On Today's Podcast
The Human Obsession With Aliens Goes Way, Way Back
A new book charts the millennia-old history of our fascination with aliens, and how myth transformed into research.
Listen NowSeptember 12, 2025
Octopuses can use their suckers to detect harmful microbes on the surface of objects like crab shells, or their own eggs. Plus, a new book charts the millennia-old history of our fascination with aliens, and how myth transformed into research. And, golden oyster mushrooms have escaped from home growing kits into the wild. Could they affect fungal diversity in North American forests?
Get Your Future Issue Of ‘Your Martian Daily’
Tips from a NASA astronaut for what to eat, how to dress, and how to manage your modern life on Mars.
Celebrate Spring At The Orchid Social
On April 9 in New York City, join Ira Flatow for a Science Friday garden party.
7:24
A Rhino’s Last Chance, Carbon Emission Carnivores, And Water On Exoplanets
The last male northern white rhino is dead. But he may still be able to help his species survive.
4:29
In Alaskan Cities, Climate Risks Could Become Credit Risks
In the state’s coastal fishing communities, climate change is becoming a threat to the economy.
17:13
How Do You Prevent Russia From Hacking Into The U.S. Power Grid?
Russian cyber groups have proven they can hack their way into U.S. power stations. Is there any way to make the grid safe?
16:47
After You Die, Your “Necrobiome” Lives On
A team of bacteria, insects, and other organisms take over bodies after death. But what can they tell scientists about how someone lived and died?
11:47
A Dung Detective Hunts For Rare Microbes
Most zoo visitors go to see the animals. Michelle O’Malley visits for their poop.
7:10
Coughs On A Plane
Researchers map out how the behavior of airplane passengers affects the chances of in-flight disease transmission.
9:14
After Finding Thousands Of Exoplanets, Kepler Rides Into The Sunset
The Kepler and K2 missions have found over 2,500 planets around distant stars, but the end is coming.
17:28
Shaping The Future Of Gun Research
As federal resources for firearm injury research lag, states like California are trying to do it themselves.
11:48
Remembering Stephen Hawking
Plus, rogue satellites, graphene hair dye, and hungry ravens.
4:51
To Flap, Perchance To Fly
Inside the fossilized bones of Archaeopteryx, one of the earliest bird-like dinosaur specimens, researchers have found evidence of a capability for flight.
12:01
Bringing (Accurate) Dinosaurs Back To Life
Meet Gabriel Ugueto, a paleoartist who relies on scientific papers and fossils to get closer to what dinosaurs actually looked like.
11:40
Complex Human Behaviors May Have Evolved In Our Earliest Ancestors
Our earliest human ancestors had trading networks and advanced technology—tens of thousands of years earlier than previously thought.
27:10
A Guide To Daily Life On Mars
We asked an astronaut, an aerospace engineer, and a space futurist what life would be like on the Red Planet.
6:28
A New Clue To The Pinkish Streak Named Steve
How citizen scientists helped find—and solve—a mystery in the northern lights.
17:29
Why Aren’t There More Women In Blockchain?
The cryptocurrency industry has so far followed the trend in tech of being dominated by men. Women want to change that.
Interpret The Impacts Of Rising Ocean Temperatures On Ecosystems
Where do fish go when the water gets warm? It depends on the species.
New Visions Of Ancient Creatures
A paleoartist reinterprets the dinosaurs we thought we knew so well.