On Today's Podcast
How rapid genome sequencing can help stop outbreaks
Researchers are working to track, and stop, outbreaks like Ebola more quickly by sequencing the genomes of pathogens as new cases appear.
Listen NowNovember 6, 2026
A food historian and a nutrition researcher dig into the protein-maxxing trend—and explain why you might want to up your fiber intake instead. Researchers trapped an antimatter particle and held it at extremely cold temperatures for months. Plus, why armadillos are moving north, and how a tiny, see-through fish that can regenerate its brain is becoming a model species.
17:24
50 Years Of Science With Lucy, Our Famous Early Ancestor
On the anniversary of Lucy’s discovery, paleoanthropologists reflect on what she means to science, and what she taught us about ourselves.
Mirar al cielo para resolver los problemas de la Tierra
La astronomía en Latinoamérica busca poner la investigación al servicio de los problemas de la región. Falta inversión, pero hay talento.
11:59
At COP29, The World’s Top Polluters Are No-Shows
Leaders from the top-polluting countries, like the US and China, aren’t showing up to the UN’s big climate conference in Azerbaijan.
6:59
Managing Some Invasive Plants Might Reduce Blacklegged Ticks
Researchers are connecting two ecological problems in the Northeast in hopes of reducing the risk of tick-borne illnesses.
9:31
Ancient Bird Fossil Offers Clues Into How Bird Brains Evolved
The “one-of-a-kind” fossil of Navaornis hestiae helps fill a giant gap in scientists’ understanding of how bird brains evolved.
11:51
Walking Pneumonia Is Spiking. Here’s How To Stay Safe
The respiratory illness typically affects school-age kids, but the CDC reports a rise in cases in children aged 2-4.
17:30
Chef Jack Bishop Breaks Down ‘The Science of Good Cooking’
In an interview from 2012, Jack Bishop from America’s Test Kitchen explains how science can sharpen your cooking skills.
17:12
Bacteriophages Lurk In Your Bathroom, But Don’t Worry
Researchers found hundreds of viruses that prey on bacteria on toothbrushes and showerheads. They’re unlikely to pose a threat to humans.
17:25
The Gurgling, Growling History Of The Gut
In her new book, medical historian Dr. Elsa Richardson discusses the changing cultural and scientific understandings of the gut.
How Insects Shaped Human Culture Over Millennia
In “The Insect Epiphany,” an entomologist explores the history of insects in art, food, engineering, and more.
12:21
Seven States Passed Ballot Measures To Protect Abortion Rights
Abortion was on the ballot in 10 states, and seven of them passed constitutional amendments defending abortion rights.
16:32
Your Arm Position Can Make Blood Pressure Readings Inaccurate
Blood pressure categories are based on patients who are sitting in a certain position. But not every doctor’s office takes readings that way.
11:56
CAR-T Cell Therapies Show Promise For Autoimmune Diseases
In a Chinese study, donor CAR-T cells sent autoimmune diseases into remission. There’s hope that the therapy is scalable.
17:56
Oliver Sacks Searched The Brain For The Origins Of Music
On Science Friday’s 33rd anniversary, excerpts from a classic interview with neurologist and author Dr. Oliver Sacks about music and the brain.
8:47
Math Enthusiast Finds The Largest Known Prime Number
This ginormous number has a whopping 41,024,320 digits, which isn’t very helpful for mathematicians but is certainly exciting for math nerds.
6:56
Measuring The Effects Of Early Life Adversity—In Marmots
Scientists used decades of yellow-bellied marmot research to find a way to measure how adverse events affect wild animals’ survival.
16:36
Why Do We Keep Widening Highways If It Doesn’t Reduce Traffic?
Decades of research shows that expanding highways, despite its promise to reduce congestion, actually increases travel times.
Why More Highway Lanes Means More Traffic
As highways have become almost ubiquitous in the US, motorists travel faster and farther—resulting in more traffic.
Road Ecologists Want You To Fall In Love With Infrastructure
Why ask, “Why did the chicken cross the road?” when you can instead consider, “Why did the road cross the land?”
12:03
Maine Offshore Wind Auction Draws Few Bids
Two years ago, energy companies scrambled for offshore wind contracts. At a recent auction, the demand was significantly lower.