On Today's Podcast
A Delicious But Invasive Mushroom Could Affect Fungal Diversity
Golden oyster mushrooms have escaped from home growing kits into the wild. Plus, the ancient origin story of the humble potato plant.
Listen NowSeptember 5, 2025
A sand dune is much more than just a big pile of sand. But how do sand dunes work, and what else do scientists want to know about sand? Plus, candles, hairstyling products, and other common items can produce toxic air pollution that lingers in our homes. And, former CDC scientist Demetre Daskalakis left his post, citing political interference and a lack of science in decision-making at the agency.
David Attenborough: To Save The Earth, Rethink The Economy
In Attenborough’s new book, he imagines a world economy that resembles the Amazon rainforest rather than one that values growth at all costs.
Tapping Into The Slime Mind
From ant colonies to single-celled slime mold, biologist Audrey Dussutour explores the wonders of animal cognition.
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12:04
Can You Get COVID-19 More Than Once?
Immunologists explain how your body remembers this virus, and what that might mean for a vaccine.
16:57
Why We’re Giving Thanks To Microbes For Stinky Cheese
New research suggests that the microbe vibrio loves those fumes as much as we do.
17:27
What Is The Future Of Meat?
These scientists are devoting their careers to a future where meat comes from plants, or even cells grown in a lab.
17:19
Koji: The Mold You Want In Your Kitchen
The fluffy white mold has transformed food for centuries—and it’s a perfect tool for culinary experimentation.
29:56
Laugh Along At Home With The Ig Nobel Awards
While the Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony might seem different this year, its celebration of strange and silly science remains.
12:05
What The Latest Promising Pfizer And Moderna Vaccine Trials Mean
Two encouraging COVID-19 vaccine trials reported strong clinical results this week. So what comes next?
17:18
Puerto Rico’s Famous Arecibo Observatory Decommissioned
The NSF plans to decommission the giant radio observatory after major damage. A look at the loss for science, and for Puerto Rico.
11:55
Ancient Big Game Hunters May Have Included Women
In Peru, a team of researchers uncovered a 9,000-year-old burial site of a possible female big game hunter.
17:05
Big Tech Can’t Stop The Lies
Despite companies taking unprecedented steps to fact-check feeds, misinformation about the election has flourished on social media.
16:42
Roman Mars Explores The Hidden Stories In Your City
Roman Mars talks about the often overlooked details built into our cities and how our urban environments are adapting to the pandemic.
16:51
What Our Climate Can Look Like Under Biden
Joe Biden has a sprawling plan to combat climate change. But if Republicans control the Senate, how much will he be able to accomplish?
The Complicated Sex Lives Of Butterflies
It involves these large, elaborate mating plugs.
12:03
Everywhere In America, COVID-19 Is Surging
Record hospitalizations arrives just in time for flu season. Plus, science you might have missed while you were waiting for election results.
17:15
The Election Shows Americans Are Rethinking The War On Drugs
Both red and blue states approved drug reform in last week’s election.
11:58
Our Average Body Temperature Is Getting Cooler
Some studies have shown that average human body temperature may be dipping below 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
17:16
Fact Check My Feed: How Excited Should You Be About COVID-19 Vaccines?
Pfizer’s promising press release about its vaccine’s efficacy wasn’t accompanied by data. Experts explain the implications.