On Today's Podcast
African Grey Parrots Are Popular—And It’s Fueling Illegal Trade
Talkative African grey parrots are charismatic internet stars. A global scramble to source and sell the birds threatens their survival.
Listen NowNovember 21, 2025
Flora and “Part-Time Genius” co-host Mangesh Hattikudur put one lucky listener to the test with food science trivia. Plus, talkative African grey parrots are charismatic internet stars. A global scramble to source and sell the birds threatens their survival. And, Google’s tool for predicting how proteins “fold” turns 5 this year.
Valentine’s Day Science
There’s chemistry in the air…here’s a look at animal mating behaviors, wine psychology, and more romantic science.
An ‘On the Move’ Playlist
Add some musical accompaniment to your reading of Oliver Sacks’ “On the Move” with these Sacks-inspired tracks, curated by Brain Pickings’ Maria Popova.
Can the Placebo Effect Have Real Clinical Value?
Some cases suggest that simply believing that we’re getting better has healing effects.
Where Are We in the War on Cancer?
Why one doctor thinks we’re winning the battle against cancer.
11:49
Bed Bug Genome, Zika Virus Update, and Computing Under the Waves
Two teams of researchers mapped out the bed bug genome. Plus, does Microsoft’s idea for underwater data centers hold water?
7:53
Restoring Maternal Microbes to Babies Born by C-Section
Researchers swabbed babies born through C-section with birth-canal bacteria to see if they could restore their microbiomes.
25:18
Weighing the Evidence on Mind-Body Medicine
In “Cure,” Jo Marchant shares the results of her deep dive into the evidence for—and against—mind-body medicine, from placebo effects to hypnosis and meditation.
12:04
Human Embryo Gene Editing Gets Go-Ahead in U.K.
Scientists will not be using the method for any direct therapeutic purpose, but instead will investigate the genes that guide human development.
7:06
The Problems Plaguing Election Polls
Why couldn’t the polls predict the Iowa primaries?
26:44
Pioneering Cancer Doc Foresees ‘The Death of Cancer’
When President Nixon signed the National Cancer Act of 1971, he waged the War on Cancer. Forty-five years and over $100 billion later, are we winning?
Does Overeating Make You Fat?
A practicing endocrinologist weighs in on conventional dieting wisdom.
Teachers Bring Fracking to School
Looking to inject a little fracking into your curriculum? Check out these resources developed by Colorado educators in the AirWaterGas Teachers-in-Residence program.
Coloring By Numbers, Mathematically
The new coloring book “Patterns of the Universe” highlights the visual beauty of mathematics.
11:51
Roots of Schizophrenia, Zebra Stripes, and Wind Chill
Scientists discover a clue into the root cause of schizophrenia. Plus, the highs and lows of the wind chill effect.
10:17
Depression Screening for Pregnant Women
Between 14-23 percent of women will experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
6:35
Eight Arms That Send a Message
One species of octopus uses changing coloration and shifting postures to send signals to other octopuses.
11:21
What Role Does Partisanship Play Outside of the Polls?
How much of a role does political bias play in daily life outside of the polls?
4:28
Something’s in the Air—It’s Your Microbial Cloud
Even sitting quietly in a room can generate a personalized cloud of microbes.
11:46
Americas Brace for Zika Spread
The typically-mild Zika virus is the top suspect in Brazil’s microcephaly epidemic. Where did it come from, and what can we expect as the outbreak unfolds?