On Today's Podcast
What we get wrong about vaccine hesitancy
An immunologist who's been on both sides of vaccine hesitancy talks about what drives it, what gets missed, and how to build trust.
Listen NowAugust 14, 2026
At the peak of linguistic diversity, humans may have spoken up to 10 times as many languages as we do today. An immunologist who’s been on both sides of vaccine hesitancy talks about what drives it, what gets missed, and how to build trust. Plus, a new journal documents species “lost to science,” and a conservation project aims to locate lost firefly species in the U.S. and Canada.
00:16:15
Team Bat Versus Team Dolphin: A Sonar Smackdown
Who deserves the crown for the best echolocation in the animal kingdom?
17:04
Tracking The Flu, In Sickness And In Health
We’re teaming up with Flu Near You to track the rise and fall of influenza-like-illness in the U.S., and we need your help.
In Three Billion Heartbeats
Cardiologist Sandeep Jauhar vividly remembers when his grandfather died from a heart attack—a memory that fed his fascination with the “life-giving” organ.
For The Love Of Lichen
From craggy deserts to pebbly vistas, the landscape of lichens is diverse—if you take a close look.
11:43
‘Oumuamua Is Probably Not Aliens—But It’s Still Really Interesting
Some researchers said the interstellar object ʻOumuamua could be an alien spacecraft, but there are other, more conventional explanations.
17:14
Wherever My Microbiome May Roam
Immigrants who moved to the U.S. from Thailand lost gut microbes and gained new ones. Are there health consequences?
16:52
Variety Is The Spice Of Life
We asked literal tastemakers: What makes a spice a hit… or a bust?
11:45
Sick? ‘Tis The Season.
Many diseases, beyond flu, may have a hidden seasonal component.
11:05
Breaking Down The Science Of Beatboxing
Researchers are studying beatboxing to see how they create sounds not found in human language.
23:35
Mysteries Of The Heart
In “Heart: A History,” cardiologist Sandeep Jauhar writes of confounding cases of heart disease, and the daring treatments that revolutionized how we fix the human heart.
Scale Solar System Orbits—And Satellites!
Use planetary orbits and scale ratios to plan flight paths to other planets.
7:33
Kepler Ends Its Search For Planets Like Earth
After nine years, the Kepler space telescope will soon be shut down permanently
34:26
Dolphins Are Changing Their Calls Due To Boat Noise
Bottlenose dolphins in the Atlantic ocean off the coast of Maryland were simplifying the calls due to noisier oceans.
11:58
One Small Step For Man, One Giant Leap For Paralysis Treatment
Three new studies show rapid progress of paralyzed patients using spinal cord stimulation.
10:52
How Does The Appendix Play A Role In Parkinson’s Disease?
A study found that there was a three and a half year delay in onset of Parkinson’s for those who had their appendix removed.
23:47
The ‘Wet-Dog Shake’ And Other Physics Mysteries
In his book ‘How to Walk on Water and Climb Up Walls,’ David Hu explores the wonders of the animal world.
34:26
The Science Issues Happening In Your Backyard
A state-by-state tour of the top science issues, from energy policy, pollution problems, water conservation, to meat labeling, and much more.
Why Your Dog Is More Efficient Than A Laundry Machine
In this excerpt from ‘How to Walk on Water and Climb Up Walls,’ David Hu explains why the wet-dog shake is so efficient.
Help SciFri Track The ‘Flu Near You’
SciFri and Flu Near You are teaming up to track the flu.
What’s The Most Important Science Issue To You In Your State?
Tell us what local science issue you care most about!