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.
16:28
This Cold And Flu Season, Get To Know Your Enemy
We answer your questions about the cold virus.
The Fungi In Your Future
A new start-up reimagines fungi as a multi-faceted, “programmable” material.
The Fungi in Your Future
From bricks, to furniture, to leather, mushrooms can be made into a wide variety of materials.
How to Make Your Own Pop-Up Creature
Learn how to make your own pop-up character from a master pop-up book engineer.
Earth’s Next Frontier: The Anthropocene
Scientists say the earth has entered a new geological epoch: The Anthropocene. Author David Biello on what humans will have to do to make the planet endure.
Crazy Eights: The Extraordinary Eyes of the Jumping Spider
How does the jumping spider use its eight eyes to make sense of the world?
Investigating Community Food Webs: The Ecological Importance of Spiders
Students design and construct their own webs out of yarn and paper plates, test how effective they are at capturing Ping-Pong “pests,” and see how the removal of pests affects crop yield.
7:36
The Democratic Movements of Sperm Whales, and a Victory for Non-Human Rights
In this election week edition of the News Roundup, science writer Brandon Keim joins us to talk politics in the animal kingdom.
4:30
Fighting an Invasive Species By Adding It to the Menu
Will our appetite for lionfish be big enough to save an ecosystem?
9:31
The Cure For Election-Related Stress? Believe Your Political Adversaries Can Change
A change in outlook could help you avoid the long-lasting negative impacts of a stress-filled election season.
11:30
Wireless Tech Enables Paralyzed Monkey to Walk Again
A monkey with a paralyzed leg successfully walked again with a wireless interface connecting its brain to its spine. What can this research offer human subjects?
17:15
Author David Biello on the Future of Environmental Innovation and Policy
How might Donald Trump influence climate change policy, and where can we look to for innovative environmental solutions?
9:28
A Glancing Blow: How the Earth Got Its Moon
How did the Earth’s tilt set the moon into its current orbit?
6:51
A Mission to Mars on the Hawaiian Islands
Researchers are simulating the Martian environment near a Hawaiian volcano to test how communication systems would work on the planet.
23:49
Seeking Humanity In Volcanoes With Werner Herzog
The legendary filmmaker has a new documentary about the power of volcanoes and the gods they’ve inspired.
Celebrate World Science Day by Doing Science!
A collection of science experiments and activities to celebrate World Science Day
Seeing The Patterns In Sound
A pair of artists finds ghostly imagery in sound vibrations.
Six Things You Can Break Down Right Now
Sometimes the best way to learn about something is by taking it apart. Here are six things you can break down in 10 minutes or less.