On Today's Podcast
Why physics and philosophy need each other
Physicist Carlo Rovelli urges conversations between physics and philosophy in a search for answers about the universe.
Listen NowSeptember 4, 2026
Moderna and Merck say an mRNA vaccine reduced melanoma recurrence in a clinical trial. Food recalls abounded this summer, but was it unusual? Scientists are trying to decode the hallucinogenic properties of a mushroom that makes people see tiny humans. Plus, why some modern cars catch fire. And, the game-changing work of a researcher who sees math as a “native tongue.”
4:30
Should A.I. Have a Role in Science Publishing?
Artificial intelligence won’t take over peer review anytime soon, but it may help combat fraud.
8:02
Consider the Universe. Now, Subtract Time and Gravity.
Holographic cosmology is a way of simplifying mind-boggling mathematical models of our universe. But it doesn’t necessarily mean we live in a hologram.
11:54
Why So (Heat) Sensitive?
A new plant-derived material claims the title of most heat-sensitive.
6:35
Harvesting Power From the Gut
Researchers have designed a battery that runs on stomach acid to power ingestible sensors.
25:14
From the Arctic to Enceladus: A Celebration of Unusual Ice
Researchers who study icy places have discovered uncanny phenomena.
On Earth, Echoes of Space
Astronomical artist Michael Carroll traveled to Antarctica for otherworldly inspiration.
How to Listen to Data
Scientists, composers, and programmers are experimenting with methods of conveying data audibly.
11:47
How Spaceflight Alters the Eyes
One of the more unexpected symptoms of spaceflight may be trouble reading fine print.
16:51
How To Hunt For Life As We Don’t Know It
Astrobiologists are looking at unusual environments on Earth for clues on how to search for life elsewhere in the solar system.
11:50
The High-Pressure Physics of Creating Metallic Hydrogen
Scientists theorize that metallic hydrogen could be used to create superconductors and high-powered rocket propellant.
8:34
Tapping Into Existing Bandwidth to Create Community WiFi
“Mesh networks” create wifi access points built off of existing wireless bandwidth.
8:37
The Secrets of Sticky Frog Saliva
Frog saliva changes from high to low viscosity when it hits an insect.
8:29
An Earthly Origin for Moon Oxygen?
Why some of the oxygen in the moon’s soil may have come from our ozone layer. Plus, is the moon more ancient than we thought?
8:16
For Science Supporters, an Earth Day March on Washington
“March for Science” organizers want to boost appreciation for research they see as under threat.
16:45
Human-Animal Hybrids Find Their Place in Medicine
New advances in stem cell research will one day make it possible to grow human transplant organs in animal hosts.
Reverse Engineering Europa
By conducting experiments in ultra-chilled vacuum chambers, astrobiologist Kevin Hand hopes to inform how future NASA missions search for life on icy moons.
To Get to Europa, Think Like MacGyver
A look at the idea lab where scientists are preparing for a fly-by mission to one of Jupiter’s icy moons.
Tailgate Science
Hosting a game-day party? Have a ball with these tips on beer-brewing, barbecuing, and more.