On Today's Podcast
What is lymphatic drainage, anyway?
A new wellness trend focuses on stimulating the lymphatic system. What does this system do, and is there science to back these claims?
Listen NowSeptember 18, 2026
Hawaiʻi has generally been safe from the worst effects of hurricanes. But this year, two hurricanes battered the islands in a matter of weeks. A new wellness trend focuses on stimulating the lymphatic system. What does this system do, and is there science to back these claims? Plus, perimenopause science, our fascination with lost knowledge, and a snake's spider-like tail appendage.
17:08
Stretching The Boundaries Of Cell Biology
How squeezing, squishing, and stretching cells can change their biology—and why it matters to medicine.
7:50
An Ingredient For Life In Our Solar System: Salt
Scientists study meteorites carrying organic matter, including blue salt crystals, to Earth.
8:11
Protecting The Waterways Of The Navajo Nation
Hydrologist Karletta Chief monitors the rivers that flow through the Navajo Nation that have been impacted by runoff from surrounding mines and help the surrounding communities.
16:39
The Surprising Life Inside Frozen Soil
Microbes and root systems create a cozy ecosystem amid the icy earth.
29:24
Cosmic Questions In Comic Book Form
In “The Dialogues,” a new graphic novel by theoretical physicist Clifford Johnson, the superheroes are scientists—and they’ll teach you a thing or two about physics.
Ethics, STEM, And The Modern Dr. Frankenstein
A lot has changed since the publication of “Frankenstein” but the novel is still a valuable way to explore ethics with kids of all ages.
Hair Science
Explore the hardcore science of hairy things, from muskoxen to ‘Tangled.’
The Scientist And His Monster
Atop icy Mont Blanc, Victor Frankenstein is confronted by his creation.
7:06
Sorry, But Still No Aliens
Plus: News of ancient migrations, strange dimensional physics, and the silliness of ‘raw water.’
4:58
How One Hospital Is Coping With A National IV Bag Shortage
Hurricane Maria knocked out the Puerto Rican factory that produces a large amount of IV bags and fluids. How do hospitals adapt?
8:34
The SciFri Book Club: ‘Frankenstein’
Mary Shelley’s classic science fiction horror story turns 200 this year—and it’s more relevant than ever to how we talk about science.
11:42
A Hair Closer To Lab-Grown (Mouse) Skin
Skin is a complex organ that we still can’t grow completely in the lab. But one group got over a big hurdle: the humble hair follicle.
17:04
Putting AI To Work For The Environment
Lucas Joppa, chief environmental scientist at Microsoft, says that artificial intelligence has the potential to help answer big environmental questions.
15:56
A Temporary Relief For Tinnitus Sufferers
A new way of thinking about hearing loss offers new opportunities for treatment.
25:27
How To Improve Your Cybersecurity
From password management to encrypted messaging to VPNs, tips on how to steer clear of getting hacked.
The Unexpected Pollinator Of The Cocoa Tree
From South Africa to the Arctic, flies play a role in the pollination of flowering plants—including the crop the provides one of our favorite candies.
16:10
SciFri Live: Bourbon Science Quiz
Fermenting, distillation and aging—test your spirit smarts in the SciFri Bourbon quiz.
29:27
A Tour Of The World’s Weird And Wonderful Flies
In her book The Secret Life of Flies, Erica McAlister introduces us the fascinating members of the extended fly family.
46:18
Year In Review: 2017
From colliding neutron stars to the completion of the Cassini mission, a look at 2017’s most important science stories.
34:22
Physics On The Edge
There’s a lot we still don’t know about matter, time, and the contents of the universe. Why that’s a challenge…and a thrill for physicists.