Exploring the groundbreaking research and discoveries transforming our world

Award-winning podcast produced at the University of Chicago

MOST RECENT

Episode 177

Are judges too powerful? The rise of universal injunctions, with Samuel Bray
Legal scholar discusses the expanding authority of single judges to halt federal policies and executive orders

Episode 176

Could data centers break our power grid? with Andrew Chien
AI demands are straining energy systems and the environment; scientist proposes a more sustainable solution

Episode 175

Remarkable new treatments for spinal cord injuries, with Mohamad Bydon
2-year-old’s recovery from severed spinal cord shows how surgery can help patients regain movement, even after paralysis

Episode 174

Can you improve your working memory and attention? with Edward Awh
Neuroscientist explains why some people remember more—and one simple way to sharpen your focus

MORE EPISODES

Episode 173

Why knowing your true self is so difficult, with Eric Oliver

New book explores our path to self-discovery—and what it means to be ‘you’

Episode 172

The breakthrough quantum sensor that sees inside your cells, with Peter Maurer

Discovery of a first-of-its-kind biological qubit could help detect and track diseases

Episode 171

What makes music go viral—From AI to Taylor Swift, with Paula Harper

Music scholar examines the forces driving the rise of pop stars and songs in the age of TikTok and Spotify

Episode 170

How wearable tech will heighten our senses and abilities, with Pedro Lopes

Computer scientist explores the potential of human-computer integration and haptics to help us move and learn

Episode 169

How full-body MRIs could predict your long-term health, with Daniel Sodickson

Medical physicist examines how AI-enhanced MRIs could transform health care

ALL EPISODES

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Hosted by Paul M. Rand, the award-winning Big Brains podcast was named the best university-produced podcast by CASE for the past four years. It’s also been honored by PRNEWS and Adweek.

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