On Today's Podcast
For Jennifer Chayes, math is a 'native tongue'
Jennifer Chayes’ game-changing ideas in math and computer science helped pave the way for today’s innovations in machine learning and AI.
Listen NowSeptember 4, 2026
Moderna and Merck say an mRNA vaccine reduced melanoma recurrence in a clinical trial. Food recalls abounded this summer, but was it unusual? Scientists are trying to decode the hallucinogenic properties of a mushroom that makes people see tiny humans. Plus, why some modern cars catch fire. And, the game-changing work of a researcher who sees math as a “native tongue.”
12:29
How Millions Of Flies Can Help Stop The New World Screwworm
The New World Screwworm is creeping north, threatening cattle in Mexico and the US. Fighting flies with flies has worked before.
Instead Of A Vaccine For Lyme, How About A Vaccine For Ticks?
When ticks bite us, they release thousands of proteins through their saliva. Could a vaccine for the right ones stop ticks from latching on?
Is This PTSD Treatment Too Good To Be True?
A controversial treatment offers a painless route to ridding veterans of their trauma responses. But does it really work?
Pequeña ciudad paga el precio de PFAS en el agua potable
Una base militar contaminó el agua de Newburgh, Nueva York, con PFAS por años. Ahora, un estudio devela los impactos en la salud.
How A Teacher Became The Center Of A Debate Over Evolution
In 1925, a teacher deliberately broke a law stating that evolution could not be taught in Tennessee classrooms. His trial rocked the nation.
And Then The Sub Went Silent
Oceanographer Victoria Orphan’s dream was coming true—she was onboard the Alvin submersible. But the trip was anything but smooth sailing.
How These Spiders At The Bottom Of The Sea Run On Methane
With the help of methane-munching-microbes, these translucent sea spiders gobble up a potent greenhouse gas to stay alive.
17:07
Why Is The Scopes Trial Still Relevant 100 Years Later?
A century after a teacher went on trial for teaching evolution, the role of science in the classroom and in society remains in contention.
17:01
Why Don’t We Have A Vaccine For Lyme Disease?
Tick seasons are getting worse, raising concerns about the risk of Lyme disease. Dogs can get vaccinated for it. Why can’t humans?
12:12
How PFAS From A Military Base Has Sickened Nearby Residents
Newburgh, New York, is one of 10 communities involved in a CDC-led study to understand the effects of PFAS—forever chemicals—on health.
5:30
Mammoths Stampede Into Sports… As Mascots!
A hockey team and a baseball team are adopting the mammoth as their mascot. A paleontologist shares why these wooly wonders bring the spirit.
11:27
A Robot Performed Surgery All By Itself
For the first time, a robot practiced surgery on a pig cadaver—without a human controlling its every movement.
As Disasters Escalate, What’s The Future Of FEMA?
The president has said he wants to leave disaster response to the states. Plus, how much can climate change be blamed for extreme flooding?
In ‘Jurassic World,’ A Speculative Glimpse At Dinosaur Love
In the one good scene in “Jurassic World Rebirth,” 100-foot-long titanosaurs do some G-rated mating.
Everything Else Is Boring
Karmella Haynes doesn’t need to fit in—in life or in work. So when a research space didn’t exist for her, she created it.
The Seafaring Life Of ‘Modern-Day Captain Nemo,’ Robert Ballard
In a story from 2022, undersea archaeologist Robert Ballard shares adventures from beneath the waves and his love for deep sea exploration.
How Poisons Have Shaped Life On Earth
In a story from 2023, the book ‘Most Delicious Poison’ explores how common toxins have shaped life on Earth.
You Share Your Gut Microbiome With Your Friends
In this story from 2024, research suggests that we share parts of our microbiome with people in our social networks beyond family members.
Full-Body MRIs Promise To Detect Disease Early. Do They Work?
In this story from 2023, experts say the potential harms of full-body MRIs outweigh any possible benefits touted by influencers.
Your Guide To Conquering History’s Greatest Catastrophes
In this story from 2023, author Cody Cassidy uses science and the benefit of hindsight to figure out how to survive some of history’s biggest disasters.