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.
17:09
NASA’s Europa Clipper Heads To Jupiter’s Icy Moon Europa
Scientists suspect that beneath Europa’s icy crust is a giant ocean of liquid water. They launched a spacecraft to investigate.
16:23
How Do Animals Understand Death?
Philosopher Susana Monsó unpacks the latest research into how animals like possums, chimps, and ants interpret death.
11:56
How Metaphor Has Shaped Science, For Better Or Worse
Metaphors can help us understand complicated scientific concepts. But they can also have a downside.
4:16
Scientists Push For A Lesser-Known Grain Called Kernza
Originally from Central Asia, Kernza doesn’t need to be replanted every year, unlike crops such as corn and soybeans.
12:53
Intertwining The Lives Of Moths And Humans Through Music
A pair of musicians wrote a concept album inspired by moths—and found that humans have more in common with the insects than they expected.
17:35
MRIs Show How The Brain Changes During Pregnancy
New research sheds light on changes in gray and white matter during this transformational event.
Mission Rehydrate: Water For A Thirsty Planet
Discover how astronauts recycle water on the ISS, then build and test your own filter to address real-world environmental issues.
El Regreso del GEDI: Escaneando el Amazonas con rayos láser
Un instrumento en la Estación Espacial Internacional recopila datos que ofrecen pistas sobre la deforestación en la Amazonia.
Benjamin Franklin And The American Experiment Collide On Stage
In the play “Franklinland,” Benjamin Franklin’s son takes centerstage in an exploration of his father’s life as a scientist, statesperson, and parent.
‘Salem’s Lot’ And The Bloody Fountain Of Youth
In this Stephen King adaptation, a vampire drinks blood to live forever. Can young blood have anti-aging effects for the living?
12:13
The Science Behind Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton caused a major storm surge, but also a reverse one.
17:12
Asheville Was Never A ‘Climate Haven.’ Nowhere Is.
Although the kinds of risks vary by location, there is no place that’s immune to the damaging effects of climate change.
16:41
What Makes ‘SuperAgers’ Stay Healthy For So Long?
Scientists are looking to recruit 10,000 people over age 95 to study how their genes may contribute to longer, healthier lives.
16:58
Searching The Universe For Clues To The Ultra-Small
Several astronomy projects are mapping vast areas of space, searching for traces of tiny quantum fluctuations in the early universe.
6:04
Lake Michigan Swimmers Enjoy ‘Unsettling’ Warm Water
The lake’s surface temperature has been above average nearly every day this year so far. All five Great Lakes are heating up.
10:39
Benjamin Franklin And The American Experiment Collide On Stage
In the play “Franklinland,” Benjamin Franklin’s son takes centerstage in an exploration of his father’s life as a scientist, statesperson, and parent.
12:01
The Basics Of How Health Misinformation Spreads
We kick off a series on health misinformation leading up to the election. Plus, tell us what health information you’d like us to investigate.
Join Us For A Celebration Of Extraordinary Science News
Cheers to another trip around the Sun! Join us December 6th for a look back at this year’s science news with Ira Flatow and special guests.
Mission Sensor Watch: Cool Your Community
Investigate climate science using ECOSTRESS imagery from the ISS. Then, hunt for heat islands and design solutions to cool your community.
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