Episodes

Episode

July 14, 2023

Hospitals can’t keep up with the need for mental health treatment in children. What is driving the increase in youth mental health issues? Plus, the children’s book ‘Mother of Sharks’ makes the case for the kings of the deep. And, two companies recently received approval to grow and sell lab-cultivated meat in the U.S.

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Episode

July 7, 2023

From pest control to pollination, what might be considered pesky insects actually play essential environmental roles. Plus, bringing back beavers may soften future floods and fires. And, 3D-printed violins are affordable and still sound beautiful.

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Episode

June 30, 2023

Ira Flatow celebrates Cephalopod Week live in Miami with two scientists who study squids and octopuses. Plus, the endangered Przewalski’s horse and black-footed ferret are the faces of cloning for conservation. Plus, same-sex animal pairings are common in nature. But fungi might be the queerest kingdom of all.

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Episode

June 23, 2023

Researchers will be able to more easily study neural structure in a genetically modified line of albino squid that are essentially see-through. Plus, a new book researches the effects that artistic experiences have on the brain. And remembering Roger Payne, who spent a career spent listening to whalesong.

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Episode

June 16, 2023

Two science journalists share their favorite nonfiction and fiction books for the summer season. Plus, curly hair keeps your head cool. And, a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza has potentially sweeping implications—from the price of eggs to human health.

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Episode

June 9, 2023

Paleontologists explain how their work was inspired by the classic film, ‘Jurassic Park.’ Plus, a collaborative investigation finds companies are issuing over a billion pounds of pollution more than their permits allow. And, scientists use CRISPR to engineer a reduction in disease-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

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Episode

June 2, 2023

Animals like tiger sharks, sea otters, and wildebeest play outsized roles in sequestering carbon. Plus, over a thousand people have participated in an international project to crossbreed smaller varieties of a backyard tomato plant. And, researchers from the University of Arizona find the saguaro cactus’ new growth is declining.

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Episode

May 26, 2023

A project looking at 240 mammals’ genomes, including that of the heroic sled dog Balto, offers a new view of evolutionary history. Plus, how the universe helped an astronomer find comfort after the loss of her husband. And, studying pain in the genetics of a woman who doesn’t experience pain at all.

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Episode

May 19, 2023

Author and podcast host Aubrey Gordon uses science and history to dispel common misconceptions about weight and health. Plus, a new book suggests bees are sentient. And, when hundreds of crows took up long-term residence in a Baltimore neighborhood this past winter, one woman turned to Reddit for answers.

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Episode

May 12, 2023

Dr. Anthony Fauci looks back on the national COVID public health emergency, and what we’ve learned. Plus, astrophysicist Dr. Erin Macdonald talks about consulting on the Star Trek franchise. And a sound recordist created an “acoustic portrait” of Utah’s Pando aspen tree.

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