On Today's Podcast
How Did Ancient Humans Use The Acoustics Of Spaces Like Caves?
What did a vulture-bone flute sound like inside a cave? How about singing inside a tomb? Researchers are bringing ancient sounds back to life.
Listen NowDecember 12, 2025
Over the past century, most cancer research has focused on the tumor itself. Rakesh Jain focused on the tumor’s environment instead. Plus, a glacier’s edge can be a dangerous place to do research. One team is using robots and sound samples to monitor the melting ice. And, when cases of plague pop up in the US, it can feel straight up medieval. It’s treatable, but how and why does it persist?
16:54
The GoFundMe Healthcare Plan Doesn’t Work
While most GoFundMe campaigns to cover medical costs are modest, almost a third fail.
17:18
The Case Of Mars’ Missing Water
Water was once everywhere on Mars. This is how scientists are learning where it all went, and where some of it might be.
17:41
The Climate Crisis Is Driving New Home Improvements
A fifth of American carbon emissions come from our homes. Here’s what you can do about it, and how to balance individual and systemic action.
Design A Device That Can Safely Collect A Jellyfish
Jellyfish are delicate, which makes collecting samples from live specimens difficult. In this activity try to design a device that can safely collect jellyfish for research.
11:17
As Mask Mandates Drop, COVID Cases Increase In Some Parts Of World
Mask and vaccine mandates are fading in the U.S. and elsewhere. But COVID cases are up in countries with previously low numbers.
8:16
U.S., Russia, and Canada Continue Collaboration On Wild Salmon Survey
Despite political tensions, researchers continue the 2022 Pan-Pacific Winter High Seas Expedition to track wild salmon.
11:48
Will Russia’s War In Ukraine Finally Spur A Clean Energy Revolution?
Could an international desire to move away from Russian fossil fuels spark innovation in clean energy?
17:16
Searching For Life On The Red Planet Prompts Deeper Questions
How to look for life that we can’t even imagine—and how to imagine life we’ve never seen before.
17:18
Where Does Toilet Water Go?
Wastewater systems are a modern miracle. Here’s how they work and how they can be made better.
26:12
What We’re Learning About Long COVID Symptoms And Their Causes
Experts unpack what we’ve learned about long COVID, what support groups you can join, and how you can help with ongoing research.
11:36
The Tyrannosaurus Rex Is Having An Identity Crisis
A rift has formed between T. rex traditionalists and scientists who think the iconic dino is actually three different species.
17:24
Once Again, Transgender And Nonbinary Kids Are Under Attack In Texas
Governor Greg Abbott instructed state agencies to prosecute families providing essential gender-affirming treatment, putting kids at risk.
14:18
What’s The Role Of Cyber Warfare In Russia’s War With Ukraine?
Russia’s history of cyber antagonism has some surprised that the country has not relied more on cyber attacks since its Ukraine invasion.
2:14
The World According to Sound: Antiphonal Duets
Some birdsong is so complex and intricate that it’s hard to tell if there’s one bird singing, or two.
6:15
Why The Equinox Can Make Your Credit Card Fail
Twice a year, Earthbound satellite dishes can get blinded by the Sun.
8:55
From Anal Teeth To Deadly Farts: The Wild World Of Invertebrate Behinds
#InverteButtWeek is here! Meet the scientists and illustrators who are spreading joy and knowledge about the backends of the backbone-less.
19:27
Can Meteorites On Earth Point To Ancient Life On Mars?
An astrobiologist explains why a meteor from Mars changed planetary science. Plus, why samples from the Perseverance rover will be key to understanding the Red Planet.
12:17
Where Are The Black Physicists?
A physicist and higher education researcher on what’s driving the absence of Black physicists—and what universities can do to change.
12:05
Paul Farmer, Global Health Leader, Dies At 62
A champion of equitable healthcare, and the co-founder of humanitarian non-profit Partners In Health, Farmer leaves behind a poignant legacy.
17:24
Blind Patients With Eye Implant Left In The Dark As Its Startup Struggles
Second Sight Medical Devices abandoned support for blind patients who received its bionic eye implant. What happens to those patients next?