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Artwork for NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast

NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast

U.S. National Science Foundation
Artificial Intelligence
National Science Foundation
Quantum Computing
Robotics
U.S. National Science Foundation
Machine Learning
Biomedical Engineering
Climate Change
Computer Vision
Education
STEM
STEM Education
Community Engagement
Downtown Boxing Gym
Leonid Meteor Shower
Medical Devices
Purdue University
Cyber Security
Astrophysics
Black Holes

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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes169Founded10 years ago
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EducationScience

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Artwork for NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast

Latest Episodes

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 deadl... more

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 communicatio... more

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 f... more

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.

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Recent Guests

Neil Forbes
NSF-supported professor who works on bacterial-based cancer therapies
University of Massachusetts (UMass)
Episode: New approach to cancer treatment
Nicholas Kotov
Professor and director of the NSF Center for Complex Particle Systems
University/NSF Center for Complex Particle Systems
Episode: Complex Materials
Tao Zhou
NSF-supported professor whose group works at the intersection of electronics, materials science, and bioengineering to improve human health
University/NSF-supported lab
Episode: Fighting Hypertension
Vinod Vaikuntanathan
NSF-supported professor researching quantum cryptography and security
University/NSF project collaborator
Episode: Quantum Cryptography
Payam Heydari
Professor in Electrical Engineering
University of California, Irvine
Episode: BCI Exoskeleton
Kevin Minbiole
Professor, Villanova University; NSF-supported collaboration on AI-discovered disinfectants
Villanova University
Episode: Discovering Disinfectant Compounds
Erica Carlson
Professor working on quantum education and public outreach
Purdue University
Episode: Quantum Education
Muhsin Menekse
Professor focusing on engineering education and integrating quantum concepts into curricula
Purdue University
Episode: Quantum Education
Yasmin Kassim
Postdoctoral fellow and developer of Vassilia
Group supported in part by NSF
Episode: VASCilia

Host

Nate Podker
Host associated with the Discovery Files podcast series, affiliated with the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 27 ratings
  • Short, fun, educational. Also, one of the longest running podcasts!

    Podchaser
    5
    Elle
    5 years ago

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Fighting Hypertension
Q: What are the next steps toward clinical use?
Next steps involve optimizing long-term performance and safety, testing in larger animal models, pursuing FDA approvals, and eventually clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy in humans.
Fighting Hypertension
Q: What are the biggest challenges in bringing this to patients?
Key challenges include ensuring the device is soft and stretchable yet electrically functional, can attach securely to tissue without causing damage, and can operate safely over long periods with regulatory approval.
Fighting Hypertension
Q: How does Caroflex control blood pressure?
Caroflex uses electrical stimulation delivered through soft hydrogel electrodes to gently activate the body's natural reflexes that regulate blood pressure, aiming to reduce dependence on daily medications.
Fighting Hypertension
Q: So how is hypertension typically treated today?
Hypertension is usually managed with lifestyle changes and medications, but some patients have resistant hypertension where blood pressure remains high despite multiple drugs, which motivates exploring device-based therapy.
Discovering Disinfectant Compounds
Q: Can you talk a little bit about this collaboration and how AI is used to discover new QACs?
The project starts with a large, high-quality biological testing dataset built over many years. AI models predict which quaternary ammonium structures will be effective, then researchers synthesize and test those candidates, creating a feedback loop that continually refines the model.

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Frequently Asked Questions About NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast

What is NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This program showcases NSF-supported researchers and cutting-edge science spanning quantum information, robotics, autonomous systems, marine exploration, materials discovery, and AI-enabled education. Episodes typically feature researchers explaining their work, the NSF funding that enables it, and real-world implications—from safer surgical robotics and faster materials discovery to open data tools for science and advanced sensing in underwater environments. A recurring thread is how interdisciplinary collaboration accelerates breakthroughs, with guests often detailing practical challenges, industry partnerships, and pathways to translating lab results into scalable technologies. The show stands out for its clear emphasis on research impac... more

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1. On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti
2. The Indicator from Planet Money
3. Short Wave
4. The Daily
5. Up First from NPR

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NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast launched 10 years ago and published 169 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast?

Recent guests on NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast include:

1. Neil Forbes
2. Nicholas Kotov
3. Tao Zhou
4. Vinod Vaikuntanathan
5. Payam Heydari
6. Kevin Minbiole
7. Erica Carlson
8. Muhsin Menekse

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