Cool Science Radio

University of Utah geologist William Johnson discusses the discovery of a hidden, pressurized freshwater aquifer beneath the Great Salt Lake and what it could mean for dust control and the lake’s future. (0:58)Then, economist science correspondent Matt Kaplan discusses his new book, “I Told You So!,” and the scientists who were ridiculed, sidelined or punished for advancing ideas that later proved correct. (26:32)

University of Utah geologist William Johnson discusses the discovery of a hidden, pressurized freshwater aquifer beneath the Great Salt Lake and what it could mean for dust control and the lake’s future.

Economist science correspondent Matt Kaplan discusses his new book, “I Told You So!,” and the scientists who were ridiculed, sidelined or punished for advancing ideas that later proved correct.

NHMU executive director and entomologist Jason Cryan highlights Bug World, a new blockbuster exhibition opening at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Built by the special effects studio behind “The Lord of the Rings” and “Avatar,” the exhibition brings the hidden genius of insects to life at a jaw dropping scale. (1:18)Then, University of Chicago professor Eric Oliver explores what it actually means to know yourself, and why so many people feel quietly dissatisfied even when life seems fine. (26:04)

NHMU executive director and entomologist Jason Cryan highlights Bug World, a new blockbuster exhibition opening at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Built by the special effects studio behind “The Lord of the Rings” and “Avatar,” the exhibition brings the hidden genius of insects to life at a jaw dropping scale.

University of Chicago professor Eric Oliver explores what it actually means to know yourself, and why so many people feel quietly dissatisfied even when life seems fine.

Author and science historian Oren Harman explores why metamorphosis is one of biology’s greatest mysteries, and what radical transformation can teach us about identity, survival, and change. Then, author and professor emeritus Christopher Cokinos explores the moon’s enduring pull on human imagination, science and culture in his book "Still as Bright: An Illuminating History of the Moon, from Antiquity to Tomorrow."

Author and science historian Oren Harman explores why metamorphosis is one of biology’s greatest mysteries, and what radical transformation can teach us about identity, survival and change.

Author and professor emeritus Christopher Cokinos explores the moon’s enduring pull on human imagination, science and culture. Drawing from his book "Still as Bright: An Illuminating History of the Moon, from Antiquity to Tomorrow," he reflects on how our closest celestial neighbor has shaped belief systems, space exploration and questions about responsibility as humanity prepares to return.

Neurobiologist Dr. John Medina is a developmental molecular biologist, and bestselling author of Brain Rules, where he translates cutting-edge neuroscience into practical insights about learning, memory, focus, and everyday life. Then, Dr. Vanessa Chang explores how human bodies and technologies have always shaped one another, and why intelligence must be understood as embodied, relational, and deeply human.