On Today's Podcast
Tracking The Toxic Fallout Of The LA Fires
Urban fires can release all kinds of chemicals. One year after fires hit Los Angeles, scientists are trying to understand the toxic fallout.
Listen NowJanuary 23, 2026
An epidemiology study finds that variations in one gene play a major role in determining the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Plus, X’s Grok AI is undressing users, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg with fake imagery online. What can we do about deepfakes? And, Louisiana communities continue collecting data on industrial pollution, despite a law restricting its use.
Are We Prepared To Fight ‘The New Polio’?
A mysterious polio-like disease could challenge our healthcare infrastructure. And, zooming in on non-cancerous cells in and around tumors.
17:14
What Does It Mean To Have A Chatbot Companion?
People are turning to AI chatbots for emotional and social support. While chatbot friends can ease loneliness, they can also cause real harm.
12:14
Bedbugs Have Been Bugging Us Since Before Beds
New research follows a distinct lineage of bedbugs that lived alongside humans for thousands of years, suggesting they might be the first human pest.
Fighting ‘The New Polio’ In An Era Of Defunded Science
Since 2014, a virus related to polio has paralyzed hundreds of children. Amid government cuts, what happens if the outbreaks worsen?
17:13
Ancient Bone Proteins May Offer Insight On Megafauna Extinction
Collagen from a fossilized bone fragment can identify the animal it came from. And, some new info about our galaxy’s eventual extinction.
How Science Communication Can Step Up Amid Federal Cuts
As funding for US science is slashed, a science photographer and researcher takes a hard look at how scientists communicate their work.
Saying Goodbye To Universe Of Art
After two years, Universe of Art is coming to an end. But don’t worry—we’ll keep reporting on stories that mix art and science together.
Be Bold Or Just Don’t Do It
Plant biologist Joanne Chory spent her career trying to grow plants that could sequester CO2 in their roots. Her wild ideas took hold.
17:15
Turning The Binoculars On Birders
Lace up those comfortable sneakers, and get out your bug spray and field guides, because we’re about to go birder-watching.
17:29
How Cannibalistic Tadpoles Could Curb Invasive Cane Toads
Scientists used gene-editing technology to create “Peter Pan” tadpoles that would eat the eggs of Australia’s cane toads—and never grow up.
What Huge Cuts To NSF Funding Mean For Science
Government cuts have left NSF funding at the lowest level in decades. Plus, the FDA has cleared a blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer’s.
Science Policy
Stay up to date on how science is being impacted by ongoing policy changes.
Paleontology
Fossils, dinosaurs, and discovering the very ancient history of the Earth.
What Happens When Air Traffic Control Systems Go Dark?
Recent outages at Newark Airport highlighted the challenges facing air traffic controllers. What’s the science underpinning air safety?
This Is Going To Kill Your Career
Betül Kaçar started out as a biochemist. But then she found her calling: investigating some of the hardest questions in evolutionary biology.
This Mission Was Possible, According To Medical Professionals
In the new “Mission: Impossible,” agent Ethan Hunt takes a death-defying dive. Doctors tell us the science of saving real-life scuba divers.
The Science Of That Big Stunt From The New ‘Mission: Impossible’
How the “Final Reckoning” crew used science to bring an underwater stunt to life. Plus, the psychology behind thrill-seeking.
11:37
Running The Numbers On AI Energy Use
The energy consumption of one AI query may seem small, but they add up. A new analysis calculates the AI industry’s footprint—so far.
33:32
How ‘Super Agers’ Stay Sharp And Active Longer Than Their Peers
Super agers are folks who stay fit into their 80s and beyond. What’s behind their unique health and longevity?