April 25, 2025
Understanding the psychological and neurological components of chronic pain may lead to better treatments. Plus, vocal researchers are learning how death metal singers safely produce extreme vocal distortions, in hopes of improving vocal health care. And, researchers isolated one kind of cone in the eye and aimed lasers at it to allow subjects to see a super vibrant teal shade they call “olo.”
16:57
Why Are Flu And Other Viral Infection Rates So High This Year?
Flu infections are the highest they’ve been in nearly 30 years, and flu deaths this winter have surpassed COVID deaths. What’s going on?
9:22
Bindi Irwin Encourages Kids To Become ‘Wildlife Warriors’
In her first children’s book, conservationist Bindi Irwin takes little readers on a journey through Australia Zoo.
7:52
Why The Internet Was Captivated By A Hideous Fish
A video of a gloriously creepy anglerfish inspired tears and poetry online. But why was this deep-sea dweller near the surface at all?
16:49
Making Sense Of Federal Cuts To Science—And What Comes Next
The CEO of one of America’s oldest scientific societies discusses the recent cuts to scientific institutions, and how scientists can respond.
Cosmic Chemistry? It Was “Love At First Science”
We asked our listeners to tell us how they found love while doing or appreciating science. Read on for some romantic resonance.
12:14
Most Powerful Neutrino Ever Is Detected In the Mediterranean
A neutrino with a record-breaking level of energy was picked up by a detector in the Mediterranean Sea.
17:31
Adventures In Science At The Icy ‘Ends Of The Earth’
A new book explores how one biologist’s work at the North and South Poles changed the way he sees the world and our place in it.
12:15
Can Men and Women (Baboons) Really Just Be Friends?
Just like in “When Harry Met Sally”, the answer isn’t so simple for Kinda baboons, which form long-term friendships between the sexes.
12:10
The FDA Approves A New, Non-Opioid Painkiller
It’s the first FDA approval for a pain medication in 25 years. How does the drug work, and who is it for?
11:05
Might Uranus And Neptune Have Deep, Multi-Layer Oceans?
Non-mixing layers of water and hydrocarbons thousands of miles deep could explain the icy planets’ strange magnetic fields.
5:42
The Best Bear Deterrent May Be Drones
New research found drones to be more effective than dogs, cars, or loud noises at convincing bears to avoid human areas.
17:02
What Happens To Your Body When You’re Grieving
In a new book, Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor explores the ways grief affects the body, from the heart to the immune system.
When A Person That’s A Part Of You Is Gone
“The Grieving Body” shows evidence that our connection to the people we love is in both our minds and our bodies.
The Future Of Science Reporting, Live In San Francisco
On Tuesday, April 29, join Ira Flatow in conversation with journalists to discuss the role of science writing in our current cultural climate.
‘Common Side Effects’ And The Race To Save Invisible Fungi
A “mycology thriller” imagines a hidden healing mushroom. In real life, scientists are searching far and wide to map the world’s unseen fungi.
12:08
How Lucy, Our Famous Ancestor, Runs On A Virtual Treadmill
Scientists determined that Lucy, a human ancestor from 3.2 million years ago, couldn’t have beaten modern humans in a foot race.
16:58
Can Vaping Help You Quit Cigarettes? What Are The Risks?
Some research shows that e-cigarettes can be a useful tool for quitting cigarettes, but that strategy is hotly contested by scientists.
16:07
Managing Wildfires Using A Centuries-Old Indigenous Practice
The Karuk Tribe in Northern California has stewarded its home using prescribed burns for millennia. Now, they’re training others on the skill.
12:18
How DeepSeek’s AI Compares To Established Models
The Chinese AI company startled industry observers with an efficient new system. But how does it compare with the leading tech?
10:50
In ‘Common Side Effects,’ A Clash Over An All-Healing Mushroom
The show’s starring scientist finds a mushroom that can heal any ailment. But powerful people will do anything to stop him from cultivating it.