While we may be born with some innate food preferences, most of our eating habits are learned and vary dramatically across cultures. On this episode, Bee Wilson discusses how we learn to eat and whether we can change our approach to food.

The recents events guided to terrorism have renewed the debate on balancing individual privacy and public security. On this program, Michael Kearns discusses algorithms that could ensure privacy while maintaining public security.

Nutrition research may have problems. On this episode, we talk with Christie Aschwanden about what she found when she used some common tools utilized in nutrition research.

How do con artists ply their trade? And, who is a potential victim? On this episode, Maria Konnikova discussed the confidence game.

The interaction between humans and animals has varied dramatically throughout human history. On this episode, Brian Fagan discussed how animals have shaped our history and how our conception of them has changed over time.

The international negotiations for addressing climate change has been fraught with rancor but the COP21 meeting in Paris last month marks a turning point. On this program, David Victor discusses the Paris Agreement.

The history of ancient human civilization is mysterious almost by definition. On this episode, Graham Hancock presents an alternative story of the past.

Are we prepared to cope with food shortages? On this episode, Margaret Nelson discusses how social factors plays a role determining the survivability of societies.

What does mythology tell us about the scientific environment of those who created them? On this episode, Matt Kaplan discussed the science of the magical.

Scientists can now make precise changes to the DNA of humans and animals thanks to recent advances in gene editing technology. On this episode, Dr. Hank Greely discussed the medical promises and perils of this technology.