On Today's Podcast
The Human Obsession With Aliens Goes Way, Way Back
A new book charts the millennia-old history of our fascination with aliens, and how myth transformed into research.
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?
22:47
Eating ‘Wilder’ Foods for a Healthier Diet
Author Jo Robinson digs up tips on how to get the most nutrition out of our fruits and vegetables.
23:29
At STREB Action Lab, Dance and Physics Collide
Choreographer and gravity-junkie Elizabeth Streb pushes the boundaries of physics—with dance.
A Monarch Retreat
For Californians, Thanksgiving is prime time for butterfly counting.
All About Apples: Some History, a Recipe, and Recommendations
An excerpt from “Eating on the Wild Side,” complete with apple crisp recipe.
Mapping Microbes in California Wine Country
Wine grapes have distinctive microbial patterns based on growing conditions, environmental features, and the fruit itself.
22:17
Using Modern Ballistics to Crack ‘Cold Case JFK’
Fifty years later, forensic scientists apply modern tech to the JFK assassination.
19:46
How To Avoid ‘Food Failures’ This Thanksgiving
Jeff Potter, author of “Cooking for Geeks,” dishes up a few cooking hacks for Turkey Day.
4:15
When Water Flows Uphill
Researchers test ridged surfaces in order to control the movements of hot water.
12:09
ISON: The Comet of the Century . . . or Is It?
As Comet ISON skirts the sun, it could be destroyed—or emerge, even more spectacular than before.
7:55
Stores May Be Snooping Into Your Smartphone
Stores can tap into your smartphone’s Wifi signal to track your in-store movements.
9:43
A Handful of Nuts, a Lifetime of Benefits?
Researchers linked daily nut consumption to a lower risk of dying from major chronic diseases.
16:31
Budget Cuts Leave Curiosity and Cassini in Limbo
Under NASA’s proposed 2013 budget, planetary science would receive $1.217 billion.
Now You Can Peruse Carl Sagan’s Stuff
A collection featuring Carl Sagan paraphernalia is open to the public at the Library of Congress.
When Water Flows Uphill
In the Leidenfrost Effect, a water droplet will float on a layer its own vapor if heated to certain temperature—and these physicists discovered a new means of manipulating the hot droplets.
Bristling at the Cold
Its brown and black bristles help this creature survive harsh winters.
Saturn Says ‘Cheese’
The Cassini spacecraft’s sweeping shot shows Saturn, its moons and rings, and Earth, Venus, and Mars.
A Butterfly’s-Eye View: Aloft in a Balloon
Camille Flammarion’s balloon excursions afforded a new perspective on the world.
21:41
Gauging The Impact Of Climate Change On Hurricanes
Is there a link between climate change and stronger hurricanes?
20:30
“Hatching Twitter”: A Tale of Booze and Backstabbing
New York Times columnist Nick Bilton’s new book reveals the social network’s dark side.
4:06
The Other Golden Rule
Why most mammals—even elephants—take only 20-30 seconds to urinate.