On Today's Podcast
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?
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.
8:34
Tapping Into Existing Bandwidth to Create Community WiFi
“Mesh networks” create wifi access points built off of existing wireless bandwidth.
8:37
The Secrets of Sticky Frog Saliva
Frog saliva changes from high to low viscosity when it hits an insect.
8:29
An Earthly Origin for Moon Oxygen?
Why some of the oxygen in the moon’s soil may have come from our ozone layer. Plus, is the moon more ancient than we thought?
8:16
For Science Supporters, an Earth Day March on Washington
“March for Science” organizers want to boost appreciation for research they see as under threat.
16:45
Human-Animal Hybrids Find Their Place in Medicine
New advances in stem cell research will one day make it possible to grow human transplant organs in animal hosts.
Reverse Engineering Europa
By conducting experiments in ultra-chilled vacuum chambers, astrobiologist Kevin Hand hopes to inform how future NASA missions search for life on icy moons.
To Get to Europa, Think Like MacGyver
A look at the idea lab where scientists are preparing for a fly-by mission to one of Jupiter’s icy moons.
Tailgate Science
Hosting a game-day party? Have a ball with these tips on beer-brewing, barbecuing, and more.
Build An Ultra High-Speed Toy Out Of Paper
Make a paper toy that spins thousands of times per minute, and then measure, and try to modify, its speed.
7:41
Federal Science Freedom, Cancer Death Rates, Snake Trackers
With federal scientific agencies facing restrictions on what they say and when, some scientists are planning to march on Washington.
4:28
Is Your Smartphone Weighing Down Your Workout?
Talking and texting on your phone while walking on a treadmill can reduce your balance by 19 to 45 percent.
6:20
Girls Lose Sight of Own ‘Brilliance’ at Young Age
Internalized stereotypes that can guide career choice manifest as young as age 6.
11:33
Building an Immunity to Fake News
Researchers discover a psychological “vaccine” against misinformation.
17:24
There’s an Algorithm to Fight Online Extremism
Silicon Valley has a way to curb terrorist messaging online. They just won’t use it.
17:10
Scientific Simplicity by Design
The Paperfuge is a hand-powered paper centrifuge that costs less than one dollar to produce.
27:21
How States Can Step Up for Science
In this segment, California governor Jerry Brown talks about how states can take the lead on issues like climate change and clean energy—with or without Washington, D.C.
Why The Multiverse Isn’t Just Madness
The multiverse—the idea that infinite universes stretch beyond our own—has gained traction among physicists. But others think it’s just a multi-mess.
The State of Science: What Might Happen Under the Trump Administration
“There’s more uncertainty than knowledge about what’s going to happen with the new administration,” said a former congressman.
11:51
Soft Robots Mimic Muscle to Expand the Body’s Limits
Squishy, flexible robots can augment and enhance the built-in strength of muscles, helping broken hearts to pump again, or by giving new function and support to our arms and hands.
25:38
The Gesture That Changed Human History
In his new book, physicist Carlo Rovelli takes a journey through modern physics, from Galileo to quantum gravity.