On Today's Podcast
How Alphafold Has Changed Biology Research, 5 Years On
Google's tool for predicting how proteins “fold” turns 5 this year. How is it fitting into biological research—and where is it going?
Listen NowNovember 14, 2025
Neuroscientists are manipulating memories in mice in an effort to develop treatments for brain disorders. Plus, picking through a dozen vulture nests, scientists discovered hundreds of artifacts, including a sandal that could be more than 700 years old. And, Nobel prize winner Ardem Patapoutian tells the story of how he immigrated to the US, found belonging in science, and did groundbreaking work on sense of touch.
16:54
Concerns Rise Over Pesticide Use, Birds, and Bees
Neonicotinoid pesticides have been banned in the E.U. but are still approved for use in the U.S. while the EPA reviews them.
12:04
Could Inducing Hypothermia Help Revive Trauma Patients?
In a procedure called “Emergency Preservation and Resuscitation,” doctors would replace the blood of patients with cold saline to help buy valuable operating time.
10:58
What’s So Bad About Being Alone With Your Thoughts?
A study finds that many people would rather shock themselves than be alone with their thoughts.
23:02
The Surprisingly Predictable Patterns of Random Choice
In his new book, “Rock Breaks Scissors,” author William Poundstone decodes the patterns in big data, sports, and human behaviors.
The Ghostly Domed Land Snail
This tiny snail lives in one of the world’s deepest cave systems.
Space Vs. Food: Whose Side Are You On?
We’re pitting two of our favorite topics against each other. Are you #TeamSpace or #TeamFood?
11:52
Ben Franklin: Sonic Explorer
Ben Franklin’s sonic experiments included inventing a new musical instrument and testing the limits of the human voice.
17:43
Do Your Patriotic Duty: Learn Math
Mathematician Edward Frenkel says a well-educated public is essential to democracy—and that includes being knowledgeable about math.
15:47
Meet the Mohawk Behind NASA’s Curiosity Mission
NASA’s “Mohawk Man,” Bobak Ferdowsi, talks public and private space exploration, plans for Europa, and whether or not we’ll be putting a human on Mars.
12:08
Celebrating Nature’s Summer Light Show, Fireflies
The flashing of lightning bugs is a favorite part of a lazy summer evening, but there’s a lot of hidden nighttime drama.
17:28
How New Rules and Smart Tech Are Reinventing the Grid
After Superstorm Sandy, there was a lot of talk of a more distributed smart grid—a more resilient system. But how far have we come?
15:58
A Web of Doubt
Author Charles Seife spots the falsehoods and fakes that make their way onto the information super highway.
A Glowing Volcano
This Indonesian volcano burns blue at night, but that’s not lava you’re seeing.
Sock Puppets on Steroids: The Internet’s Fake Personalities
An excerpt from “Virtual Unreality: Just Because The Internet Told You, How Do You Know It’s True?”
In a Flash: Firefly Communication
Fireflies communicate with a “language of light” that scientists still don’t completely understand.
The Chemistry Behind How Fireworks Get Their Colors
Investigate what colors metal salts can make as you burn them and discover how chemical reactions make brilliant fireworks colors.
Physics Secrets for Hula Hooping
In this activity from Science Buddies, kids will create their own hula hoops and investigate how the hoops’ masses affect how they spin. Which do you think will spin better, a heavy hoop or a lighter one?
12:03
Shedding Light on the Science of Sunscreen
How does sunscreen protect our skin from harmful radiation, and what is the meaning behind SPFs?
20:39
Food Failures: Avoiding Grilling and Barbecue Pitfalls
Marinade myths, charcoal chemistry, and the elusive “smoke ring”—the science behind barbecue and grilling.