On Today's Podcast
Blue Origin explosion hits NASA timeline + Artemis III crew
The Blue Origin rocket explosion is forcing NASA to reconsider its Artemis timeline. Plus, who’s on the Artemis III crew?
Listen NowJune 12, 2026
How poison dart frogs deal with their kids asking for snacks, and other parenting inspiration from the animal kingdom. Plus, do sugary drinks really cause more intense hangovers? Is wine both bad for you and good for you? Experts take on the chemistry of happy hour. And, the 2026 World Cup will be infused with AI. How will it change the beautiful game? And, what it takes to get perfect grass into 16 stadiums.
Lock Luster
The evolution of safe and vault lock technology is on view in midtown Manhattan.
Rube Goldberg Mashup
July 4th isn’t just Independence Day—it’s the anniversary of Rube Goldberg’s birthday.
Benjamin Franklin: America’s First Social Networker?
Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in founding the American Philosophical Society, which drove his goal toward improving collective, “useful knowledge.”
A Most Important Radio Station, Birds and Tornadoes, More
A roundup of science stories or studies that blow our mind, tickle our funny bone, or generally strike our fancy.
12:20
Obama: U.S. Should Lead Assault on Climate Change
Without cooperation from Congress, President Obama has proposed his own plan for climate change.
28:50
Aiming For ‘Wild and Crazy’ Energy Ideas
The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy backs risky ideas that may offer a huge energy payoff.
5:43
Living Large in 140 Square Feet
Chris Tack made seven unloading trips to Goodwill before moving into the tiny home he and his wife Malissa designed and built.
29:35
‘Brainwashed’ Examines the Value of Brain Scans
What, if anything, can brain scans reveal about the mind at work?
17:17
Not One, but Three ‘Goldilocks Planets’?
In a nearby solar system, astronomers say they found three planets that could support life.
Tiny Living
The nuts and bolts of designing, building and living in a 140-square-foot home.
Is Free Will Just an Illusion?
As neuroscientific research reveals the underlying causes of behavior, will we come to see our lives as predetermined?
How to Be a Better Boss, the Power of Peer Pressure, and More
A roundup science stories or studies that blow our mind, tickle our funny bone, or generally strike our fancy.
The Human Brain, Ready for Its Close-up
Researchers have created the most detailed three-dimensional brain model to date.
This Math Problem Is Just Ducky
Laura Overdeck, the founder of Bedtime Math, shares a brain teaser for your kids.
10:02
Beaming Internet to the Boondocks, Via Balloon
Google plans to deliver 3G-speed Internet to the world’s most remote corners using helium balloons.
18:23
A Calculating Win for China’s New Supercomputer
China’s new ‘Milky Way 2’ supercomputer is twice as fast as the best American machines.
9:53
Vegetables Respond to a Daily Clock, Even After Harvest
Researchers have found that cabbages can maintain a circadian rhythm, even in the store.
6:03
Coffee’s Natural Creamer
What’s that frothy stuff that sits on top of an espresso?
23:03
E.O. Wilson’s Advice for Future Scientists
Math might not matter, and other musings on the makings of a great scientist.