On Today's Podcast
Why do politicians talk like that?
A linguist weighs in on how "politician speak" has changed over the past century, and what it says about what we want from our leaders.
Listen NowOctober 16, 2026
A free-floating seaweed called sargassum is exploding in the Atlantic Ocean, clogging up coastlines from West Africa to the Caribbean. Attachment styles have taken off as a way to understand relationships. But does the science behind it line up with popular interpretations? Plus, the latest on commercial space stations, a mission to bring a sample from a Martian moon, and space-based weapons.
American Avocets’ Range Imperiled By Climate Change
As the climate changes, this species could lose ground in its breeding range but gain wintering ground.
Are Generics the Same As Brand Name Drugs?
An excerpt from “Generic: The Unbranding of Modern Medicine,” by Jeremy A. Greene.
One For All: A Natural Resources Game
In this game from Population Education, students must use cooperative decision making strategies to manage a renewable resource.
23:48
Keeping an Eye on Eruptions Around the World
At least 20 volcanoes are probably erupting as you read these words.
5:31
A Jovian Moon With Earth-Like Tectonics
The icy surface of Jupiter’s moon Europa may undergo processes similar to plate tectonics on Earth.
16:15
Understanding the Urban Ecosystem
Researchers say road salt and dissolving concrete have contributed to increased salinization in urban streams.
22:35
Can Conservation Efforts Save the Birds?
A look at the effects of conservation efforts and climate change on bird populations in North America.
6:26
After 40 Years, a Blue Whale Population Bounces Back
Blue whale populations are only a fraction of what they once were globally, but a California population has nearly made a comeback.
17:11
The Science of ‘Sameness’: Developing Generic Medications
As of 2010, generic drugs comprise almost 80 percent of the American pharmaceutical market, compared to 10 percent in 1960.
The BioArcade
Biologist Oliver Medvedik and computer programmer Keith Comito developed a kit where live single-celled organisms play a game called the BioArcade.
How Is a Spider Like a Disco Ball?
This spider, likely a member of the Thwaitesia genus, was photographed in Singapore.
Quantum: An Ode to Particle Physics
Drawing on his experience as Artist-in-Residence at CERN, Gilles Jobin’s dance performance, Quantum, presents an abstract meditation on the motion of particles and laws of physics.
Squishy Circuits
Use two play dough recipes to create “squishy circuits” and explore electricity.
11:42
Supermassive Dinosaur Would Have ‘Feared Nothing’
Scientists estimate the dinosaur Dreadnoughtus schrani would have weighed as much as a Boeing 737.
33:47
To Master Test Material, Give Your Brain a Break
Salvador Dali and Thomas Edison took very brief naps when they were stuck on artistic and scientific problems.
11:44
The Wilderness Act Turns 50
Fifty years ago this week, legislation set aside over nine million acres of official wilderness.
7:25
From Exotic Garden to Eco-Haven
A former millionaire’s estate is becoming an environmental haven and training ground.
9:41
Hello, Stranger, Wanna Share a Cab?
Researchers found that potentially 95 percent of cab rides in New York City could have been shared.
16:57
Randall Munroe Asks, ‘What If?’
In his new book “What If?”, xkcd comic artist Randall Munroe answers his readers’ hypothetical questions with math and science.
Could You Hit a Baseball Pitched Near the Speed of Light?
An excerpt from the xkcd creator’s new book, “What If?”