On Today's Podcast
‘The Kissing Bug’ And The Story Of A Neglected Disease
Journalist Daisy Hernández chronicles the history of Chagas disease, also known as kissing bug disease, and how it changed her family’s story.
Listen NowJanuary 9, 2026
One year after the LA fires, the Community Brigade is equipping residents to prepare for, fight, and recover from wildfires. Plus, journalist Daisy Hernández chronicles the history of Chagas disease, also known as kissing bug disease, and how it changed her family’s story. And, recent studies on raccoons and dark-eyed juncos investigate how urban wildlife is evolving.
12:06
Thoreau, Climate Scientist
Scientists use Henry David Thoreau’s notes to study climate change at Walden Pond.
17:24
Serving Up the Origins of the Chicken and Chili Pepper
Scientists are combining genetics and linguistics to trace the origins of these staples of the modern-day menu.
17:03
The Science Club Talks Art Machines
The Science Club meets to recap the month’s “Build an Art Machine” project.
12:08
Is Aereo the Latest TV Technology Disruptor?
Is Aereo a high-tech TV game changer or a clever way to get around broadcast copyright law?
9:50
Recording the Global Soundscape
Ecologist Bryan Pijanowski hopes to create a soundscape of every ecosystem on the planet.
24:39
Can We Game Our Way to Better Health?
Gamers and scientists join forces to develop “serious games” to improve health.
Behold the Buckeye Dragon Mite
A newly discovered mite from Ohio is reminiscent of the caterpillar-like dragons of Chinese New Year fame.
An Unexplored Island in Mozambique
An excerpt from “A Window on Eternity” by E.O. Wilson.
Make a Model Eardrum to Detect Sound Waves
Create a model eardrum to visualize sound vibrations, and then use a smartphone to identify your model’s natural frequencies.
12:12
The Sticky Science Behind Maple Syrup
Plant physiologist Abby van den Berg traces how maple sap flows through trees and onto your plate.
17:13
Discovering Your Inner Fish
Evolutionary biologist Neil Shubin takes us through the evolutionary story of how the human body evolved from our fish and reptilian ancestors.
16:36
Amir Aczel: ‘Why Science Does Not Disprove God’
Aczel’s latest book chronicles the New Atheist movement, taking aim at scientists like Richard Dawkins.
21:40
How a Warming Planet Will Change What’s on Your Plate
Climate change has already cut yields of wheat and corn, taking a bite out of gains achieved by better farming technology.
17:02
E.O. Wilson: ‘A Window on Eternity’
E.O. Wilson discusses the recovery and biodiversity of Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park.
7:34
Spotting Earth’s Cousin in the Cosmos
Astronomers have found a planet about the size of Earth, far enough from its star to host liquid water.
The Sounds of Space, in Indie Music
A new compilation of indie rock music includes sounds collected from the Voyager space missions.
Suckers for Sap
By vacuum-sucking sap directly from the cut tops of juvenile maple trees, the researchers may revolutionize the maple syrup industry.
Practice Eye of Yesteryear
The instrument is an early version of a training device popularized by optometrists.