On Today's Podcast
Tracking shark populations, one shark at a time
A Florida research team catches and releases about 600 sharks a year to monitor their populations and study the health of marine ecosystems.
Listen NowJuly 24, 2026
Archeologists are piecing together the lives of ordinary Pompeii residents, from a fish sauce entrepreneur to an enterprising businesswoman. Plus, Andrea Ghez developed a way to peer through dust clouds and observe stars orbiting the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. And, what do we know, and not know, about SSRI antidepressant withdrawal?
25:16
Can Silicon Valley Bridge Its Diversity Gap?
More tech companies are pledging to increase diversity in their workforce, but their employee numbers remain the same.
8:42
3-D Printing Living Cells
Scientists used living cells to 3-D-print ear, bone, and muscle structures.
11:45
When Hospitals Get Hacked
A Hollywood hospital’s computer systems were invaded by malware, encrypted, and taken for ransom. The price? Forty bitcoins, or $17,000 dollars.
7:28
Malnutrition, and a Battle of the Microbiota
Is malnutrition due to more than just a lack of access to quality food? A “battle of the microbiota” taking place in the gut may play a significant role in health.
26:37
What El Niño Means for Other Parts of the Planet
El Niño’s atmospheric influence is global, affecting fish stocks off Peru and potentially driving up malaria deaths in East Africa.
Behold, The Gargantuan Stick Insect
Only three female Ctenomorpha gargantua stick insects have ever been seen in the wild.
The Week-After SciFri Quiz! 2/16/16
Did you listen closely to the big news about gravitational waves?
What Party Affiliation Could Mean for Your Future Marriage or Job
The biggest social divide might not be race or religion, but rather political affiliation.
11:58
Hidden Galaxies, Sigh Science, and Facebook’s Free Basics
Researchers using a radio telescope found hundreds of galaxies hiding behind the Milky Way.
11:51
Launching the Latest OK Go Video in Zero-G
The band OK Go choreographed their latest video in zero-G.
16:48
Could Genetically Engineered Insects Squash Mosquito-Borne Disease?
Scientists have been able to genetically engineer malaria-resistant mosquitoes. But is it ethical to release them into the wild?
26:54
The SciFri Book Club Talks Oliver Sacks’ ‘On the Move’
After three weeks reading “On the Move,” the SciFri Book Club is back to discuss Oliver Sacks’ autobiography.
6:36
Behind the Bouba-Kiki Effect
In study after study, 90 percent of people agree: A pointy shape is named “Kiki” and a rounded shape is “Bouba.”
17:20
Century-Long Search Leads to Landmark Gravitational Wave Discovery
For the first time, scientists have directly detected gravitational waves—the last unproven part of Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
What Is Face Blindness?
Face blindness, or prosopagnosia, is more than just “being bad with faces.”
The Bouba-Kiki Effect
In most scientific research, upwards of 90% of people will associate a pointy polygon with “kiki” and a rounded amoeboid with “bouba.”
The Emotive Power of Voice
New research reveals how emotions conveyed by our own voice influence our moods.
Make A Mathy Valentine
Spice up your valentines this year by using a little geometry to create consistent hearts and captivating patterns.