Vice President Kamala Harris takes the lead on two controversial political topics, so what will that mean for her political ambitions? Then, doulas are common companions during childbirth, and now they’re becoming more common for the dying, too. And, who's responsibility is it to clean up space junk in Earth's orbit? Also on today’s show: the story of human's obsession with aliens; eating disorders can modify brain circuits; why universities often come up short in making space for students with disabilities in science and technology programs. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

How will the pandemic end—and how will we know it? Plus, it turns out the Earth has a pulse, just like a beating heart. And, why African American pitmasters have been pushed to the margins of the food world’s barbecue obsession. Also, on today's show: how the TV show "Friends" helps students learn English; scientists have learned how to rebuild an immune system; the safety of releasing radioactive water into the ocean.

What led to the historic protests in Cuba? Then, another "Shark Week" just wrapped up on the Discovery Channel, but the publicity sharks receive may not be helping the fish. And, why Instagram's big feature change may not help the people who need it most. Also, on today's show: A former gymnastics world champion makes a comeback; how much schools could surveil students; there’s some promising new research in search of treatment for type 2 diabetes.

Turning the universe into sound can help researchers discover new things about outer space. Then, is it fair for prisoners to receive pell grants. And, how a moth's antenna can help detect chemicals. Also, on today's show: how one teen sparked a new line of Nike shoes for people with disabilities; the world’s first racing series for flying electric cars is rapidly coming our way; you could have dust from an asteroid on your clothes right now.

Why are so many states revising their voting laws right now? Then, a campaign to raise awareness of the high suicide risk among veterinarians. And, there really isn't such a thing as a vegetable, at least that's what botanists would say. Also, on today’s show: removing wisdom teeth out might improve your sense of taste; disparities in healthcare coverage in America are everyone’s problem.

How the United States helped lay the groundwork for Haiti’s current political and economic crisis. Then, a fake hand could help treat people with OCD. And, what exactly is Shariah law? Also on today’s show: the Vietnamese ambassador to the US reflects on the Vietnam War and its similarities to the current conflict in Afghanistan; the secret to Mississippi schools improving their reading scores; why poorer neighborhoods have fewer trees than wealthier neighborhoods. (AP Photo/Joseph Odelyn)

Why are gas prices are so high this summer? Then, court rulings and public opinion are pushing the NCAA to allow more compensation for college athletes. And, will political polarization lead to the creation of a new 3rd political party? Also on today’s show: stress is linked with gray hair and could be reversible; the so-called Doomsday Glacier may not be so scary after all; the bacteria of a baby’s belly shapes the baby’s reaction to scary situations. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

What’s driving a surge in violent crime across the country, and how do Americans want it to be solved? Then, nearly every older adult in America has been prescribed a medication that increases the risk of falling, and most don’t realize it. Plus, an expert epidemiologist discusses how to prevent a pandemic before it can start. Also on today’s show: a simple device guaranteed to cure your hiccups; how living near a superfund site can shorten your lifespan; Major League Baseball is finally cracking down on cheating pitchers. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Most of us have an inner voice yammering away—so how can we harness it? Plus, what was it like to get letters from Mr. Rogers? And, how a 2014 hashtag paved the way for Nigeria’s modern kidnapping crisis. Also, on today's show: an expert explains Bitcoin, and a school starts a club for kids with family members in prison. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

What you need to know about the Delta variant of COVID-19. Plus, the story of American slavery, reclaimed from the distortions of time and bias. Then, Congress is putting unemployed writers to work documenting life during the pandemic—an initiative very similar to a program during the Great Depression. Also on today’s show: new beetles with unusual names; why an increase in fish and chicken consumption is not leading to a decrease in eating beef. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)