On Today's Podcast
After CDC Director Is Ousted, More Senior Officials Resign
Former CDC scientist Demetre Daskalakis left his post, citing political interference and a lack of science in decision-making at the agency.
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.
12:15
Yes, It’s Hot. But How Hot?
Researchers say the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is a better indicator of heat stress.
16:16
Crowdsourced Data Identifies 126 ‘Lost’ Bird Species
Researchers analyzed photos, videos, and audio from crowdsource platforms to identify bird species that have not been spotted in over a decade.
12:04
A Canine Cancer Vaccine Shows Promising Results
Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs. A new vaccine has increased survival rates in clinical trials, offering hope for dogs and humans.
17:01
House Stalls On Bill To Compensate Victims Of Nuclear Testing
The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act expired on June 10, but supporters are still fighting to expand it.
11:05
Why It Took Decades For This Octopus To Be Recognized
The larger Pacific striped octopus is unusually social. But it wasn’t recognized by scientists until 2015, despite one man’s efforts.
6:16
Squid With ‘Giant’ Eggs Could Be A New Species
A deep-sea squid in the family Gonatidae was filmed cradling large eggs for its body size, which suggests it’s an entirely new species.
17:15
20 Years Later, How Are City Climate Plans Actually Going?
When the federal government wavered in its commitment to climate action, cities stepped up. But goals, and success, are hard to define.
He Found A Bizarre Octopus, But No One Believed Him
In 1990, diver Arcadio Rodaniche’s findings about a highly social octopus were dismissed. Decades later, his work was validated.
Latina Space Scientists Want To Stop Being The Exception
Three leaders in space science from Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Argentina on battling sexism and innovating in their fields.
What Cephalopod Are You? Take The Quiz!
Are you an old soul? A giant genius? Answer these 8 questions to find out which cephalopod is most like you.
11:44
Elephants Seem To Use Names For Each Other
A new study used machine learning to analyze elephant vocalizations and identified “contact rumbles” that appear to function as names.
17:18
Meet The Emotions Behind Teenage Angst In ‘Inside Out 2’
Psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour helped make the film more scientifically accurate to how a teenager’s mind works.
12:07
Kids Discover Extremely Rare T. Rex Fossil
On a hike in the Badlands, a family found a dinosaur bone sticking out of a rock. It joined the few teenage T. rex fossils ever discovered.
17:04
‘The Singularity Is Nearer,’ Says Futurist Ray Kurzweil
Two decades after his book “The Singularity is Near,” Kurzweil is back with more predictions about the future of AI.
5:44
In Wisconsin, Mannequins Help Teach People How To Spot Ticks
Two mannequins walk into a science lab, and one’s got a big tick problem. She can teach humans how to check for ticks.
11:29
Protecting A Flickering Symbol Of Summer Nights
Researchers used citizen science observations and machine learning to understand where fireflies are and what they need to thrive.
16:59
Why Do Cephalopods Make Ink?
Squid, octopuses, and cuttlefish use ink to confuse predators and to communicate. But there’s still a lot we don’t understand about inking.
How AI Supercharges Drug Research
Machine learning can quickly analyze millions of compounds, helping researchers bring drugs to clinical trials sooner.
12:43
México eligió a una presidenta científica. ¿Qué significa esto?
La comunidad científica del país Latinoamericano está dividida sobre la elección de Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.
What Will Emerge From The Wreckage Of The Arecibo Telescope?
In 2020, Puerto Rico’s massive Arecibo radio telescope collapsed. The research facility may now be on the cusp of a new chapter.