On Today's Podcast
The science and politics of the new mRNA flu vaccine
A new mRNA flu vaccine promises a closer match to circulating flu strains. But dysfunction at federal health agencies is complicating rollout.
Listen NowOctober 9, 2026
A new mRNA flu vaccine promises a closer match to circulating flu strains. An estimated 2 billion tons of dust are lofted into the air each year, affecting ecosystems, the atmosphere, and the weather. Plus artist David Byrne sits down with Flora for a conversation on why some ideas go dormant, and then reawaken. And, a Cephalopod Week finale featuring death spirals, cannibalism, and more.
Why Exactly Should We Go Back To The Moon—And Onto Mars?
How should we square pro-space arguments from tech CEOs with the history of imperialism and underinvestment in social equity programs?
Celebrate Earth Day At Our Citizen Science Trivia Night
Just in time for Earth Day 2022, discover more about the land, sky, and creatures of our planet at this special edition trivia night.
Teenagers Need More Sleep—And They’re Not Getting It
Getting enough sleep is vital for healthy brain development for teens. But outside societal factors prevent this from happening.
12:11
FDA Convenes Panel On COVID Boosters And New Vaccines
Scientists still lack data to determine best intervals for COVID-19 booster doses.
11:53
The Future of Sustainable Farming Could Be Cold Plasma
The fourth state of matter makes plants grow faster. Scientists still don’t know why.
34:54
Why Are Teenagers So Sleep Deprived?
A new book explains the combination of factors causing teens to get less sleep than ever before, and how to make sure they get enough sleep.
34:00
Want To Get Your Spring Garden Going? Here’s Some Expert Advice
Garden gurus and vegetable specialists give advice for planning, prepping, and planting your best garden yet.
Saying Goodbye To Science Diction
It’s been wonderful to have you sharing in our Science Diction fun for the last two years. But, all good things must come to an end.
11:36
Why Another Antarctic Ice Shelf Collapsed
For the first time, an ice shelf in eastern Antarctica collapsed into the ocean. Here’s why climate change may have played a role.
8:15
An Oregon Lithium Deposit Could Help Power Clean Energy Tech
As the U.S. divests from Russian energy sources, it looks towards sites like a lithium deposit in Oregon. But mining it might take awhile.
08:32
An Unusual Fungus May Control Invasive Tawny Crazy Ants
Most insecticides don’t work against this invasive species. But scientists recently found a fungus that causes infected nests to collapse.
12:00
Can You Read A Bar Graph?
A psychology study found that bar graphs representing averages were prone to misinterpretation. Plus, how to improve your data literacy.
17:09
Scientists Release The First Fully Complete Human Genome
After two decades and years of international collaboration, scientists have filled in the final missing pieces of the human genome.
17:15
One Last Martian Love Fest
Where did the Martian magnetic field go? Can we drill for water at its poles? Your Red Planet questions answered with ‘The Sirens of Mars’ author Sarah Stewart Johnson.
17:08
Scientists Are Working On HIV Vaccines Based On COVID Vaccine Tech
Anthony Fauci explains how pandemic research gains may unlock new vaccination possibilities for diseases like HIV.
12:18
How Vampire Bats Evolved To Drink Blood
How losing genes allowed vampire bats to gain bloodsucking superpowers.
Discover The Joy Of Insect Pinning
Learn the ins and outs of starting an insect collection and watch the experts as they pin beetles and other insects at this virtual event.
12:14
How Has The War In Ukraine Shaped The Global Energy Market?
Some countries have shifted to using more coal in the short term. But, there’s still hope of a clean energy transformation in the future.
6:03
Millions Of Iowa Chickens Infected With Deadly Strain Of Bird Flu
It’s too early to tell how this will compare to 2015’s disastrous outbreak.
16:42
Over 5,000 Exoplanets Have Now Been Discovered
This week, the NASA Exoplanet Archive logged the 5,000th confirmed planet outside of our solar system.