On Today's Podcast
How Did Ancient Humans Use The Acoustics Of Spaces Like Caves?
What did a vulture-bone flute sound like inside a cave? How about singing inside a tomb? Researchers are bringing ancient sounds back to life.
Listen NowDecember 12, 2025
Over the past century, most cancer research has focused on the tumor itself. Rakesh Jain focused on the tumor’s environment instead. Plus, a glacier’s edge can be a dangerous place to do research. One team is using robots and sound samples to monitor the melting ice. And, when cases of plague pop up in the US, it can feel straight up medieval. It’s treatable, but how and why does it persist?
This Poet Turns To Science In Times Of Uncertainty
Poet Jane Hirshfield takes on crises both biological and human in her book “Ledger.”
How Ham Radio Operators Do Eclipse Science
Amateur radio operators are joining forces and using radio waves to understand how eclipses affect the atmosphere.
New Data Support Human Arrival In North America 22,000 Years Ago
A new analysis of ancient footprints in White Sands, New Mexico, adds to the debate about when humans arrived in North America.
The mRNA Vaccine Revolution
The mRNA innovations used to fight COVID-19 could be harnessed for nasal spray vaccines and even protection against other diseases.
The Stories Of The First Six Women Astronauts
You know Sally Ride. But what about the other first women astronauts? A new book from space reporter Loren Grush illuminates their stories.
How To View The October Eclipse
Much of the US will be able to see at least part of an annular solar eclipse on Saturday. Astronomer Dean Regas offers tips for safe viewing.
A Mathematician Asks ‘Is Math Real?’
When math is based on abstract concepts, how do we know it’s correct? Dr. Eugenia Cheng takes on that question in a new book.
Where Math Comes From
Math isn’t just about following rules. It’s about figuring out why they exist, and if there’s a way to break them.
What ‘The Challenger’ Meant For Women Astronauts
In the moments before Sally Ride entered the cockpit of ‘The Challenger,’ the five other women in line for the task reflect on being pioneers.
Nerd Out With Your Brain Out At Science Trivia Night In Atlanta
On November 8, gather your smartest friends (or the luckiest ones) and test your science knowledge for bar trivia!
¿Qué debo saber sobre la ola de COVID-19 y las nuevas vacunas en 2023?
Una viróloga nos habla sobre los nuevos sub-variantes del virus, los protocolos actuales, y las nuevas vacunas.
12:17
An mRNA Advance Wins A Nobel Prize
Other awards went to advances in quantum dots, and timing super-fast electron pulses.
17:02
Full-Body MRIs Promise To Detect Disease Early. Do They Work?
Influencers like Kim Kardashian have promoted full-body scans, but experts say the potential harms outweigh any possible benefits.
12:17
Venus Lightning Debate Gets Lit
Does Venus have lightning? A study based on data from the Parker Solar Probe gives the 40-year-old debate a jolt.
17:27
How Artists And Scientists Collaborated To Make Art About HIV
At an HIV research conference earlier this year, HIV-positive artists and scientists were paired together to create art for an exhibition.
7:41
A Saltwater Wedge Is Moving Up The Mississippi River
Thanks to a persistent drought, the creeping crisis threatens infrastructure and human health. Reporter Halle Parker answers your questions.
8:58
Kenya’s Geothermal Boom Could Help Power Africa
The geologically active East African Rift System has already helped Kenya become the world’s seventh largest geothermal producer.
16:48
Meet The Doctor Who Solves Medical Mysteries
Dr. Joe DeRisi specializes in helping patients with no clear explanation for their symptoms.
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?