On Today's Podcast
Isabella Rossellini on how acting connects to animal cognition
Should we anthropomorphize animals or not? An actor and an ecologist share what they’ve learned about animal cognition.
Listen NowOctober 23, 2026
CRISPR pioneer Jennifer Doudna discusses the evolution of gene-editing technology and what it takes to be a good scientist. Timekeepers around the world voted to stop using leap seconds, but what does that mean for us? Plus, how "problem bears" help test engineers evaluate consumer products, author Kazuo Ishiguro on emotional truth in our age of AI, and the science of apple varieties.
On the Oregon Truffle Scent
Oregon leads the country in commercial truffle production, boasting several native culinary varieties. And the best way to find them is to enlist the help of man’s best friend.
Fighting the Machines
An excerpt from Daniel Wilson’s new novel, “Robogenesis.”
Smarty Pants: Testing the Quality of Textiles
Confidence in our clothing shouldn’t be taken for granted. It owes much to an oft-overlooked the field of study-textile quality assurance.
12:07
Rep. Rush Holt: Science and Congress
Representative Rush Holt talks about how ‘thinking like a scientist’ can help the political process.
25:48
Your Summer Science Book List
Lee Billings and Maria Popova compile your perfect summer science book list.
8:50
The Science of the ‘Brazuca’
How will the “Brazuca” fly? Scientists put the World Cup soccer ball through its paces.
12:19
Pre-Surgery Routine Needs an Update, Says Doc
Robert Cima of the Mayo Clinic says science doesn’t back up pre-surgical practices like fasting and colon cleanses.
17:20
Is NASA Ready To Make The Leap To A Manned Mission To Mars?
What technologies, budget, and partners would NASA needed for a successful manned mission to Mars?
16:34
‘Do Fathers Matter?’ Explores Dad’s Influence
In his new book, Paul Raeburn writes of the surprising biological and genetic connections fathers have with their children.
Proving Dad’s Worth (With Science)
An excerpt from “Do Fathers Matter?” by Paul Raeburn.
Have A Cricket Tell You The Temperature!
Investigate why crickets chirp. Then, using observations and math, learn how these insects can help you determine the temperature!
The Amazing, Flying Munk’s Devil Ray
This small ray can breach several feet into the air, causing a loud slapping sound upon its return to the ocean that has earned it the nickname “tortilla.”
11:47
The EPA’s New Proposal to Curb Carbon Emissions
The EPA’s proposal sets a 30 percent decrease in power plant carbon emissions by 2030.
30:24
It’s a Material World
In his book “Stuff Matters,” Mark Miodownik explains why the everyday materials around us are truly extraordinary.
3:51
The Goat Brigade
A herd of ‘elite’ brush-clearing goats demonstrate why they are a versatile tool to shield against wildfires in Southern California.
22:04
Documenting the Oldest Living Things in the World
In her new book of photography, “The Oldest Living Things in the World,” artist Rachel Sussman documents the oldest continuously living organisms on the planet.
22:51
Making Summer Travel Plans With Climate Change in Mind
With projections of warmer temperatures and rising sea levels, which tourist destinations should you plan to visit sooner rather than later?
The Goat Brigade: Preventing Wildfires in Southern California
A herd of “elite” brush-clearing goats demonstrate why they are a versatile tool to shield against wildfires in Southern California.
Chocolate Crystal Concoctions
Act like an experimental chocolatier and determine how different melting and cooling procedures impact the shine, hardness, and texture of finished chocolate.