Some Towns To Drown
Some districts along the Mississippi River have built their levees above government-authorized heights, shifting the risk of flooding to less-protected towns.
9:15
Do Our Brains Keep Growing As We Age?
More research finds evidence of new cell growth in aging brains. So why do our minds slow down as we get older?
25:05
The Internet Asks “Does It Fart?” And Science Answers
There’s more to flatology once you get a closer whiff.
26:47
50 Years Ago: The Odyssey To Craft ‘2001’
A look back on Arthur C. Clarke, Stanley Kubrick, and the science fiction masterpiece they wrote as they went along.
Full Of Stars
How a mechanical limitation forced “2001: A Space Odyssey” to slow down.
Cómo capturar un aroma
Separa y captura moléculas de aroma mediante vaporización por calor.
6:56
What Happened The Last Time Earth Got Hot Quickly?
Plus, 13,000-year-old footprints, the James Webb telescope is delayed, and a rogue satellite makes a timely landing.
4:59
Climate Science Goes To Court In California Oil Case
A judge requested a climate science tutorial in a federal lawsuit where two California cities are suing the oil company Chevron.
7:56
Is There A Cell Phone Link To Cancer? A Definite Maybe
A government study found a possible link to a rare type of cancer in rats. A peer review panel met this week and endorsed the findings.
Death And Thievery In The Colony
Cleptoparasite female bee, in the nest, with the manacles.
12:16
A New Organ That Could Explain The Mysteries Of The Human Body
Scientists have discovered “the interstitium,” a previously unidentified network of fluid-filled tissue.
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.