May 2, 2025
An astronomer explores the cosmos and the limits of what science can test. Plus, how the mysterious properties of pasta—like how it bends, coils, and breaks—have been tested by physicists for decades. And, millions of years ago, iguanas somehow got from North America to Fiji. Scientists think they made the trip on a raft of fallen vegetation.
Music Lover? This Startup Knows What Tunes You Want to Hear
The Echo Nest mines big data to find songs and musical artists that suit a range of auditory affinities.
7:33
With Government Shut Down, Science Idles
As the budgetary stalemate in Washington continues, many federally funded science projects are now on hold.
4:15
Sifting Martian Soil and Dreaming of Future Expeditions
Recent analyses of Martian soil have found significant amounts of water.
33:31
Cracking Open Encryption Standards
How secure are the encryption systems that protect our communications?
21:34
‘Countdown’ Explores the Effects of Our Overpopulated Planet
How can we sustain and balance the exploding global population?
14:03
Radio Rewind: Leon Lederman
Physicist Leon Lederman discusses the Standard Model versus a Unified Theory of particle physics.
Following Up on ‘A World Without Us’
An excerpt from “Countdown: Our Last, Best Hope for a Future on Earth?”
Like That Wine? You Might Thank an Earth Scientist
Geologist Kevin Pogue helps winemakers pick out top vineyards based on the region’s terroir, which entails environmental attributes such as soil, climate, and rock composition.
10 Questions for Donna Nelson, Breaking Bad’s Science Muse
The organic chemistry professor helps the Emmy-winning series make scientific sense.
22:49
Modern Humans Still Evolving, and Faster Than Ever
Recent evolution has given humans the ability to break down starch and digest cheese. Bon appetit!
23:32
Saving Wild Places in the ‘Anthropocene’
Do we need to rethink how we protect nature in the age of climate change?
11:50
World’s Largest Neutrino Telescope Buried in Antarctic Ice
The IceCube telescope detects over 100,000 neutrinos every year.
17:07
Food Fermentation: The Science of Sausage and Cheese
The chemistry behind sausage and cheese.
16:50
Les Paul: Inventor and Innovator
Paul was a lifelong tinkerer, building a railroad rail guitar as a teen and hearing aids in his 90s.
Picture of the Week: Quantum Dot Sphere
This olive-like structure is composed of tiny luminescing spheres that could be used in cellular imaging.
Chasing Time Machines: A Photographer Turns High Energy Physics Into Art
Stanley Greenberg takes pictures of giant structures used to study tiny particles.
9:33
Why Climate Change Ups the Odds of Fires, Floods
Climatologist Jennifer Francis talks about how climate change and severe weather may be linked.
29:07
Can Mass Transit Solve City Sprawl?
L.A. commuters spend 60 hours a year stuck in traffic. But is mass transit a viable alternative?