On Today's Podcast
As Companies Build Data Centers For AI, Communities Push Back
A boom in construction of AI data centers is facing backlash over soaring electricity and water usage, and the resulting utility hikes.
Listen NowDecember 5, 2025
A boom in construction of AI data centers is facing backlash over soaring electricity and water usage, and the resulting utility hikes. Plus, to save spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest, one plan suggests killing thousands of barred owls. And, geologist Anjana Khatwa explains how embracing wonder and awe adds to our scientific understanding of the rocks that form our planet.
17:09
A Strange-Looking Fish, Frozen In Time
A group of fish called gar, dubbed “living fossils,” may have the slowest rate of evolution of any jawed vertebrate.
17:03
Science Unlocks The Power Of Flavor In ‘Flavorama’
In her new book, Dr. Arielle Johnson explains how and what we taste with chemistry.
Neuroscience Can Explain Why We Get Hangry
In ‘The Balanced Brain,’ the overlap between the chemical signals for hunger and anger shows how emotions and bodily states are closely linked.
The Herbs And Molecules That Make Up Bitter Flavors
In ‘Flavorama,’ plants, scents, and science come together in a recipe for deliciously bitter walnut-amaro cake.
From Brooklyn NY To Harvard Med To Health Equity Advocate
On March 28, we’ll chat with Uché Blackstock about her path from daughter of a community-focused Black physician to health equity advocate.
12:06
Could This Be The End Of Voyager 1?
The spacecraft has been sending incoherent data back to Earth, possibly marking the beginning of the end of its decades-old mission.
5:19
How Election Science Can Support Democracy
The Union of Concerned Scientists has unveiled an election science task force led by experts from across the country.
12:13
The Genetic Roots Of Antibiotic Resistance
A survey of soil and animal poop samples from around the world identified 18 new species of Enterococcus bacteria.
12:19
Could A Planet Like Arrakis From ‘Dune’ Exist?
A planetary scientist compares Arrakis to real planets and analyzes whether life could exist on such a sandy, scorching-hot world.
9:55
Preparing Astronauts For The Loneliness Of A Mars Mission
In a new documentary, NASA psychologists try to find solutions for the mental health challenges of a three-year trip to Mars.
7:20
Should The Aliens In ’65’ Have Known About Earth’s Dinos?
In the movie “65,” an alien crashes on Earth during the Jurassic era, shocked to discover dinosaurs. An astrobiologist has questions.
17:15
With This Rare Disorder, No Amount Of Sleep Is Enough
A new book explores idiopathic hypersomnia, which causes overwhelming daytime sleepiness despite ample sleep.
17:18
A New Book Puts ‘Math in Drag’
Do you think math is boring? Drag queen Kyne is on a mission to make math fun and accessible for all.
How Pi Can Help Sew A Costume
In “Math in Drag,” drag queen Kyne describes how understanding pi helps her sew together the perfect circle skirt.
Prepare For The April 2024 Eclipse With ‘Moon Mail’
Prepare for this year’s eclipse with solar science, umbraphile quests, and a plan to make a lasting memory.
Was The Nostalgic Music In ‘Argylle’ Crucial To The Plot?
In the energetic spy adventure, music helps a shy novelist remember who she actually is. There’s some science to how music triggers memories.
Hack Your Brain: Unlock The Science Of Your Mind
Unlock kids’ brain power with a free puzzles, exciting trivia, hands-on activities, and live experiences with experts!
Meet The Comedians Bringing A Sense Of Humor To Science
How do you integrate science into standup comedy? Comedians Chuck Nice, Kasha Patel, and Kyle Marian Viterbo tell us how.
12:12
Pythagoras Was Wrong About Music
The Greek philosopher had specific ideas about the mathematical ratios behind music. It turns out that he was wrong.
16:59
What’s Behind The Measles Outbreak In Florida?
Two pediatricians discuss the outbreak, vaccine hesitancy, and unraveling public health measures in Florida and beyond.