On Today's Podcast
mRNA Vaccine For Pancreatic Cancer Continues To Show Promise
In the wake of funding cuts to mRNA vaccine research, we revisit a February story about a promising vaccine for pancreatic cancer.
Listen NowAugust 22, 2025
Humans drove wolves nearly to extinction in the American West. Reintroducing them in 1995 was, and still is, controversial. Plus, the FDA and HHS plan to eliminate petroleum-based food dyes as part of the MAHA agenda. What does science say about their effects on health? And, astronomers found a supernova whose lighter outer layers had been stripped away, revealing an inner shell rich in silicon and sulfur.
Tapping Into The Slime Mind
From ant colonies to single-celled slime mold, biologist Audrey Dussutour explores the wonders of animal cognition.
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12:04
Can You Get COVID-19 More Than Once?
Immunologists explain how your body remembers this virus, and what that might mean for a vaccine.
16:57
Why We’re Giving Thanks To Microbes For Stinky Cheese
New research suggests that the microbe vibrio loves those fumes as much as we do.
17:27
What Is The Future Of Meat?
These scientists are devoting their careers to a future where meat comes from plants, or even cells grown in a lab.
17:19
Koji: The Mold You Want In Your Kitchen
The fluffy white mold has transformed food for centuries—and it’s a perfect tool for culinary experimentation.
29:56
Laugh Along At Home With The Ig Nobel Awards
While the Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony might seem different this year, its celebration of strange and silly science remains.
12:05
What The Latest Promising Pfizer And Moderna Vaccine Trials Mean
Two encouraging COVID-19 vaccine trials reported strong clinical results this week. So what comes next?
17:18
Puerto Rico’s Famous Arecibo Observatory Decommissioned
The NSF plans to decommission the giant radio observatory after major damage. A look at the loss for science, and for Puerto Rico.
11:55
Ancient Big Game Hunters May Have Included Women
In Peru, a team of researchers uncovered a 9,000-year-old burial site of a possible female big game hunter.
17:05
Big Tech Can’t Stop The Lies
Despite companies taking unprecedented steps to fact-check feeds, misinformation about the election has flourished on social media.
16:42
Roman Mars Explores The Hidden Stories In Your City
Roman Mars talks about the often overlooked details built into our cities and how our urban environments are adapting to the pandemic.
16:51
What Our Climate Can Look Like Under Biden
Joe Biden has a sprawling plan to combat climate change. But if Republicans control the Senate, how much will he be able to accomplish?
The Complicated Sex Lives Of Butterflies
It involves these large, elaborate mating plugs.
12:03
Everywhere In America, COVID-19 Is Surging
Record hospitalizations arrives just in time for flu season. Plus, science you might have missed while you were waiting for election results.
17:15
The Election Shows Americans Are Rethinking The War On Drugs
Both red and blue states approved drug reform in last week’s election.
11:58
Our Average Body Temperature Is Getting Cooler
Some studies have shown that average human body temperature may be dipping below 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
17:16
Fact Check My Feed: How Excited Should You Be About COVID-19 Vaccines?
Pfizer’s promising press release about its vaccine’s efficacy wasn’t accompanied by data. Experts explain the implications.
16:52
How To Decode Your Dog’s DNA
Dog DNA tests have become a popular quarantine pastime. Here’s what you should know about them.