On Today's Podcast
Why Is Bubonic Plague Still With Us?
When cases of plague pop up in the US, it can feel straight up medieval. It's treatable, but how and why does it persist?
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.
Why Is Bubonic Plague Still With Us?
When cases of plague pop up in the US, it can feel straight up medieval. It’s treatable, but how and why does it persist?
Don’t Let Their Name Fool You—Sea Slugs Are Awesome
Across their 10,000 species, sea slugs sport striking colors, external gills, and even the ability to regrow a body from a severed head.
‘Prehistoric Planet’ Defrosts Strange Animals Of The Ice Age
The nature documentary series uses new research and photorealistic CGI to bring the huge, bizarre animals of the Ice Age back to life.
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.
A Toast To Bats That Pollinate Agave, And Tracking Monarchs
How bats, agave plants, and tequila are connected. Plus, tiny trackers on monarch butterflies reveal their migration journeys.
A Startling Plan To Save Spotted Owls—From Barred Owls
To save spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest, one plan suggests killing thousands of barred owls. Conservationists and activists are at odds.
Can A Microbe Conservation Movement Take Off?
Microbes make up about 99% of all species, but they’re not part of any global conservation plans. One group is trying to change that.
2025’s Best Science Books For Kids
Kid lit experts weigh in on some of the year’s best science titles. Plus, what to look for when choosing a book for the child in your life.
How To Tap Into The Hidden Histories Of Rocks
Geologist Anjana Khatwa explains how embracing wonder and awe adds to our scientific understanding of the rocks that form our planet.
How Rocks Help Us Discover Lost Stories Of Earth
To author Anjana Khatwa, rocks are “storykeepers of time.” She blends science and spirituality to explore the origin story of our world.
Fingernails And Indigestion At The 2025 Ig Nobel Prizes
The Ig Nobel Prizes celebrate unusual scientific research—this year including lizard pizza preferences and fingernail growth.
Why Is Working Out Good For Your Mental Health?
In a conversation from August, two exercise researchers discuss what physical activity does to mental health—from boosting to straining it.
Everything You Never Knew About Squash And Pumpkins
It’s squash, pumpkin, and gourd season. In a conversation from 2023, an expert answers listener questions about these colorful fall favorites.
Where Does Plastic And Other Trash Go After We Throw It Away?
In a conversation from February, a journalist discusses the afterlife of our trash, and why most “recyclable” plastic actually isn’t.
‘Carcinogen Hunters’ Investigate Causes Of Inexplicable Cancers
Frustrated cancer patients worry they may have been exposed to unknown carcinogens. Researchers are on the hunt.
‘A Many-Headed Beast’: Telling The Story Of Cancer
Science writer and oncologist Siddhartha Mukherjee discusses what we get wrong about cancer, and why he leans into nuance as an author.
African Grey Parrots Are Popular—And It’s Fueling Illegal Trade
Talkative African grey parrots are charismatic internet stars. A global scramble to source and sell the birds threatens their survival.
Attention, Trivia Nerds! It’s A Food Science Fact Feast
Flora and “Part-Time Genius” co-host Mangesh Hattikudur put one lucky listener to the test with food science trivia.
Can Animal Super-Agers Teach Us Their Secrets?
Some animals seem to defy the rules of aging. Understanding how they do it could help us live longer, healthier lives.
How Alphafold Has Changed Biology Research, 5 Years On
Google’s tool for predicting how proteins “fold” turns 5 this year. How is it fitting into biological research—and where is it going?