On Today's Podcast
What is the Kelvin wave on the West Coast?
El Niño is driving a Kelvin wave up the West Coast, raising sea levels. What is it, and how does it work?
Listen NowOctober 9, 2026
A new mRNA flu vaccine promises a closer match to circulating flu strains. An estimated 2 billion tons of dust are lofted into the air each year, affecting ecosystems, the atmosphere, and the weather. Plus artist David Byrne sits down with Flora for a conversation on why some ideas go dormant, and then reawaken. And, a Cephalopod Week finale featuring death spirals, cannibalism, and more.
Pi Day Mashup
It’s Pi Day (and Einstein’s birthday). Celebrate with this mix of tributes to the telltale Greek letter that symbolizes that endless number.
Wildlife Portraits by Our Photo Contest Judge
Clay Bolt, co-founder of the Meet Your Neighbours photo project, shares some of his shots.
Painting by Insects
For a unique artistic style, there’s nothing like an insect’s feet to get the job done.
James Watson: Studio Session
In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the structure of DNA — the now-famous double helix.
Vote for the Winner of the Winter Nature Photo Contest
Pick your favorite photo from the 11 finalists.
12:03
Can the Anti-Aging Secret Be Found in…Red Wine?
Researchers are examining the link between red wine and longevity.
29:21
Getting the Springtime Buzz on Bees
New research on bee behavior offers a glimpse into the lives of these important pollinators.
4:27
Behold the Mighty Water Bear
Water bears, a.k.a. tardigrades, can withstand boiling, freezing, and the vacuum of space.
5:38
When the Earth Swallows
Sinkholes have gobbled up swimming pools, buses, and homes. But what causes them? And is there any way to predict where they’ll strike?
16:20
‘Nightmare Bacteria’ Defy Even Last-Ditch Drugs
The superbugs have been found lurking at hospitals nationwide, and kill one in two patients with a bloodstream infection.
24:11
Al Gore Envisions ‘The Future’
The climate guru’s latest book tackles everything from American politics to nanotech, and of course, climate change.
Behold the Mighty Water Bear
Water bears, also known as tardigrades, can survive boiling, freezing, the vacuum of space, and years of desiccation.
Meet the Judge of Our Winter Nature Photo Contest
Photographer Clay Bolt helps choose finalists out of hundreds of submissions.
What Are the Drivers of Global Change?
An excerpt from “The Future: Six Drivers of Global Change.”
Winter Nature Photo Contest: Vote for Your Favorites!
Voting for your favorite Winter Nature Photo Contest submissions starts today at 2 p.m. EST.
6:33
Talking Science with the House Committee Chair
Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) discusses the nation’s top science priorities.
9:44
Mapping the Effects of the Sequester on Science
Research and development face across-the-board federal budget cuts.
13:16
A Natural Particle Accelerator, Far Above the Planet
Closer study of the Van Allen radiation belts above Earth is providing new questions for science.