On Today's Podcast
A Halloween Monster Mashup, And A Spooky Lakes Tour
Tales of the amazing capabilities of bats, spiders, and snakes. Plus, a guided tour of some of the world’s spookiest lakes.
Listen NowOctober 31, 2025
Why do we find joy in the scary and the macabre? Two psychology experts weigh in on humans’ affinity for horror and desire to get spooked. Plus, tales of the amazing capabilities of bats, spiders, and snakes. And, a guided tour of some of the world’s spookiest lakes.
11:51
Soft Robots Mimic Muscle to Expand the Body’s Limits
Squishy, flexible robots can augment and enhance the built-in strength of muscles, helping broken hearts to pump again, or by giving new function and support to our arms and hands.
25:38
The Gesture That Changed Human History
In his new book, physicist Carlo Rovelli takes a journey through modern physics, from Galileo to quantum gravity.
8:11
Where Do Baby Seahorses Come From?
Seahorses are one of the few vertebrates where males become pregnant and give birth to offspring.
46:58
Special Coverage: How Will Scientific Research Fare Under President Donald Trump?
From cabinet nominees to Congressional wishlists, a look at what could realistically change for scientists in the coming years.
Facts About Asteroids That Rock
Which asteroid is made of metal, and which hides an ocean? The answers lie in our nifty asteroid trading cards.
This Tiny Seahorse Has Mastered Its Domain
To hide in the knobby sea fans they call home, Bargibant’s pygmy seahorses have evolved exquisite camouflage.
What To Expect From An Expecting Seahorse
Seahorses and their cousins the pipefish are the only vertebrates where males become pregnant. Here’s how it works!
5:37
Drunken Munchies, a Paper Centrifuge, and an Endangered Bumblebee
Science journalist Sophie Bushwick rounds up some of the week’s science news.
6:32
Ride-Sharing Data Will Be Available to All. Will Privacy Be Protected?
Uber has resisted sharing data in the past. Now the company plans to give it to everyone.
16:29
Lucy and Psyche Asteroid Missions Explore the Early Universe
NASA’s upcoming asteroid missions will examine a metal world and primitive planetesimals.
11:34
As Automation Advances, What’s Next for Human Jobs?
A new report looks at potential impacts of automation and artificial intelligence on jobs in a variety of industries.
7:56
Twisted Science: Tying The Strongest Molecular Knot
There are more than six billion known knot configurations. Scientists have used metal ions to tie the tightest molecular knot.
9:00
Why You Should Be Patient With Your Indecisive Teen
A roundworm model suggests that teenage indecision isn’t just a torture tactic.
16:32
After Concussion, What Blood Can Reveal About the Brain
A blood test may help athletes gauge concussion recovery, plus new concerns about the risks for CTE.
17:30
Eight Years of Science Under Obama: Boom or Bust?
A look at President Obama’s science legacy.
How To Talk To A Climate Change Denier
Use these tips to have more productive conversations about climate change.
An Algorithm to Identify Every Tree
Researchers are hoping a computer algorithm can help track the health of our urban forests.
7:24
A Trip to a Gadget Nirvana
The annual Consumer Electronics Show opened this week in Las Vegas, with gizmos galore.
4:44
Solar Manufacturers Suffer as Panel Prices Drop
The price of solar photovoltaic panels is dropping, and solar manufacturers are being squeezed.
17:39
What’s the Best Way to Convince a Climate Change Denier?
More data doesn’t seem to change minds, but focusing on solutions might help.