On Today's Podcast
Underwater archeology reveals clues about Ice Age humans
At the end of the last ice age, glacial melt inundated human settlements near shorelines. Underwater archeologists are uncovering their artifacts.
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.
10:01
Could a Blood Test Help Diagnose Alzheimer’s?
In a preliminary study, researchers identified 10 lipids in the blood that correlated with an increased risk for Alzheimer’s.
25:50
Celebrating Irrational, Transcendental Pi
As we celebrate Pi Day, mathematician Steven Strogatz talks about how the ancients calculated pi—and how you can do it at home.
10:33
SciFri’s Winter Nature Photo Contest Winner…Revealed!
Winter Nature Photo Contest judge John Weller discusses your top shots.
Estimate Pi by Dropping Sticks
A simulator based on one of the oldest problems in geometrical probability approximates pi.
Dispatches from SXSW Interactive 2014
SciFri is in Austin to check out the latest in innovation.
How Scientists Are Learning to Read Our Minds
An excerpt from “The Future of the Mind.”
Utah’s Winter Haze a Pollution Problem
The Salt Lake Valley’s topography lends itself to a natural phenomenon called an inversion, which traps air pollution.
Design And Build A Zip Line Zoo
In this activity from Bedtime Math, you’ll build a stuffed-animal zip line and practice measuring time, distance, and angles.
Battling HIV, Using A Body’s Own Immune Cells
Researchers are exploring a new approach to fighting HIV infection by genetically modifying a person’s own immune cells to be resistant to the virus.
17:37
Delving Into the Security of an Internet of Things
As more devices come online, is enough attention being given to security and privacy?
16:38
Where Do Sea Turtles Go During Their ‘Lost Years’?
Biologists crack the case of sea turtles’ ‘lost years’ with a little help from a nail salon technician.
22:22
Michio Kaku Imagines ‘The Future of the Mind’
In “The Future of the Mind,” physicist Michio Kaku predicts big advances for our brains.
23:51
‘Particle Fever’ Captures the Excitement of the Higgs Discovery
“Particle Fever” takes filmgoers behind the scenes of physics’ big breakthrough: the discovery of the Higgs Boson.
How to Make an Artificial Muscle Out of Fishing Line
You’ll need fiber, some weights, a motor, and a heat gun to get you started.
Pick the Winner of SciFri’s Winter Nature Photo Contest
Time to choose your favorite winter snapshot out of our 10 finalists.
A Beer Bottle Prank Is A Lesson In Fluid Mechanics
Scientists used a high speed camera to study how tiny carbon dioxide bubbles in beer rapidly expand and rise.
Make a Model of a Home Made From Shipping Containers
Watch an interview with a couple who built a home from shipping containers. Then, design and construct a scale model of a unique shipping container home using printed templates, and estimate the cost of flooring and paint based on model dimensions.
29:13
On Social Media, the Kids Are All Right
In “It’s Complicated”, Internet scholar Danah Boyd debunks myths about teens’ online lives.
9:09
Your Brain on Jazz
Researcher and musician Charles Limb created an fMRI-safe keyboard to study the effects of jazz on the brain.
6:47
This Fish Sucks
Adam Summers of the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Labs details how the northern clingfish takes the art of suction to new heights.