On Today's Podcast
mRNA Vaccine For Pancreatic Cancer Continues To Show Promise
In the wake of funding cuts to mRNA vaccine research, we revisit a February story about a promising vaccine for pancreatic cancer.
Listen NowAugust 22, 2025
Humans drove wolves nearly to extinction in the American West. Reintroducing them in 1995 was, and still is, controversial. Plus, the FDA and HHS plan to eliminate petroleum-based food dyes as part of the MAHA agenda. What does science say about their effects on health? And, astronomers found a supernova whose lighter outer layers had been stripped away, revealing an inner shell rich in silicon and sulfur.
How Star Trek Incorporates Real-Life Science
Astrophysicist Dr. Erin Macdonald talks about consulting on the famous series and the real (and fictional) science on screen.
11:52
Astronomers Spy A Two-Faced Star
The unusual white dwarf star appears to be made of hydrogen on one side and helium on another.
47:19
Revisiting The Nuclear Age With ‘Oppenheimer’
In Christopher Nolan’s new film, moviegoers will face the United States’ contentious nuclear history.
33:40
How Does The Brain Control Your Every Move?
A new chapter for the ‘homunculus’ could lead to breakthroughs in brain injury treatments.
Use Engineering To Design The Perfect Ice Cream
Create your perfect scoop in this ice cream science activity! All you need is a bag, some milk, and the engineering design method.
Ancient Skeletal Remains: Sex, Gender, And Archaeology
Ancient skeletal remains are more than just bones–archaeologists use them to determine the gender, sex, and roles of ancient peoples.
11:52
The Oceans Are Getting Hotter—And Greener
It’s not just your imagination: the ocean has changed color in the past twenty years.
16:56
Rewriting Sharks’ Big, Bad Reputation… For Kids
Wildlife scientist Melissa Cristina Márquez’s new book aims to help children learn more than sharks’ scary reputation.
11:37
Where’s The Beef? Lab-Grown Meat Gets U.S. Approval
Two companies recently received approval to grow and sell lab-cultivated meat in the U.S. How is it made and will people actually buy it?
17:07
How Rising Temperatures Are Shifting The Ground Beneath Chicago
A study shows the Windy City is facing a new threat: underground climate change.
10:34
A Fish By Any Other Name: Inside The Effort To Bring ‘Copi’ To Dinner
This invasive fish has a new moniker, one that experts hope will encourage more restaurants to place it on their menus.
6:41
Thanks To A Mesozoic Hot Spot, We Finally Know How Old The Utahraptor Is
Researchers have found that the Utahraptor is 10 million years older than previously thought.
17:17
Understanding The Reasons For The Mental Health Crisis In Youth
Hospitals can’t keep up with the need for mental health treatment in children. Experts explain how to build better support.
What Happens When A Giant Monster Goes Nuclear In An Alternate Universe?
In the alternate world of John Scalzi’s “The Kaiju Preservation Society,” giant monsters explode like nuclear bombs. It’s a regular Tuesday.
The Kaiju Preservation Society: Author Livestream And Q&A
On August 23, join our event with ‘The Kaiju Preservation Society’ author on what it takes to write a believable monster onto the page.
Changing Parasites’ Bad Reputation With Monster Girl Art
From ‘Alien’ to ‘The Last of Us,’ parasites have a gruesome reputation. But this parasitologist is using anime-inspired art to change that.
11:49
How The Humble Beaver Shaped A Continent
European settlers nearly wiped out the North American beaver. Bringing them back may soften future floods and fires.
17:15
Listen To Ethereal Sounds Derived From Space
NASA’s Sonification Project aims to turn astrophysics data into sound, enabling visually impaired people to engage with outer space.
17:00
The Sweet Song Of The Largest Tree On Earth
The ancient Pando tree inspired a sound artist to record the leviathan’s many movements.
17:02
The Sweet Song Of The $7 Violin
The 3D-printed violins are affordable and still sound beautiful, making them great instruments for young learners.