NSF’s Discovery Files Podcast

From atoms and molecules to cells, understanding the building blocks of the natural world can lead to transformative technologies. NSF-supported researcher Torrey Rhyne-Carrigg discusses DNA initiators, using models for analysis, and her experience in the Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

Coordinated action across disciplines can deliver transformative technologies. U.S. National Science Foundation-supported researcher Rajesh Menon discusses his work combining optical systems with cutting-edge nanofabrication.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.