On Today's Podcast
The Human Obsession With Aliens Goes Way, Way Back
A new book charts the millennia-old history of our fascination with aliens, and how myth transformed into research.
Listen NowSeptember 12, 2025
Octopuses can use their suckers to detect harmful microbes on the surface of objects like crab shells, or their own eggs. Plus, a new book charts the millennia-old history of our fascination with aliens, and how myth transformed into research. And, golden oyster mushrooms have escaped from home growing kits into the wild. Could they affect fungal diversity in North American forests?
16:47
Teamwork Between Species Is The Key To Life Itself
“The Call of the Honeyguide” traces the mutualisms found throughout nature, from hunting pairs to the microbes all around us.
How An African Bird Forged A Relationship With Humans
The greater honeyguide learned to lead humans to beehives, luring them with the promise of honey so they’d unlock the wax the birds eat.
The Human Obsession With Aliens Goes Way, Way Back
A new book charts the millennia-old history of our fascination with aliens, and how myth transformed into research.
How Fascination With Aliens Spread Across 17th Century Europe
The debate over the existence of extraterrestrial life touches literature, religion, and science in 17th century Europe.
A Delicious But Invasive Mushroom Could Affect Fungal Diversity
Golden oyster mushrooms have escaped from home growing kits into the wild. Plus, the ancient origin story of the humble potato plant.
A Photographer Captures Nature In Mind-Boggling Detail
Ever seen the hairs on a bee’s eyeball? Or the contours of a hummingbird’s tongue? Science photographer Anand Varma takes us behind the lens.
Octopuses Use Suckers To ‘Taste’ Harmful Microbes
Researchers found that octopuses can use their arms to detect harmful microbes on the surface of objects like crab shells or their own eggs.
An Ice-Cold Octopus Nursery Could Help Expand Marine Protections
Indigenous and Western scientists are working together to uncover biodiversity in the icy deep. They’re getting some eight-armed help.
Hide Like A Cephalopod: Make An Octopus Den
Put your engineering skills to the test as you design a strong, but camouflaged, underwater home for an octopus.
Discover The Mysteries Of Octopuses
Dive into marine biology with this “Many Things Under A Rock” interactive book club guide for young readers.
Listen To Ethereal Sounds Derived From Space
NASA’s Sonification Project aims to turn astrophysics data into sound, enabling visually impaired people to engage with outer space.
17:13
How Shoddy Science Is Driving A Supplement Boom
Questionable science, lax regulations, and wellness culture have turned dietary supplements into big business.
After CDC Director Is Ousted, More Senior Officials Resign
Former CDC scientist Demetre Daskalakis left his post, citing political interference and a lack of science in decision-making at the agency.
Meet 3I/Atlas, An Object From Another Solar System
The third interstellar object ever observed is in our neighborhood—for now. And, asteroid Bennu could contain dust from far-off solar systems.
Monarchs of the Sea: The Extraordinary 500-Million-Year History of Cephalopods
Three hearts, eight arms, and a storied rule of the oceans. Read Danna Staaf’s ode to octopuses (and squid) with SciFri this June.
Many Things Under a Rock: The Mysteries of Octopuses
Octopuses seem otherworldly, and author Davis Scheel unearths just how much there is left to learn about these charismatic cephalopods.
How Common Household Products Pollute Our Indoor Air
Candles, hairstyling products, and other common items can produce toxic air pollution that lingers in our homes.
The Shape-Shifting Science Of Sand Dunes
A sand dune is much more than just a big pile of sand. But how do they work? And what else do scientists want to know about sand?
17:03
Food Science Experts On Perfecting At-Home Ice Cream
We’re pulling a few of our favorite stories about the science of ice cream out of the freezer.
Managing Wildfires Using A Centuries-Old Indigenous Practice
The Karuk Tribe in Northern California has stewarded its home using prescribed burns for millennia. Now, they’re training others on the skill.