On Today's Podcast
The decades-long movement to kill FEMA
A new series from “On the Media” traces the mistrust and conspiracy theories that have plagued FEMA since its founding in 1979.
Listen NowMay 1, 2026
Birds are living dinosaurs whose ancestors include T. rex and giant penguins. Understanding their past can help us imagine their future. Plus, an executive order issued by President Trump aims to fast-track research for psychedelics, including ibogaine. What is it? And, measuring microplastics can be hard, partly because they’re everywhere—including the lab. One researcher is working on solutions.
Benjamin Franklin: America’s First Social Networker?
Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in founding the American Philosophical Society, which drove his goal toward improving collective, “useful knowledge.”
A Most Important Radio Station, Birds and Tornadoes, More
A roundup of science stories or studies that blow our mind, tickle our funny bone, or generally strike our fancy.
12:20
Obama: U.S. Should Lead Assault on Climate Change
Without cooperation from Congress, President Obama has proposed his own plan for climate change.
28:50
Aiming For ‘Wild and Crazy’ Energy Ideas
The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy backs risky ideas that may offer a huge energy payoff.
5:43
Living Large in 140 Square Feet
Chris Tack made seven unloading trips to Goodwill before moving into the tiny home he and his wife Malissa designed and built.
29:35
‘Brainwashed’ Examines the Value of Brain Scans
What, if anything, can brain scans reveal about the mind at work?
17:17
Not One, but Three ‘Goldilocks Planets’?
In a nearby solar system, astronomers say they found three planets that could support life.
Tiny Living
The nuts and bolts of designing, building and living in a 140-square-foot home.
Is Free Will Just an Illusion?
As neuroscientific research reveals the underlying causes of behavior, will we come to see our lives as predetermined?
How to Be a Better Boss, the Power of Peer Pressure, and More
A roundup science stories or studies that blow our mind, tickle our funny bone, or generally strike our fancy.
The Human Brain, Ready for Its Close-up
Researchers have created the most detailed three-dimensional brain model to date.
This Math Problem Is Just Ducky
Laura Overdeck, the founder of Bedtime Math, shares a brain teaser for your kids.
10:02
Beaming Internet to the Boondocks, Via Balloon
Google plans to deliver 3G-speed Internet to the world’s most remote corners using helium balloons.
18:23
A Calculating Win for China’s New Supercomputer
China’s new ‘Milky Way 2’ supercomputer is twice as fast as the best American machines.
9:53
Vegetables Respond to a Daily Clock, Even After Harvest
Researchers have found that cabbages can maintain a circadian rhythm, even in the store.
6:03
Coffee’s Natural Creamer
What’s that frothy stuff that sits on top of an espresso?
23:03
E.O. Wilson’s Advice for Future Scientists
Math might not matter, and other musings on the makings of a great scientist.
6:39
Goodnight Moon, Goodnight Math
Some parents are skipping the bedtime stories and tucking kids in with equations.
16:48
Physicists Find New Particle, Look for Answers
Despite the discovery of the Higgs boson, mysteries still abound in theoretical physics.