The editor and co-founder of The Annals of Improbable Research talks about why some seemingly absurd science matters.

Revisiting a theory from 1934, scientists are investigating whether it is possible to develop a photon-photon collider which theoretically could convert light into matter. Aired May 23, 2014 [11:50 min]

Much of what exists in the universe is believed to be invisible, and that there may be other dimensions. A scientist discusses research into dark matter and what we know so far. Aired June 22, 2009 [12:07 min]

An interview with Mark Miodownik, author of Stuff Matters: Exploring the Marvelous Materials that Shape Our Man-Made World. He discusses the properties of the materials that everyday objects are made of, and about new materials that...

An interview with astronomer Greg Laughlin about planet HD80606b, an exoplanet with extreme fluctuations in its temperature in a matter of hours. Aired Jan. 30, 2009 [10:16 min]

Ira Flatow and guests share science funnies and discover an element of humor while talking about science.

A smashup between two galaxy clusters left an unexpected amount of dark matter in its wake.

We'll talk about the mind-boggling idea that stuff we can't see within our visible universe could be causing gravitational effects on visible matter.

Sure, it's just frozen water, but what IS ice really?

New research suggests that the solar wind is weaker now than it has been in the past. What does that mean, and why does it matter?

Researchers have found a way to create high-quality repeating patterns with features just ten nanometers across. We'll talk about why that matters.

Scientists say a modification to the design of lithium-ion batteries could allow batteries that can charge and discharge in a matter of seconds.

Math might not matter, and other musings on the makings of a great scientist. [23 mins. 3 secs.]

For rhinoceros beetles, size matters.

How do you take pictures of objects that are too small to photograph? We'll talk with the authors of an image-heavy book about nanoscience.

This week scientists announced that they have confirmation on the presence of dark energy in the universe. We'll talk about their study and what it means.

Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist Adam Riess discusses the mysterious force known as dark energy in this audio recording. Learn how he believes this dark energy is accelerating the expansion of the universe. [22:36]

The spy telescopes are wide-angle and short in length--earning them the nickname "stubby Hubbles." [18 mins. 8 secs.]