Podcast Episodes

When Eavesdropping Pays Off

Episode 1297

Why did the ornithologist strap a taxidermy badger to a remote controlled car and drive it around the prairie? To interrogate the secret world of animal eavesdropping in the grasslands, of course! To…

Published on 6 months ago

Does It Feel Like Mosquitoes Are Getting Worse?

Episode 1296

Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on the planet, and some of them may be on the rise. At least in listener Abigail Krich-Starr's area, that's due to warmer, wetter weather — which, yes, is linked t…

Published on 6 months ago

The Power Grid Problem

Episode 1295

The U.S.'s power grid — a nearly 100-year-old network of electrical circuits — is facing increased demand and weather-related stress. What will it take to modernize?

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Published on 6 months, 1 week ago

What Makes South Korea's 'Super Divers' Special?

Episode 1294

For generations, the all-female Haenyeo divers have routinely dove into frigid waters off the coast of South Korea, holding their breath for minutes at a time, as they collect seafood to eat and sell…

Published on 6 months, 1 week ago

Why Emotions Run High For Sports Fans

We are in the thick of multiple sports seasons: the NBA finals are happening, and baseball and soccer are in full swing. For devoted fans, emotions can run pretty high during a game. Cognitive anthro…

Published on 6 months, 1 week ago

Trump Wants A Missile Defense System Like Israel's

Episode 1292

Since last week, Israel has been attacking Iran's nuclear facilities, along with many other targets around the country. Iran has fired hundreds of missiles in response. NPR correspondent Geoff Brumfi…

Published on 6 months, 1 week ago

Why Weed's Signature Scent Has Changed Over Time

Episode 1291

The skunky smell of cannabis may be going out of style. NPR's science correspondent Pien Huang visited the grow facility for District Cannabis, which sells weed in Washington D.C. and Maryland. On he…

Published on 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Your Breathing Pattern Is Like A Fingerprint

Episode 1290

Take a big inhale through your nose. Now, exhale. Breathing may seem simple, but it's controlled by a complex brain network. Each inhale gives the human brain information about the external world. An…

Published on 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Wanna Save Money? Climate-Proof Your Home

Episode 1289

Homeowners' insurance isn't just getting more expensive ... it's also getting harder to secure in the first place. Across the country, an increase in climate-related disasters like heat waves, wildfi…

Published on 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Living With OCD

Episode 1288

Roughly 163 million people experience obsessive-compulsive disorder and its associated cycles of obsessions and compulsions. They have unwanted intrusive thoughts, images or urges; they also do certa…

Published on 6 months, 2 weeks ago