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.
18:25
A Climate Pledge, a Medieval Antibiotic, and an Exoskeletal Boot
In the news roundup this week, Eric Holthaus breaks down the new U.S. climate pledge.
17:16
Festival of Fake Hypotheses Generates Real Laughs
The satirical science festival BAHFest challenges science fans to construct real arguments for completely bogus hypotheses.
6:56
Mercury: The Ashtray of the Solar System?
Scientists say that dust from passing comets could have darkened the surface of Mercury.
16:40
Cracking the Egg
There’s a better way to make hard-boiled eggs—and it doesn’t involve boiling.
4:55
Catching a Non-Stop, Transatlantic Flight on a Songbird’s Back
The blackpoll warbler, a songbird that weighs 12 grams, can fly 1,700 miles—non-stop—to its wintering grounds.
16:16
Building Cancer Vaccines From Tumor Mutations
Researchers look to the genome of a patient’s tumor to build a cancer vaccine.
10:48
The Math Game Behind the Iran Nuclear Talks
Energy secretary Ernest Moniz joins us to talk about the science behind the diplomacy.
Home For A Horn Shark Embryo
The spiraling protective packaging ensconces a single embryo and yolk sac.
Easy Hard Eggs
Jeff Potter, author of “Cooking for Geeks,” explains how steaming eggs, even massive ostrich eggs, makes them easier to peel.
Spot the REAL Hypothesis
This April Fool’s Day, put your BS-detector to the test. Can you spot the REAL hypothesis?
A 20-Year Dive Into Climate Change History
Have scientists always agreed on the impacts of climate change? Act like an investigative reporter by sifting through expert interviews and reports on extreme weather and climate change.
Eggs To Dye For
Why do eggs turn out brighter with a little vinegar? Investigate how different acids affect egg dyes in this kitchen chemistry experiment.
11:35
‘Hellish’ Conditions Gave Spark to Life on Earth
The early Earth was no place for life as we know it: Belching volcanoes, meteor strikes, hydrogen cyanide and a healthy bombardment of ultraviolet rays.
17:19
Shaking Up the Climate Conversation, With Dance
A choreographer and a biologist team up to create a dance that’s part high art, part climate change consciousness raising.
15:16
Michael Gazzaniga: Tales from Both Sides of the Brain
Cognitive neuroscientist Michael Gazzaniga discusses his on discovering how these halves communicate.
1:19
One Last Thing: Left to Right
When we picture rapidly moving things, people seem to have a preference for ones that move from left to right, not right to left.
7:35
Liquid 3-D Printer Speeds Past the Rest
A new, fast 3-D printer uses ultraviolet light and oxygen to shape liquid resin.
29:48
Understanding the Dark Side of Physics
Physicists discuss the quest to understand dark energy and dark matter.
8:12
Malaria Parasite Lures Mosquitoes With Bait-and-Switch
The malaria parasite manufactures lemon-and-pine-scented aromas that attract mosquitoes.
Capsizing Icebergs on the Rise in Greenland
Icebergs in Greenland are flipping over like dominoes more often than they have in the past.