Episodes

This summer, we’re remembering the late Stephen Hawking and diving into his landmark work on black holes, the Big Bang, and the nature of the universe. Plus, a look at the psychology of happiness.

How a 19th-century surveyor’s view of climate was ahead of his time. Plus, new simulations look at a possible ancient impact that was enough to knock the planet Uranus on its side.

What’s the evolutionary story of how whales came to be the majestic, awe-inspiring animals we know today? Plus, some book picks for your summer science reading.

How can abstract math analyze social justice? Plus, the NIH just shut down a major study of the health effects of ‘moderate’ alcohol consumption. Now what?

Cephalopod Week returns! Plus, the spectrum of science that explores how light and matter interact to give us the rainbow.

Most of the universe is invisible dark matter, if our theories are correct. So why is it so hard to find? Plus, a look at the natural history treasures hiding in museum collections.

There are more scientists running in this year’s midterm elections. What can they bring to Congress? Plus, deep sea researchers unveil an entire other world on our own planet.

A sleep specialist talks about the science of getting a good night’s sleep. Plus how will roboticists build trust and mutual understanding?

We may be far from building human-like AI, but the TV series ‘Westworld’ gives us a glimpse of what it might look like. Plus, Michael Pollan tells us the story of how psychedelic drugs can help health and the brain.

For the quantum theory of gravity to work, physicist Carlo Rovelli says our ideas about time have to change. Plus, we look at the science behind Hawaii’s recent earthquake and volcanic eruption.