On Today's Podcast
African Grey Parrots Are Popular—And It’s Fueling Illegal Trade
Talkative African grey parrots are charismatic internet stars. A global scramble to source and sell the birds threatens their survival.
Listen NowNovember 21, 2025
Flora and “Part-Time Genius” co-host Mangesh Hattikudur put one lucky listener to the test with food science trivia. Plus, talkative African grey parrots are charismatic internet stars. A global scramble to source and sell the birds threatens their survival. And, Google’s tool for predicting how proteins “fold” turns 5 this year.
25:14
Katherine Bouton Opens Up About Going Deaf in ‘Shouting Won’t Help’
Katherine Bouton discusses hearing loss, a condition that affects nearly 50 million Americans.
Art Meets Geek in Toni Dove’s Studio
You’ll find cyborgs, robots, 3D projections, digital puppets and more in Dove’s techno-savvy productions.
Battle of the Electric Cars: ‘Hydrogen Sucks,’ Says Elon Musk
War of the Currents Redux: Fuel Cells vs. Batteries.
11:59
Automakers Drive Towards Hydrogen Cars
Carmakers are teaming up to develop fuel cell cars. Is the time right for the technology?
17:21
Tracking Privacy and Ownership in an Online World
How much of your personal data is really yours to control?
16:27
Researchers Point to the Demise of the Dinosaurs
Scientists are working to refine the dates for an ancient cosmic collision.
46:40
Science of Slumber: How Sleep Affects Your Memory
How much sleep does your brain need? Experts discuss the links between sleep, memory, and cognition.
Below the Feathers
Artist Katrina van Grouw looks past the feathers to see the beauty in birds.
Our Award-Winning Video
“Step Into an Optical Illusion” was awarded top prize at Science Online’s Cyberscreen Film Festival. Congratulations Flora!
How to Cook on Mars (Recipe Included)
Whipping up a yummy Martian snack isn’t as hard as it might seem.
36:13
Preserving Science News in an Online World
Experts discuss how the internet impacts public perception of science.
4:50
Dung Beetles Use Cosmic GPS to Find Their Way
Dung beetles use light from the Milky Way to help them navigate at night.
5:08
How Owls Turn Heads
How do these birds turn their heads 270 degrees without damaging their blood vessels?
47:18
Are We Losing the Race Against Climate Change?
China burns as much coal as the rest of the world combined. But it also leads in clean tech, and has a national climate change policy in place. A look at how the world is tackling climate change–with or without us.
How Owls Turn Heads
How do owls turn their heads 270 degrees without damaging their blood vessels? X-rays and dissections may provide an answer.
And the Award Goes to…
The 2012 International Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge winners are in.
February Book Club Pick: ‘Gorillas in the Mist’
Dian Fossey’s memoir of her work with the gorillas is next on our reading list.
Spider Webs, Tractor Beams, and Beer
This week, I’m focusing on some really geeky—I should say Benjie*—research that caught my eye. Be ready for some gorgeous graphics and hi-tech talk.