Podcast Episodes

What Happens When You're Under Anesthesia?

It's World Anesthesia Day tomorrow! So, we invite you to take a deep breathe. Picture a relaxing scene. Maybe a beach in Tahiti, your toes in the sand, a cold drink in hand. Now imagine your favorite…

Published on 2 weeks, 5 days ago

Why Legal Weed Isn’t Always Safe

Marijuana is decriminalized or legal in some form in multiple states. But, because it’s illegal on the federal level, states have had to build their own regulatory infrastructure. Without a centraliz…

Published on 2 weeks, 6 days ago

Synthetic Cells: The Next Bioengineering Frontier

There are more human cells in your body than there are stars in the Milky Way galaxy! Cells are the fundamental building blocks of life but that doesn’t mean they are simple – biology still doesn’t h…

Published on 3 weeks ago

Why The Tropics Have A Weather Forecasting Problem

Episode 1358

Weather in the tropics is decidedly different than it is in the middle latitudes. It turns out, so are the weather systems – the factors that create things like the daily temperature and humidity! Hi…

Published on 3 weeks, 3 days ago

Doing Science at the Edge of the Earth

Episode 1357

Some scientific discoveries take place in a lab. Others are made deep in the rainforest, along the ocean floor or on the dark side of the moon. And still others are made squelching through mud and ic…

Published on 3 weeks, 5 days ago

Solved: The Potato Origin Mystery

Usually, when two different species mate, it’s a disaster. At least, that’s what scientists had generally thought about hybrids, the offspring of these unions. But some researchers are starting to ch…

Published on 3 weeks, 6 days ago

The Science Of Fear And Horror Movies

Creepy crawly season is upon us, Short Wavers! We're welcoming fall with a contemplation of fear and anxiety. In human history, fear kept us safe. It helped us flee from predators. Anxiety made us wa…

Published on 4 weeks ago

What Are Flies Doing In The Middle Of The Ocean?

Episode 1354

In the North Sea — between the United Kingdom, Norway and Denmark — thousands of flies swarmed an oil rig. Engineer Craig Hannah noticed they’d stay still on the rig for hours, suddenly taking off al…

Published on 1 month ago

Why Animal Scavengers Protect Your Health

Worldwide, populations of scavenging animals that feed on rotting carcasses are declining. Scientists are finding that this can seriously hurt human health. NPR science reporter Jonathan Lambert has …

Published on 1 month ago

Nature Quest: How High Will Sea Levels Rise?

Episode 1352

How high will the ocean rise under climate change? By 2050, scientists have a pretty good idea. But why does it matter where you live? And what can humans do to slow it down? 
This episode is part of …

Published on 1 month ago