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.
15:47
Seeing The History Of Filipinos In Nursing
A deep history of healthcare work in the U.S. has put Filipinos at risk during the pandemic.
Algebra: From Broken Bones To Twitter Feuds
When a high school student asked a question about algebra on TikTok, she unknowingly awoke an age-old debate in mathematics history.
12:08
More Boosters, For More People
An FDA advisory panel met this week to debate the role of COVID-19 vaccine boosters, and mixing and matching different vaccines.
17:03
Indigenous Activists Helped Save Almost A Billion Tons Of Carbon Per Year
Native American protesters and their allies have helped keep substantial amounts of fossil fuels in the ground.
10:06
On Long Island, A Tribal Nation Faces Growing Pressures
A new podcast from WSHU Public Radio explores the intersection of Native American territory, climate change, and suburbia in one of the wealthiest parts of the East Coast.
1:53
The World According To Sound: Listening To Lightning
The podcast ‘World According To Sound’ shows how there is more than one way to listen to a bolt of lightning.
17:30
Save The Wetlands, Save The World
Ecologists explain why tidal marshes are “the most valuable ecosystem you’ve never heard of,” and how to save them from rising seas.
7:23
This Weekend, Take Time For The Moon
From the Orionid meteor shower to International Observe The Moon Night, it’s a great weekend to look up.
17:11
Indigenous-Led Biology, Designed For Native Communities
Biological samples have been used for purposes that don’t benefit indigenous people. The Native BioData Consortium is working to change that.
9:39
Widening The Lens On A More Inclusive Science
Indigenous peoples have been observing the world for thousands of years. Why are they still underrepresented in science?
12:08
First Malaria Vaccine Is Approved by WHO
The parasite kills half a million people per year. How a malaria vaccine could save lives.
17:11
Will Improved Testing And New Antivirals Change The Pandemic’s Path?
As the government plans to spend $1 billion on at-home testing, a science reporter and an epidemiologist unpack this week’s pandemic news.
16:52
Preparing For The Next Pandemic Needs To Start Now
The U.S. was woefully unprepared for COVID-19, thanks to longstanding issues. Can we change before the next pandemic?
16:33
See A Familiar Face? Thank These Brain Cells
Researchers have found a group of neurons that seem tuned to respond specifically to the faces of those you know.
39:09
The Hot And Cold Past Of The Air Conditioner
From the 1904 World’s Fair to deadly heat waves, take a look back at more than a century of AC.
12:03
Healthcare Is Hard Enough To Get. If You’re A Trans Youth, It’s Even Harder
A new study highlights the variety of barriers that impact trans youth seeking care, from legal obstacles to stigma from doctors.
17:06
See A Spotted Lanternfly? Squash It!
The invasive and damaging pest has carved out a foothold on the East Coast—and experts worry it could spread.
14:52
As Primates Go Extinct, So Do Their Parasites, Upsetting Ecosystems
As endangered primates disappear, so do their parasites. That could have big ecological consequences.
2:02
The World According To Sound: How Spiders Shake Things Up For Love
Listen to researchers share how spiders woo their partners, and join a worldwide listening party.
29:09
Looking Back On A Century of Science
The archives of Science News offer a window into how science has progressed and changed over a hundred years.