On Today's Podcast
What The Label Of ‘Genius’ Tells Us About Our Society
In “The Genius Myth,” Helen Lewis argues that who we call a genius reveals more about our values than any objective measure of brilliance.
Listen NowSeptember 12, 2025
Octopuses can use their suckers to detect harmful microbes on the surface of objects like crab shells, or their own eggs. Plus, a new book charts the millennia-old history of our fascination with aliens, and how myth transformed into research. And, golden oyster mushrooms have escaped from home growing kits into the wild. Could they affect fungal diversity in North American forests?
Our Audience Feedback Survey Was Overrun By Bots. Here Are 5 Lessons We Learned.
When our survey data was skewed by AI, we learned how to filter fake responses from our listeners.
Desktop Diaries
Leading science experts take you behind the scenes at their workspaces.
12:04
A Week Of Climate Protests, Meetings, Pledges, And Action
2023’s Climate Week NYC witnessed hundreds of events, protests, and pledges from world leaders at the UN General Assembly meeting.
16:48
The Climate Movement Should Be Funnier
Research suggests that comedy is a powerful way to mobilize people. So what makes a good laugh a motivating force?
12:22
Florida’s Reefs Are Vanishing. Can Scientists Save Them?
With water temperatures higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, coral bleaching is worse than ever.
17:29
The Ocean Is A Climate Ally
The ocean has absorbed over 90% of the heat we’ve trapped with greenhouse gasses. It still holds many possible climate solutions.
11:51
Feeling Hopeless About Climate Change? Try Playing These Video Games
How do you make a video game about climate change that’s fun to play? The annual Climate Jam competition aims to do just that.
17:14
Can Earth’s Past Climate Help Us Understand Today’s Crisis?
Renowned climate scientist Michael Mann talks about how important it is to take action now—before we see climate change’s worst consequences.
How Earth’s Climate Has Guided Human History
Misunderstanding climate variability can stall climate action, but navigating nuance is the path to positive change.
How The Climate Movement Is Poised To Create Change
Systemic change is integral to climate change mitigation—but what role can individuals play in these important conversations?
Murry Burgess On Inclusive Field Safety
Murry Burgess shares her experience managing social field safety and how what she learned has helped her support marginalized scientists.
How Video Game Devs And Musicians Are Processing Climate Change
How does our changing climate get expressed in a folk song versus a video game?
12:11
Astronomers Find Exoplanet That May Be Covered In Water
Exciting news in the search for extraterrestrial life.
10:35
Waiting for the Bus in Houston is Hot. And Dangerous.
Reporters at Houston Public Media found just how dangerous heat can be for public transit riders.
5:44
The Psychology Behind Wide Receivers’ Jersey Numbers
A new study explains why wide receivers on professional football teams feel slimmer and faster when they wear smaller numbers.
12:19
New COVID Boosters Arrive Amid Rise In Infections
Three new vaccines will be available this fall to address COVID, the flu, and RSV. Here’s how you can stay safer in the coming months.
17:30
The Science Behind Devastating Earthquakes
The recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Morocco left thousands of people dead, injured, or lost.
16:54
The Buzz On Native Bees In Your Neighborhood
Around 4,000 species of bee are native to the US, playing an unsung role as pollinators.
17:26
What Radioactive Animals Teach Us About Nuclear Fallout
Measuring cesium in wild boar and uranium in turtles sheds light on how radioactive materials travel through the environment.
Matt Covington On Facing Fears
Geoscientist Dr. Matt Covington has created a prolific caving career through facing his fears and following his passion in the field.