On Today's Podcast
The tilcayo is the new wild cat on the block
The tiny, three-pound tilcayo is the first cat species to be described in a century, and, yes—it is as cute as you’d think.
Listen NowOctober 2, 2026
The tiny, three-pound tilcayo is the first cat species to be described in a century, and, yes—it is as cute as you’d think. Are natural history museums going extinct? John Wilson’s latest feature film, “The History of Concrete” is an idiosyncratic journey about more than just concrete. Plus, to prepare for an overseas game, the LA Rams tried a hail mary jetlag strategy.
Make A Squid Print
Observe the different features of a squid from your local market and then create a squid print where you can document your findings.
A Shot in the Dark: Alternative Uses for Squid Ink
Stephanie Bush, a scientist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), suggests that squids might use ink to attract a mate, repel a predator, or even confuse their prey.
The Rare Sight Of A Brooding Squid
This cephalopod will carry and brood its eggs for several months, without feeding.
Discuss the Applications and Implications of Metal Foam
What responsibility, if any, do scientists and the public have to make sure new technologies are developed for the purpose of good? Have students discuss this issue by brainstorming possible uses for a new metal foam and then deciding who should address unintended uses of that technology.
Secrets of Cephalopod Camouflage
Ethologist Roger Hanlon has devoted a career to studying how octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish become inconspicuous.
17:03
Best Science Fiction Books for Your Summer Reading List
Annalee Newitz and Ann VanderMeer share their science fiction picks to add to your summer reading list.
12:19
The Neuroscience of a Microchip, Remembering a Keystone Ecologist, and Brexit’s Effect on Science
What can “Donkey Kong” tell us about the state of neuroscience? Plus the possible implications of Brexit for science.
16:59
Eight (or More) Reasons to be Amazed by the Octopus
Octopus researchers help kick off our annual Cephalopod Week celebrations with a look at the octopus, from its genes to its outlook on life.
12:09
Unlocking Blood-Forming Stem Cells for Personalized Therapies
A look at how stem cells found in the blood can be used to treat cancer, diabetes, and other diseases.
17:11
Forecasting the Revolution in Human Reproduction
In “The End of Sex and the Future of Human Reproduction,” Hank Greely explores the legal and ethical frontiers of human reproductive technology.
17:20
What We Do (And Mostly Don’t) Know About Guns
The CDC doesn’t study effects of firearms. Here’s what researchers have to say about that.
The Technology That’s Changing the Future of Human Reproduction
Author Hank Greely on how humans will conceive and reproduce in the brave new world ahead of us.
I, Octopus
With thousands of chemically-sensitive suckers, color-changing skin, and a brain that literally stretches when they eat, octopuses seem like aliens living in our oceans.
Don’t Eat This Tomato
This Australian tomato enclosed inside a spiky burr is no tasty treat, according to researchers.
From Chicken Guns to Testing Cobra Venom: The Strange World of Military Science
Author Mary Roach dives into the odd and fascinating experiments conducted by the military.
11:56
Human-Like Hobbits, Spitting Fish, and Arecibo’s Uncertain Future
The origin of the human-like “hobbit” H. floresiensis, and the future of an iconic telescope.
12:07
Google Doodles Add Some Science History to Your Search
Google Doodle team lead Ryan Germick shares the stories behind some of the search engine’s geekiest “doodles.”
9:40
Melding Biology and Chemistry in a ‘Bionic Leaf’
A “bionic leaf” combines advanced catalysts with engineered bacteria to produce hydrocarbon fuels from light, water, and carbon dioxide.
23:03
Stink Bombs, Submarine Safety, and the Science of Soldiering
In “Grunt,” author Mary Roach looks at the technology used to battle disease, shock, and exhaustion in the ranks.