On Today's Podcast
A Photographer Captures Nature In Mind-Boggling Detail
Ever seen the hairs on a bee’s eyeball? Or the contours of a hummingbird's tongue? Science photographer Anand Varma takes us behind the lens.
Listen NowSeptember 5, 2025
A sand dune is much more than just a big pile of sand. But how do sand dunes work, and what else do scientists want to know about sand? Plus, candles, hairstyling products, and other common items can produce toxic air pollution that lingers in our homes. And, former CDC scientist Demetre Daskalakis left his post, citing political interference and a lack of science in decision-making at the agency.
Kevin Perry On Doing The Right Thing
Dr. Kevin Perry, an atmospheric scientist working to save the Great Salt Lake, talks about finding meaningful directions in his research.
How This Composer Integrated Neuroscience Into Her Music
Composer Sarah Hennies’ new piece “Motor Tapes” was inspired by a neurological theory of the same name. How did she translate it to music?
The Future Earth: Author Livestream And Q&A
On October 25, join our event to talk what it means to be hopeful, pragmatic and equitable when building climate change solutions
11:55
After 7 Years, NASA Gets Its Asteroid Sample
The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft swung by Earth this week and released its asteroid sample capsule, which landed safely in the Utah desert.
10:03
Are Jellyfish Smarter Than We Think?
A new experiment finds that jellyfish are capable of learning from past mistakes and adapting their behavior.
7:08
The Mysteries Of Freshwater Jellyfish
Researchers think the species hitched a ride on aquatic plants shipped from China, then spread across the Midwest.
12:04
The Science Behind The Placebo Effect
Researchers are learning that placebos might be even more effective when patients know they’re receiving them.
17:22
Where Technology Meets Ableism
In her new book, “Against Technoableism,” Dr. Ashley Shew argues that cutting-edge technology is not always a needed solution for disability.
6:49
Sour Times For Florida’s Citrus
Scientists are working on ways to salvage plants damaged by “citrus greening,” which causes bitter, acidic fruit.
10:10
Making Neuroscience Into Music
Composer Sarah Hennies’ new piece “Motor Tapes” was inspired by a neurological theory of the same name. How did she translate it to music?
17:26
How You See With Your Brain
A neuroscientist discusses how your brain processes visual information and what we can learn from the brains of people with schizophrenia.
Ask Disabled People What They Want. It’s Not Always Technology.
While our lives are deeply entangled with technologies of all kinds, technology can be seen as a “solution” to the “problem” of disability.
Marisa Tellez On The Croc Within
Dr. Marisa Tellez shares how to have people skills like a crocodile scientist.
Our Audience Feedback Survey Was Overrun By Bots. Here Are 5 Lessons We Learned.
When our survey data was skewed by AI, we learned how to filter fake responses from our listeners.
Desktop Diaries
Leading science experts take you behind the scenes at their workspaces.
12:04
A Week Of Climate Protests, Meetings, Pledges, And Action
2023’s Climate Week NYC witnessed hundreds of events, protests, and pledges from world leaders at the UN General Assembly meeting.
16:48
The Climate Movement Should Be Funnier
Research suggests that comedy is a powerful way to mobilize people. So what makes a good laugh a motivating force?
12:22
Florida’s Reefs Are Vanishing. Can Scientists Save Them?
With water temperatures higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, coral bleaching is worse than ever.
17:29
The Ocean Is A Climate Ally
The ocean has absorbed over 90% of the heat we’ve trapped with greenhouse gasses. It still holds many possible climate solutions.
11:51
Feeling Hopeless About Climate Change? Try Playing These Video Games
How do you make a video game about climate change that’s fun to play? The annual Climate Jam competition aims to do just that.