On Today's Podcast
Lithium May Have A Role In Causing—And Treating—Alzheimer’s
This important breakthrough and other research projects have lost funding because of Trump’s cuts to the NIH.
Listen NowAugust 8, 2025
Solar power adoption has been rising fast. Amid recent federal efforts to limit clean energy, will it make a dent in our climate impact? Plus, the mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s disease have eluded scientists for decades. But a new breakthrough points to lithium as a possible explanation. And, Dr. Masao Tomonaga was 2 years old when the US bombed Nagasaki. Eighty years later, he reflects on a lifetime of treating other survivors.
What Makes Something Slippery Or Sticky?
Physicist Laurie Winkless dives into the realm of surface science to figure out how its shaped our manufactured and natural worlds.
12:14
Space-X Booster To Hit The Moon, After Years Of Hurtling Through Space
This may be the first time space junk will collide with the moon.
17:32
A Race To Save Florida’s Manatees
This charismatic mammal had its worst year on record in 2021. Scientists are scrambling to reverse manatees’ bad fortune.
10:37
It’s A Bird. It’s A Plane. It’s An Astronomical Photo Bomb.
Internet satellites are interfering with astronomical research—and the problem is only getting worse.
6:07
Webb Telescope Arrives To Its Final Home In Deep Space
After weeks of travel, the James Webb Space Telescope moved into its final orbit this week. Here’s what’s next for the historic observatory.
17:33
Understanding The Cannabis-Body Connection With Exercise
The first human study on how cannabis affects exercise sheds light on the body’s endocannabinoid system.
20:29
Are Electric Planes Finally Ready For Takeoff?
Aviation powered by electricity promises cleaner, quieter flight. But is it practical?
7:25
Beware Of Fake Pop-Up COVID Sites
A regulation loophole allows pop-up testing sites to proliferate with little regulation and oversight.
Read ‘The Sirens Of Mars’ With The SciFri Book Club
Sarah Stewart Johnson explores humanity’s fascination with the Red Planet in ‘The Sirens of Mars.’ We’ll read it together this spring.
The Importance Of Gathering Samples From Mars Before Humans Arrive
Scientist Sarah Stewart Johnson makes the case for why we should do as much science as we can on Mars—before humans step foot on the planet.
12:15
Scientists Are Working On A Universal COVID Vaccine
Making a vaccine for all COVID-19 variants requires a different approach. Plus Tonga’s volcano, and other stories.
5:44
Saliva Sharing Might Help Kids Identify Their Closest Relationships
A new study shows that small children use subtle saliva cues, like sharing utensils, to determine those closest to them.
7:28
Big Agriculture Schools Face Increasing Donor Conflicts Of Interest
Harvest Public Media and Investigate Midwest find corporations have given colleges at least $170 million in the last decade. How does that influence their research?
12:12
Identifying Animals Through Airborne DNA
Ecologists were able to successfully identify animals in a zoo simply by taking samples of DNA from the air.
8:49
Growing Plants—And Providing Solar Energy
Growing crops under solar panels is an efficient way to approach a new era of agriculture.
12:57
These Beetles Go Boing
Scientists discover new jumping behavior in a common beetle species.
4:35
This is Your Brain on Wordle
A social psychologist explains why the popular word game is so addictive.
17:16
Pigeons Are More Than Pests
The humble city pigeon has a history with humans, one that echoes our lives with cats and dogs.
12:40
New Research Links Epstein-Barr Virus to Multiple Sclerosis
Research out of Harvard links the degenerative and incurable condition to an infection with the common virus that causes “kissing disease.”
Pigeons Are More Than Rats With Wings
Read an excerpt of Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching: Getting to Know the World’s Most Misunderstood Bird by Rosemary Mosco.