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.

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20 episodes
weekly
Avg 24 min
English

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#178
Monday · 21 min
Materials for Quantum Systems
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.
- Transcript
#177
September 21 · 37 min
Haptic Prosthetics
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.
- Transcript
#176
September 14 · 23 min
3D Thermal Cloaking
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.
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#175
September 7 · 21 min
Cerebellum-Inspired Neuromorphic Computing
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.
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#174
August 31 · 20 min
Lasers and Functionalized Materials
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.
- Transcript
#173
August 24 · 21 min
AI Insect Detectives
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.
- Transcript
#172
August 17 · 27 min
Elementary AI
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.
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#171
August 10 · 31 min
Legacy Survey of Space and Time
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.
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#170
August 3 · 29 min
NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory
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.
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#169
July 27 · 24 min
Monolithic 3D Chip
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.
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#168
July 20 · 31 min
New approach to cancer treatment
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.
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#167
July 13 · 19 min
Complex Materials
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.
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#166
July 6 · 17 min
Fighting Hypertension
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.
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#165
June 29 · 21 min
Quantum Cryptography
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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#164
June 22 · 25 min
BCI Exoskeleton
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.
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#163
June 15 · 24 min
Discovering Disinfectant Compounds
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.
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#162
June 8 · 25 min
Quantum Education
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.
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#161
June 1 · 13 min
VASCilia
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.
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#159
May 22 · 23 min
Autonomous Racing (Part Two)
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.
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#158
May 18 · 24 min
Autonomous Racing (Part One)
Artificial intelligence techniques are driving the development of autonomous vehicles. Madhur Behl, an NSF-supported associate professor, discusses how the high-speed world of racing helps advance safe autonomous vehicles.
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