On Today's Podcast
What Do mRNA Funding Cuts Mean For Future US Research?
RFK Jr. canceled nearly $500 million in mRNA vaccine research funding. Plus, the latest climate news, from flooding in Alaska to new EVs.
Listen NowAugust 15, 2025
This year marks the 100th anniversary of two papers that sparked the field of quantum mechanics. Plus, a science journalist documents his quest to understand his own cluster headaches in the new book “The Headache.” And, what the cancelation of nearly $500 million in funding means for the future of mRNA vaccine research.
Charlie Chaplin And ‘Paternity’ In Modern Times
In this excerpt from “Paternity” by Nara B. Milanich, a 1940s court case with a Hollywood icon epitomized the shifting meaning of fatherhood.
7:33
A Rollback Of The Clean Power Plan
The Trump administration replaced the greenhouse reducing Clean Power Plan with a proposal that has narrow regulations for power plants.
4:10
New Orleans Sues Energy Companies To Repair Its Wetlands
Climate change is causing parts of Louisiana to sink. Now the city of New Orleans wants energy companies to pay to fix it.
10:13
Investigating The USDA’s Silence On Climate Change
A new Politico investigation suggests the Agriculture Department is avoiding publicizing its research regarding climate change.
12:14
Turning Proteins Into Music
Researchers are using music to unravel the mysteries of life’s complicated building blocks.
10:40
A Tiny Training Partner In Your Gut?
Though the ads tell you it’s gotta be the shoes, a new study suggests that elite runners might get an extra performance boost from the microbiome.
23:13
Solving The Mystery Of Paternity, Once And For All
In her new book, historian Nara Milanich shares the fascinating history of paternity testing.
23:47
Closing Out The Cephalo-Party
Cephalopod genetics, the thrill of the giant squid, and a farewell to Cephalopod Week 2019.
Swimming Down The Runway: Finding A Model Species For Cephalopods
Want to learn more about cephalopods? Start by learning about bobtail squids.
The Mysterious Swimming Habits Of The Ancient Ammonite
These extinct shelled cephalopods ruled the ocean for 300 million years. But how they swam and shaped the seas remains a mystery.
Dive Into A Reddit AMA With Three Cephalopod Researchers
They talk about octopus behavior, fossilized cuttlefish ink, and proper cephalopod grammar.
SciFri Extra: About Time
Ira talks with the head of the NIST’s Time and Frequency Division about time, and how to measure it better.
7:13
A Cool Star Yields The Most Earth-Like Exoplanet Yet
A survey of exoplanets is finding Earth-like planets around cold, tiny stars, plus more stories from this week’s News Roundup.
5:02
Renewable Energy Makes Waves In Oregon
Plans for a wave testing facility in the state are advancing.
17:12
Puppy Eyes: Dogs’ Secret People Manipulation Weapon
Dogs have been perfecting their puppy eyes for thousands of years.
7:03
Why We Need To Talk About Microbes And Climate
Microbes are everywhere and have close ties to the climate. So, why are they often absent from discussion about climate change?
17:42
Through The Mountains And Smoke
To discover what’s happening in smoke plumes generated from wildfires, a team flies directly through the source.
12:27
How Climate Change Threatens Pikas
Pikas used to roam the American West. Now, they’re in danger of disappearing.
17:37
Uncovering A Colorado Apple Mystery
Colorado was once full of apple orchards—what happened? Plus the secrets of making cider.