On Today's Podcast
Teamwork Between Species Is The Key To Life Itself
“The Call of the Honeyguide” traces the mutualisms found throughout nature, from hunting pairs to the microbes all around us.
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?
Remembering Apollo 13 Astronaut James Lovell
The late James Lovell was commander of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission. In 1995, he recounted the story of the real-life space drama.
16:38
Decoding Fireflies’ Smelly Signals And Blinking Butts
Fireflies’ unique body chemistry has led to advances in medical imaging. And scientists are now learning how they communicate using smell.
17:13
‘Underground Atlas’ Shows How Vulnerable Fungal Networks Are
Underground fungal networks are crucial to life on Earth. But a new map shows that less than 10% of fungal hotspots are in protected areas.
17:20
Can The Rise In Solar Power Balance Out Clean Energy Cuts?
Solar power adoption has been rising fast. Amid recent federal efforts to limit clean energy, will it make a dent in our climate impact?
Solar Energy Is Not Just Good For The Earth—It’s Practical
“Solar and wind power are almost too cheap for our economy,” says author Bill McKibben, arguing the switch from fossil fuels must happen soon.
Lithium May Have A Role In Causing—And Treating—Alzheimer’s
This important breakthrough and other research projects have lost funding because of Trump’s cuts to the NIH.
Why Self-Driving Cars Are The Perfect Heel In ‘The Naked Gun’
Car crashes aren’t very funny. Unless, apparently, it’s a self-driving car. Researchers on public perception of these new vehicles explain why.
A Nagasaki Survivor And Physician Recounts His Life’s Work
Dr. Masao Tomonaga was 2 years old when the US bombed Nagasaki. Eighty years later, he reflects on a lifetime of treating other survivors.
Breast Milk Is Understudied. What Are Scientists Learning Now?
There are a lot of claims about breast milk, but we know little about this sophisticated substance. Two researchers update us on the latest.
17:12
The Uncertain Science Behind What We Understand As ‘Truth’
In a new book, mathematician Adam Kucharski traces our relationship to truth, from the ancient Greeks to our AI reality.
12:07
Are Cold Plunges Actually Good For You?
A researcher who studies the effects of extreme cold on the body throws a few drops of icy water on the social media trend.
16:36
Why Is Working Out Good For Your Mental Health?
A workout can be a mental health boost—or a psychological strain. Two exercise researchers discuss what physical activity does to your mind.
17:04
65 Genomes Expand Our Picture Of Human Genetics
Researchers closely examined the genomes of 65 individuals to paint a more complex, and more complete, picture of human genetic diversity.
When ‘Proof’ Isn’t Enough
In 1990, Marilyn vos Savant riled up scores of mathematicians with her solution to the “Monty Hall Problem.” But she was right.
EPA Seeks To Revoke Scientific Basis For Greenhouse Gas Rules
The “endangerment finding” is the basis for regulations on emissions from cars, power plants, and more. Plus, a robot performs surgery.
17:26
A Reptile’s Baffling Backfin And The Math Of Dashing Dinos
Paleontologists identified a new ancient reptile appendage. And, how fast did dinosaurs run? A longstanding equation for dino speed may be wrong.
12:18
NASA Employees Protest Cuts In Formal Dissent Letter
Retired astronaut Cady Coleman explains why she felt compelled to sign “The Voyager Declaration.”
17:24
Where Are We On The Science Of Menopause?
Menopause research began in earnest about 30 years ago. Two experts want you to know that we’ve actually learned a lot—and it’s not all bad.
12:03
EPA To Shut Down Scientific Research Arm
The EPA’s Office of Research and Development studies things like PFAS, air pollution, and chemical safety to develop environmental standards.
16:41
Parker Solar Probe Captures Closest-Ever Images Of The Sun
The newly released images from a December flyby are so detailed that scientists can see explosions and the flow of solar winds.