On Today's Podcast
A virus hunter in Nigeria has thoughts on the Ebola outbreak
A Nigeria-based molecular biologist breaks down the current Ebola outbreak, and what's needed to improve disease monitoring across Africa.
Listen NowJune 5, 2026
Up to 94% of Neanderthals suffered at least one traumatic injury in their lifetime. How did their healthcare keep up? Plus, a Nigeria-based molecular biologist breaks down the current Ebola outbreak, and what's needed to improve disease monitoring across Africa. And, despite the scorching, toxic conditions on the planet Venus, some scientists want to look there for life—in the clouds.
3:05
Arnold Relman, Health System Critic, Dead at 91
Relman called the American health care system a “new medical-industrial complex.” We remember him here with two archival clips.
Behaviors of the Venomous, Blue-Lined Octopus
This venomous octopus packs a punch, but it’s more likely to hide than launch a poisonous attack.
How Does an Octopus Change Its Body to Blend In With Its Environment?
Watch footage of a live octopus to model different ways that these animals can camouflage themselves by changing their body’s texture, shape, size, and color.
How Tails Help a Kite to Fly
In this activity from Science Buddies, you will experiment with how a kite’s tail affects how it flies.
29:38
Reinventing How City Dwellers Get Around
Portland, Oregon, is a hotbed for transit innovation. Will other cities catch on?
16:13
What Happens After the Robot Apocalypse?
In “Robogenesis,” sci-fi author Daniel H. Wilson imagines the world post-robot uprising.
17:23
Untangling the Web of Spider Science
Arachnologist Greta Binford traces the evolution of spiders by examining their venom.
12:03
At Reed College, Nuclear Education That’s Really ‘Hands-On’
At Reed College, undergraduates keep a nuclear reactor running.
16:24
Beer Science: Crafting the Perfect Pint
Two of Oregon’s craft brew experts pore over hops, yeast, malt, and the microbiology of beer.
Milking A Spider
Ever wondered how to milk a spider? In this video, Greta Binford, a researcher at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, extracts venom from a sleeping spider’s fangs.
The Vampire Squid From Hell
Although its Latin name translates as “the vampire squid from hell,” the vampire squid is actually a gentle steward of the ocean’s depths, gracefully foraging on marine detritus.
Caring for Cuttlefish
Using recycled soda bottles, modified cradles, and knowledge of each species’ husbandry, the Monterey Bay Aquarium staff have nurtured to adulthood 95 percent of the cuttlefish eggs spawned.
Teaching Ancient Nautilus New Tricks
A series of experiments involving fish juice, blue lights, and mazes dispels the notion that the ancient Nautilus is incapable of basic learning and memory.
#CephalopodWeek: Celebrating All Things Tentacled
They’re the amazing cephalopods, and Science Friday, public radio’s source for news and entertaining stories about science, celebrates them with Cephalopod Week.
Chinook Salmon Could Make Splashy Return
Some scientists predict that record numbers of fall Chinook will return to the Columbia River Basin this year.
On the Oregon Truffle Scent
Oregon leads the country in commercial truffle production, boasting several native culinary varieties. And the best way to find them is to enlist the help of man’s best friend.
Fighting the Machines
An excerpt from Daniel Wilson’s new novel, “Robogenesis.”
Smarty Pants: Testing the Quality of Textiles
Confidence in our clothing shouldn’t be taken for granted. It owes much to an oft-overlooked the field of study-textile quality assurance.
12:07
Rep. Rush Holt: Science and Congress
Representative Rush Holt talks about how ‘thinking like a scientist’ can help the political process.
25:48
Your Summer Science Book List
Lee Billings and Maria Popova compile your perfect summer science book list.