On Today's Podcast
Can algae help pull microplastics out of our water supply?
Microplastics are everywhere, including in our water. One scientist wants wastewater plants to put bioengineered algae to work for a cleanup.
Listen NowApril 3, 2026
The Artemis II mission has launched, and its four astronauts are en route to the moon for a lunar flyby. Plus, one scientist wants to put bioengineered algae to work cleaning microplastics out of wastewater. And, you probably shouldn’t spend time on your phone while you’re on the toilet, and other pooping tips from a gastroenterologist.
Up On The Roof, A Handful Of Urban Stardust
A jazz musician-turned-micrometeorite hunter gives advice on how to search for the tiny bits of cosmic dust that could be covering your rooftop.
How Do You Figure Out How Dinosaurs Walked?
Analyze the gait of bipedal organisms, including humans, chimps, and birds, then use pelvic anatomy to predict how theropod dinosaurs walked.
In Defense Of Dinosaurs
We don’t conclude that Einstein’s towering accomplishments should be sullied by his own mortality. Author Kenneth Lacovara argues that dinosaurs deserve the same credit.
7:41
In Frog Versus Dinosaur, This Frog Wins
By analyzing the bite force of frog jaws, researchers determined that an extinct giant frog from Madagascar could have devoured dinos.
4:25
The Downside Of A Quick And Easy Malaria Test
The malaria rapid diagnostic test can help manage the disease, but it also led to an unintended consequence in some countries.
28:05
How Will The Wildfires Of Today Fuel The Fires Of Tomorrow?
Most wildfires are started by humans. Will that number increase in the future?
6:01
Meet The New Zealand Glow Worm
How does a glow worm glow? Hint: it’s not the same as a firefly.
11:35
Sleepy Times Under The Sea
New research indicates that even animals as simple as jellyfish have the need to doze.
11:29
Science Goes To The Movies: ‘Rememory’
Is memory manipulation the stuff of Hollywood, or a glimpse into the near future?
21:52
Why Do Dinosaurs Matter?
Long dead dinosaurs have plenty to teach us about Earth’s future.
To Study Sea Otters, Use A Lifetime Tracker
Scientists know little about how the toxic algae endemic affects sea otters. That’s why veterinarians are trying a novel new surgery.
If You’re Drinking Tap Water, You’re Consuming Plastic Pollutants
If synthetic fibers are in tap water, they’re also likely in foods prepared with water, such as bread, pasta, and baby formula, researchers say.
Can You Design A Better Boot? A Lesson In Friction
Even in our best winter boots, we often slip and slide on icy sidewalks. Investigate friction and surface area then design a boot that doesn’t slip on ice in engineering challenge.
12:07
How Hurricane Irma Could Affect Florida’s Endangered Species
Biologists wait to assess the damage done to a delicate ecosystem.
12:27
Finding Fossils Under The Sea (Of Kansas)
Paleontologists are piecing together the bones of giant fish and ancient reptiles that inhabited North America’s since long-dried inland sea.
17:42
When Dung Is What’s For Dinner
Dung and carrion beetles dine on pretty unsavory items. But this cleanup crew is essential for the world’s nutrient recycling.
17:37
How Do We Study Ancient Americans?
Anthropologists use genetic information and found artifacts to piece together how the first Americans populated the continent.
34:56
A Farewell To Cassini, Our Friend At Saturn
In 13 years, the orbiter showed us lakes on Titan, geysers on Enceladus, and a new understanding of all things Saturn.
Meet The People Of Cassini
From a singing group to specially brewed beer, the Cassini family recounts what it was like working on the nearly 20-year mission.
One Person’s Dung Is Another One’s Treasure
We took a field trip in Kansas to find some dung beetles.