On Today's Podcast
How do you study microplastics in a plastic-filled lab?
Measuring microplastics can be hard, partly because they're everywhere—including the lab. One researcher is working on solutions.
Listen NowMay 1, 2026
Birds are living dinosaurs whose ancestors include T. rex and giant penguins. Understanding their past can help us imagine their future. Plus, an executive order issued by President Trump aims to fast-track research for psychedelics, including ibogaine. What is it? And, measuring microplastics can be hard, partly because they’re everywhere—including the lab.
Writing science fiction with Daniel H. Wilson
On May 29 we’ll discuss Wilson’s book, “Hole in the Sky” and his life as an author, robotics engineer, and Cherokee citizen.
How do you study microplastics in a plastic-filled lab?
Measuring microplastics can be hard, partly because they’re everywhere—including the lab. One researcher is working on solutions.
What is ibogaine, and why is it in the news?
A recent executive order issued by President Trump aims to fast-track research for psychedelics, including ibogaine. What is it?
The long history of birds, from velociraptors to pigeons
Birds are living dinosaurs whose ancestors include T. rex and giant penguins. Understanding their past can help us imagine their future.
Backyard birds have a deep dino history
In “The Story of Birds,” the familiar creatures in our skies and backyards are reintroduced as the last surviving dinosaurs.
Good dirt or bad germs? Let’s swab it and see!
Investigate the millions of bacteria and molds around you by testing everyday objects and growing your own microbes.
16:30
Your DNA is constantly mutating, and that’s a good thing
Everyday DNA mutations can help us understand immune function and aging—and even mitigate harm caused by some inherited diseases.
12:04
Maine nearly became the first state to ban data centers
Maine shows how public mobilization is making a difference in determining where data centers go, and how they impact local communities.
What urban design tells us about democracy
Archaeologists can use the design of ancient temples, plazas, and cities to piece together the story of how a place was governed.
Listening for the cosmic ‘dark ages,’ from the lunar far side
The LuSEE-Night mission would place a small radio telescope on the far side of the moon to listen for signals of the cosmic “dark ages.”
How do you describe nature? Two poets help us
For Earth Day, we wanted to know how to best put our feelings about nature into words. Two poets help us out.
The lucky breaks that make our Earth home
An astrophysicist explores all that it took for life to exist on Earth, from the formation of stars to self-organizing molecules.
Why does life exist? Follow the energy
In “Why Do We Exist?” Hakeem Oluseyi explores how life may have emerged to move energy through matter—and why Earth is the perfect setting.
Recovering critical minerals from waste + Plug-in solar expands
Extracting critical minerals from mining waste could ease global demand. Plus, states are moving to allow “plug-in solar” systems on homes.
How New Jersey tamped down PFAS in drinking water
In 2018, New Jersey began limiting PFAS “forever chemicals” in drinking water. Levels of the regulated chemicals have dropped as much as 55%.
How a particle accelerator illuminated 56 human organs
The Human Organ Atlas gives an extremely detailed look at 56 human organs, scanned with the help of a particle accelerator.
Simone Giertz’s journey from robot comedy to high-end design
Inventor Simone Giertz rose to YouTube fame with comically bad robots. Now she designs comically useful objects for our very normal problems.
When a dolphin whistles, what does it mean?
Recordings from a decades-long research project in Florida are helping scientists decode the complexity of dolphin whistles.
Is your dog’s DNA hiding a wild secret?
Discover how genetic isolation transformed ancient gray wolves into today’s dog breeds and what their DNA reveals about humans’ best friend.
Inside the lives of astronauts’ families
Tracy Scott’s dad walked on the moon. Now, as a sociologist, she studies the lives and families of other Apollo-era astronauts.