NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast

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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Episodes

VASCilia

22 minutes ago

22 minutes ago

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.

Autonomous Racing (Part Two)

Friday May 22, 2026

Friday May 22, 2026

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.

Autonomous Racing (Part One)

Monday May 18, 2026

Monday May 18, 2026

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.

AI Powered Surgical Robot

Monday May 11, 2026

Monday May 11, 2026

In the health care industry, artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced robotic systems could help solve many of the issues facing the field today. Axel Krieger, an NSF-supported associate professor, discusses his work developing autonomous surgical robots.

AI4Shipwrecks

Monday May 04, 2026

Monday May 04, 2026

Artificial intelligence advancements in machine learning are allowing autonomous exploration in remote underwater environments. Katie Skinner, an NSF-supported assistant professor, discusses work advancing the field of robotics by combining computer vision with AI advancements in machine learning.

Monday Apr 27, 2026

The future of quantum information science and engineering promises computers with unprecedented speed and capabilities. Miloš Popović, an NSF-supported associate professor, discusses a collaboration that has built a photonic quantum system into a traditional electronic chip.

Recovering Critical Minerals

Monday Apr 20, 2026

Monday Apr 20, 2026

Critical minerals play an essential role in modern technologies, and a domestic supply is essential for national security. Elizabeth Holley, an NSF-supported associate professor, discusses how domestic supplies might be increased by recovering critical minerals from the byproducts of existing mining sites.

Quantum Error Correction

Monday Apr 13, 2026

Monday Apr 13, 2026

The future of quantum information science and engineering promises computers with unprecedented speed and capabilities. Mikhail Lukin, an NSF-supported professor, discusses his work with neutral atom qubits, why error correction is important in quantum computing, and his journey through starting a company and moving into industry.

Monday Apr 06, 2026

U.S. National Science Foundation-supported engineers are developing a bold new vision for chemical and materials discovery. Milad Abolhasani, an NSF-supported associate professor, discusses his work developing automated fluidic labs.

Monday Aug 11, 2025

A workforce fluent in AI techniques will be essential to ensure U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence continues. Jeremy Waisome, an assistant professor at the University of Florida, discusses the Shark AI project, which has introduced artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to thousands of middle school students.

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