On Today's Podcast
What urban design tells us about democracy
Archaeologists can use the design of ancient temples, plazas, and cities to piece together the story of how a place was governed.
Listen NowApril 24, 2026
The LuSEE-Night mission would place a radio telescope on the far side of the moon to listen for signals of the cosmic “dark ages.” Plus, the design and layout of ancient temples, plazas, and cities provide clues about how societies were governed. And, everyday DNA mutations can help us understand immune function and aging—and even mitigate harm caused by some inherited diseases.
17:03
Could Thor Punch The Hulk Without Knocking Himself Over?
Mythbusting the physics of this summer’s superhero blockbusters.
Need To Explain Some Science? Try Improv
Actor and author Alan Alda considers the best way to explain complicated scientific concepts — with humanity.
Behind The Scenes Of Science With Undiscovered Live
Join the hosts of the Undiscovered podcast for a night of stories you won’t read in the science journals.
How Will Climate Change Hurt The American Economy? Depends On Where You Live
Texas and Florida are in for some pain — but some places in the United States may actually benefit from climate change.
Demystifying The Microwave
A safety engineer and radiation expert debunk microwave myths and tell you how to properly cook food in your “science oven.”
Make 3D Paint With Starch
Experiment with solubility as you create homemade 3D paint with starch.
How Do I Safely View A Solar Eclipse?
Seeing a solar eclipse is an opportunity to be part of one of science’s most exciting phenomena. Are you ready?
The Real Roswell Cover-Up? Spying On Air
Author Sam Kean explains the secret Cold War project behind the infamous 1947 Roswell crash.
7:29
Instead Of Cooler Temperatures Post-El Niño, Scientists Clock Record Highs In 2017
Plus, could a human outrun a T-rex? And other short subjects in science.
4:35
Can We Pay People To Save The Rainforest?
Small cash payments can keep landowners from selling trees for firewood. But are there loopholes?
17:06
Creating A Soundtrack For Stories Of Spaceflight
Wilco keyboardist Mikael Jorgensen and art historian James Merle Thomas took inspiration from the sounds of NASA missions for their latest album.
11:52
More Comprehensive Patient Care Can Slow Symptoms Of Alzheimer’s
A care program that included medication coupled with caregiver education, home assessments, and personalized patient training slowed the progression of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms much more than medication alone.
9:59
Particles Behaving Badly
Physicists have observed subatomic particles decaying in a way that doesn’t jibe with the predictions of the Standard Model, suggesting, if the results are correct, that there could be undiscovered particles at play.
23:46
The Alchemy Of Air
Science writer Sam Kean tells the story of the gases that have shaped human history.
17:37
A Mission To Save The Planet (From The Next Asteroid)
NASA’s moving forward with plans for a missile designed to deflect asteroids.
It’s A Bird! It’s A Plane! It’s Snarge!
Every day, the Smithsonian Institution’s Feather Identification Lab receives dozens of envelopes filled with the remains of birds scraped off the sides of airplanes.
When Waters Rise, Who You Gonna Call? The Netherlands
The Dutch know a thing or two about water management, and they’ve got a new plan.
The Next Big Engineering Tool Of The 1960s? Nuclear Bombs
In an era marked by fear of nuclear bombs, Operation Plowshare took a look at their potential to create.
7:31
A New Iceberg The Size of Delaware, Peering Into Jupiter’s Red Spot, And A Quantum Photon Entanglement
The cracking Larsen C ice shelf is now 12 percent smaller. Plus, a new close-up of Jupiter’s giant storm.