On Today's Podcast
Why Hasn’t Wave Energy Gotten Its Sea Legs Yet?
It’s hard to convert energy from the ocean into electricity, thanks to a tough regulatory environment and, well, the ocean.
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.
Artists And Chefs Are Putting Ecological Crises On The Menu
Projects like “last suppers” with climate-threatened ingredients and picnics with AI-assisted recipes contemplate our food futures.
12:15
Earth May Once Have Had A Ring Like Saturn
The ring would have gradually fallen to Earth as meteorites, correlating to a spike of impacts seen in the geological record.
8:48
An AI To Identify The Environment A Grain Of Sand Came From
A new AI tool can judge whether sand came from a beach, a river, a glacial deposit, or a wind-blown dune.
12:15
These Artists Serve Up Environmental Crises Through Food
May we interest you in a smog-infused cookie? The Center for Genomic Gastronomy is making foods that capture environmental crises.
17:28
How Are AI Chatbots Changing Scientific Publishing?
Generative AI is boosting production of fake scientific papers. How are journal publishers adjusting to this new reality?
16:45
Former NIH Director Reflects On Public Mistrust In Science
In his new book, Dr. Francis Collins explores how the pandemic increased skepticism of the scientific process and what to do about it.
25:04
Surgeon General Takes On Parental Stress And Mental Health
In his latest advisory, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy adds parents’ wellbeing to his agenda of improving the nation’s mental health.
How A Diver And Artist Brought A Mysterious Octopus To Light
In 1990, diver Arcadio Rodaniche’s findings about a highly social octopus were dismissed. Decades later, his work was validated.
11:33
SpaceX Crew Completes First Citizen Spacewalk
Two citizen astronauts on SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission left their capsule and returned safely.
16:56
What Research Shows About Smartphone Bans In Schools
Researchers, educators, and parents discuss smartphones in school. Plus, why research on how social media affects teens defies easy answers.
12:05
The First Successful Whole-Eye Transplant, Over A Year Later
While Aaron James can’t see out of his new eye, it remains viable after more than a year. His surgeons say it’s a massive success.
17:02
Q&A: Updated COVID-19 Vaccines For Fall 2024
Immunologist Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire answers audience questions about when to get the latest COVID shot, rapid test efficacy, and more.
11:49
Physicists Create Heaviest Antimatter Nucleus Yet
The heaviest antimatter nucleus to date was spotted in a particle accelerator. It could provide new insights into the nature of matter.
5:36
Different Bird Species May Team Up For Migration
Research indicates songbird species might intentionally travel together during migration, giving each other a possible boost in survival.
17:33
To Confront Climate Change, Imagine Getting It Right
In her new book, climate policy expert Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson explores what ideal climate solutions look like to a lineup of experts.
Climate Solutions Don’t Need “Hope”
In her book, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson explains why “hope” doesn’t quite describe her simmering passion for solutions to climate change.
Sign Up For ‘Tiny Nature Triumphs’
This fall, we bring you a six-part newsletter about creative ways people are preserving and protecting nature.
12:00
An Asteroid Impact, Spotted In Advance
ESA officials said it was only the ninth time an asteroid was spotted before reaching Earth’s atmosphere.
17:17
Using DNA To Boost Digital Data Storage And Processing
Researchers are harnessing DNA’s incredible capacity for information storage by turning genetic code into binary code.
6:52
Fishing For—And Saving—Sharks off the Jersey Shore
Shark fishing is alive and well, but the fishermen who do it are increasingly prioritizing conservation.