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PODCAST

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast

U.S. National Science Foundation

This is the Discovery Files Podcast from the U.S. National Science Foundation. Join us as we explore the latest breakthroughs in science, technology and engineering with the researchers making these discoveries. Learn how scientific innovation bolsters the U.S. economy, supports our Nation’s interests around the globe, and improves the lives of Americans.

science

All Episodes

24:03

Holographic Lithography

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/10/05

Coordinated action across disciplines can deliver transformative technologies. U.S. National Science Foundation-supported researcher Rajesh Menon discusses his work combining optical systems with cutting-edge nanofabrication.

en

21:43

Materials for Quantum Systems

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/09/28

Scientific discovery can unlock innovations that develop into technologies with extraordinary properties. NSF-supported researcher Morteza Kayyalha discusses his work developing quantum-enabled materials and devices.

en

37:19

Haptic Prosthetics

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/09/21

Solutions-oriented research is improving the lives of American people. NSF-supported researcher Jeremy Brown discusses his work developing interfaces with haptic feedback, including upper-limb prosthetics, rehabilitation tools, and surgical robotics.

en

23:15

3D Thermal Cloaking

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/09/14

Advanced technologies are transforming industry, society, and people's daily lives. Shelly Zhang, an NSF-supported researcher, discusses her work using additive manufacturing and topology optimization to create new structures, including a 3D thermal cloaking device.

en

21:13

Cerebellum-Inspired Neuromorphic Computing

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/09/07

Cutting-edge science and technology advancements are revolutionizing artificial intelligence systems. Mark Hersam an NSF-supported researcher, discusses nanoelectronic materials and how acerebellum-inspired approach may transform how AI performs in wearable devices.

en

20:39

Lasers and Functionalized Materials

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/08/31

Advances in materials science have delivered everything from nylon stockings to artificial joints. Chunlei Guo, an NSF-supported researcher, discusses his work using femtosecond lasers to design materials with highly functionalized purposes.

en

21:41

AI Insect Detectives

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/08/24

U.S. National Science Foundation-supported researchers are behind an educational effort to introduce artificial intelligence techniques to elementary school children. Educator Carrie Robledo discusses her project, "AI Insect Detectives," and experience as a 2026 Presidential AI Challenge national champion.

en

27:07

Elementary AI

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/08/17

Tiffany Barnes, Shiyan Jiang and Xiaoyi Tian discuss their U.S. National Science Foundation-supported project "ElementaryAI," the challenges of introducing artificial intelligence concepts into elementary school curriculum and how the project led to a win in the inaugural Presidential AI Challenge.

en

31:32

Legacy Survey of Space and Time

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/08/10

NSF Noirlab's Robert Blum, director of operations for the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory, discusses the observatory's signature mission, the Legacy Survey of Space and Time, and how it will transform the way we study the universe.

en

29:42

NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/08/03

As the 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time officially starts and the greatest cosmic movie ever made is captured, U.S. National Science Foundation Program Officer Edward Ajhar discusses the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory and how it will transform the way people study the universe.

en

24:21

Monolithic 3D Chip

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/07/27

An innovative new engineering approach may lead to denser, more powerful microchips and computing systems. U.S. National Science Foundation-supported researcher Qing Cao discusses a new monolithic, 3D-integrated silicon microchip and how it might impact artificial intelligence systems.

en

31:07

New approach to cancer treatment

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/07/20

New, lifesaving treatments can be found at the intersection of bioengineering and medicine. U.S. National Science Foundation-supported professor Neil Forbes discusses how the bacteria salmonella can be modified for treatment against some of the deadliest cancers.

en

19:30

Complex Materials

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/07/13

U.S. National Science Foundation-supported professor and director of the NSF Center for Complex Particle Systems Nicholas Kotov discusses complex materials and the development of new fused silk materials with applications in security and communications.

en

17:11

Fighting Hypertension

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/07/06

Hypertension affects nearly half of U.S. adults, and 10% of those cases don’t respond well to treatment. U.S. National Science Foundation-supported professor Tao Zhou discusses the development of a new 3D-printed hydrogel-based bioelectronic device for hypertension treatment.

en

21:13

Quantum Cryptography

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/06/29

Secure information is essential in the digital exchanges of modern life. U.S. National Science Foundation-supported professor Vinod Vaikuntanathan discusses quantum cryptography and the future of encryption.

en

25:21

BCI Exoskeleton

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/06/22

Advancements in science and technology impact the well-being of the American people. U.S. National Science Foundation-supported professor Payam Heydari discusses a breakthrough brain-computer interface that controls a robotic exoskeleton, technology that could transform the lives of people living with spinal cord injuries.

en

24:33

Discovering Disinfectant Compounds

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/06/15

Nearly 3 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur every year in the United States. U.S. National Science Foundation-supported professor Kevin Minbiole discusses his work using artificial intelligence systems to discover new compounds to fight drug resistant bacteria.

en

25:36

Quantum Education

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/06/08

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related fields employ 25% of the U.S. workforce. U.S. National Science Foundation-supported professors Erica Carlson and Muhsin Menekse discuss how their collaboration is inspiring the next generation of STEM workforce through a quantum education program.

en

13:45

VASCilia

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/06/01

Advances in artificial intelligence-driven technologies have the potential to impact the lives of Americans living with hearing loss substantially. Yasmin Kassim, a postdoctoral fellow and member of a group supported in part by NSF, has developed a deep learning-based tool that allows unparalleled insights into the hair cells that allow us to hear.

en

23:51

Autonomous Racing (Part Two)

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast ·

2026/05/22

Emerging artificial intelligence technologies are transforming the American enterprise. Madhur Behl, an NSF-supported associate professor, discusses software challenges in autonomous racing and how his program is helping to develop the AI workforce of the future.

en

180 results

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