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.
It’s Not Just You—Bad Food Habits Are Hard To Shake
The authors of “Food Intelligence” answer listener questions and discuss how our food systems make staying healthy an uphill battle.
Shocking Findings From ‘The Biggest Loser’ Contestants
A nutrition scientist found that the reality show’s contestants’ metabolisms slowed after participating—and didn’t recover.
An Off-The-Grid Nobel Win, And Antibiotics In Ancient Microbes
When the Nobel committee called, Fred Ramsdell did not pick up. Plus, searching ancient archaea for solutions to modern antibiotic resistance.
World Space Week And Promising Climate Tech Companies
We check in on some exciting space missions and projects from IMAP to LIGO. Plus, climate tech companies that have our attention.
The Story Behind The Largest Dam Removal In U.S. History
A new book goes behind the scenes of the removal of four dams along the Klamath River, and the massive restoration effort that’s followed.
How Colonization Wreaked Havoc On The Klamath River
The US government installed ecologically devastating dams in the Klamath River, which were recently removed.
How Archaeologists Try To Smell, Hear, And Taste The Past
In “Dinner With King Tut,” Sam Kean shows how experimental archaeology can recreate the stinky, slimy, and tasty parts of ancient history.
To Understand Ancient Beer, Try Brewing It Yourself
Author Sam Kean writes about how experimental archaeology engages the senses and offers an intimate look into ancient history.
Moth Survival Strategies And A Rodent Thumbnail Mystery
Moths’ evolutionary split between bright warning colors and subtle camouflage depends on the context. Plus, mysteries of the rodent thumbnail.
Mission Orbital Eats: Engineer Foods For Extreme Environments
Discover how scientists engineer foods for space missions, then design your own solutions for extreme environments on Earth.
12:13
As The CDC Falters, How Do We Fill Public Health Gaps?
Former CDC director Tom Frieden discusses how communities and health systems can move forward as the US public health system is dismantled.
Mission Cosmic Crops: Combat Hunger With Space Technology
Discover space-age technology for growing fresh food and get hands-on as you investigate how hydroponics systems can combat hunger on Earth.
Anthropologists Have A Bone To Pick With New Skull Finding
A reconstruction of an ancient skull suggests that humans could have evolved half a million years earlier than thought. Not so fast, some say.
Misión salud estelar: entrena como un astronauta
Entérete cómo los astronautas hacen ejercicio en el espacio, y utiliza el diseño de ingeniería para crear soluciones de salud para la Tierra.
Remembering Primatologist Jane Goodall
Trailblazing chimp researcher and conservationist Jane Goodall died on October 1 at 91.
What Do We Know About SSRI Antidepressant Withdrawal?
Without robust long-term data, physicians and patients continue debating the severity and significance of SSRI withdrawal symptoms.
Asha de Vos’ Journey From Deck Hand To Marine Science Leader
Growing up, Asha de Vos didn’t know of any Sri Lankans studying marine mammals. So she became the first.
Can Better Equipment Eliminate Concussions In Sports?
Head injuries are considered a normal risk of high-impact sports like football. Better helmets and guidelines aim to make athletes safer.
17:34
Why Painters Are Obsessed With The Duck Stamp Art Contest
Duck stamps help fund wetland conservation across the country. The art that adorns them is chosen through a beloved (and intense) competition.
Tradition Meets TikTok At The Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest
A new group of social media-savvy wildlife artists is bringing a beloved conservation tradition to TikTok. It’s ruffled some feathers.