June 27, 2025
In his new book, a former FDA commissioner unpacks the latest science on metabolism, weight loss, and how GLP-1 drugs actually work. Plus, the first images from the brand new Vera C. Rubin Observatory have finally been unveiled. And, researchers have observed a population of orcas that use kelp tools to scratch their backs.
How Lignin Helped Trees Grow Up
A new book details how lignin once protected algae from UV radiation, then later in evolutionary time became a structural support for trees.
The Academy Award For Science You’ve Never Heard Of
Since 1931, the Academy has recognized technological innovations in the film industry. One 2025 honoree has taken fire stunts to the next level.
11:51
Cuts And Conflicting Directives Sow Confusion For NIH Workers
The acting head of the NIH reportedly pushed back against legal guidance to resume grant funding, leaving federal workers in the lurch.
17:26
How Trump’s DEI Ban Will Affect Medical Research
Changes limiting programs, grants, and even the nature of studies are already underway at the NIH, NSF, FDA, CDC, and more.
10:00
What Does An Animal’s Size Have To Do With Its Cancer Risk?
A study finds that Peto’s Paradox, which states that larger animals are no more likely to get cancer than smaller ones, may not hold up.
6:33
Meet Bastetodon, A 30 Million-Year-Old Apex Predator
A nearly complete skull of the creature was found in the Egyptian desert. Its lineage indicates that it was a top carnivore of the age.
12:10
You’ve Heard Of The Microbiome—Welcome To The Mycobiome
Though fungi make up a tiny part of the human microbiome, they play an important role in both the prevention and development of many diseases.
6:02
The Effort To Save Thousands Of Donor Kidneys From Being Wasted
Last year, 9,000 deceased donor kidneys were discarded due to storage and time limitations. A kidney “life support” machine could change that.
10:58
Ocean Liner SS United States Will Become An Artificial Reef
The ship will join Florida’s 4,300 artificial reefs—human-made places for fish and other marine life to live. How do these reefs work?
17:25
Where Does Plastic And Other Trash Go After We Throw It Away?
A journalist traveled to five continents to learn about the afterlife of our trash, and why most “recyclable” plastic actually isn’t.
How The Global Waste Trade Passes The Buck Across The World
Richer countries often dispose of trash by paying someone else to make it their problem. And trying to recycle plastic doesn’t always help the planet.
In A New Animated TV Show, A Clash Over An All-Healing Mushroom
The show’s starring scientist finds a mushroom that can heal any ailment. But powerful people will do anything to stop him from cultivating it.
11:49
Royal Tomb Of Egyptian King Thutmose II Unearthed
Finding the original tomb of the royal is one of the most significant developments in Egyptian archeology in recent history.
16:47
A Vaccine For Pancreatic Cancer Continues To Show Promise
In a small trial, nearly half of pancreatic cancer patients who received an mRNA vaccine for the disease had no relapse three years later.
12:15
In Search Of The Best Tail For Balance
The bone and joint structures in mammal tails help them keep their balance. Could those benefits be adapted for robots?
16:57
Why Are Flu And Other Viral Infection Rates So High This Year?
Flu infections are the highest they’ve been in nearly 30 years, and flu deaths this winter have surpassed COVID deaths. What’s going on?
9:22
Bindi Irwin Encourages Kids To Become ‘Wildlife Warriors’
In her first children’s book, conservationist Bindi Irwin takes little readers on a journey through Australia Zoo.
7:52
Why The Internet Was Captivated By A Hideous Fish
A video of a gloriously creepy anglerfish inspired tears and poetry online. But why was this deep-sea dweller near the surface at all?
16:49
Making Sense Of Federal Cuts To Science—And What Comes Next
The CEO of one of America’s oldest scientific societies discusses the recent cuts to scientific institutions, and how scientists can respond.
Cosmic Chemistry? It Was “Love At First Science”
We asked our listeners to tell us how they found love while doing or appreciating science. Read on for some romantic resonance.