On Today's Podcast
As Companies Build Data Centers For AI, Communities Push Back
A boom in construction of AI data centers is facing backlash over soaring electricity and water usage, and the resulting utility hikes.
Listen NowDecember 5, 2025
A boom in construction of AI data centers is facing backlash over soaring electricity and water usage, and the resulting utility hikes. Plus, to save spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest, one plan suggests killing thousands of barred owls. And, geologist Anjana Khatwa explains how embracing wonder and awe adds to our scientific understanding of the rocks that form our planet.
Now You Can Peruse Carl Sagan’s Stuff
A collection featuring Carl Sagan paraphernalia is open to the public at the Library of Congress.
When Water Flows Uphill
In the Leidenfrost Effect, a water droplet will float on a layer its own vapor if heated to certain temperature—and these physicists discovered a new means of manipulating the hot droplets.
Bristling at the Cold
Its brown and black bristles help this creature survive harsh winters.
Saturn Says ‘Cheese’
The Cassini spacecraft’s sweeping shot shows Saturn, its moons and rings, and Earth, Venus, and Mars.
A Butterfly’s-Eye View: Aloft in a Balloon
Camille Flammarion’s balloon excursions afforded a new perspective on the world.
21:41
Gauging The Impact Of Climate Change On Hurricanes
Is there a link between climate change and stronger hurricanes?
20:30
“Hatching Twitter”: A Tale of Booze and Backstabbing
New York Times columnist Nick Bilton’s new book reveals the social network’s dark side.
4:06
The Other Golden Rule
Why most mammals—even elephants—take only 20-30 seconds to urinate.
23:40
Searching for Earth 2.0
New data suggest one in every five stars like the sun may have an Earth-like planet circling it.
16:20
Early Balloonists Took Science Up, Up and Away
Falling Upwards chronicles the balloonists who took science into the stratosphere.
6:55
Should Sending Cash Be As Easy As Sending E-mail?
In this episode of App Chat, Ellis Hamburger debates the pros and cons of Square Cash.
The Other Golden Rule
Did you know that most mammals, from a house cat to an elephant, take roughly the same amount of time to urinate?
Turmoil at Twitter: A CEO’s Ouster
Evan Williams was forced out of the company in a boardroom coup carried out by the people he had hired.
What You Didn’t Know About Einstein
When you find yourself wanting to re-read a book that you just finished, you gotta recommend it to others.
37:05
Biosecurity for the Age of Redesigned Life
Bioethicists—and the FBI—are rethinking biosecurity for the synthetic biology revolution.
7:44
So Far, No Silver Bullet To Stop Lethal Bat Fungus
Scientists say antifungal bacteria could help fight the fungus causing white-nose syndrome.
17:20
India and NASA Home In on Mars
The Mangalyaan orbiter would make India the fourth space program to reach the Red Planet.
24:56
Navigating Dietary Supplement Regulations
Dietary supplements don’t fall under the conventional food or drug FDA regulations.
3:20
The Myth of the Woolly Bear
Can woolly bear caterpillars predict winter weather?
