On Today's Podcast
How do clinical trials work, and who can participate?
A bioethicist walks us through the complexity of clinical trials, from their core scientific questions to patient selection to FDA approval.
Listen NowMay 22, 2026
Low-frequency noises that humans can feel, but not hear, may be behind the spooky feeling of old houses. Plus, a processing plant in Mississippi is leaking massive amounts of the herbicide paraquat into the air. Its biological link to Parkinson’s is becoming clear. And, a bioethicist walks us through the complexity of clinical trials, from their core scientific questions to patient selection to FDA approval.
Chef Jack Bishop Breaks Down ‘The Science of Good Cooking’
America’s Test Kitchen chef Jack Bishop explains how science can sharpen your cooking skills.
‘Consider the Fork’ Chronicles Evolution of Eating
Author Bee Wilson examines how changing kitchen tools have influenced what, and how, we eat.
Get the Most Bang from Your Bubbly
Chemist Richard Zare pores over the science of bubbles—from champagne fizz to beer foam.
Book Challenges Kids With Science-Based Mysteries
A father/daughter team has written a series of brain-teasers for science-minded students.
The Renaissance Man Who Got It All Wrong
In A Man of Misconceptions, John Glassie writes of the priest-scientist Athanasius Kircher.
Making Resolutions That Stick
Nearly half of U.S. adults will make year-end resolutions to change for the better in the coming year.
Could Life Exist on Newfound Alien Planet?
Astronomer Steven Vogt discusses a new discovery of a potentially habitable exoplanet.
Birding for the Holidays
Thousands of citizen scientists are taking part in the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count.
Stem Cells Treat Lou Gehrig’s Disease, In Mice
Stem cell implants slowed the onset of symptoms—and scientists say human trials aren’t far behind.
Debunking Doomsday and Exploring Maya Science
Two archaeologists weigh in on what the ancient Maya actually said about 2012. Spoiler: not much.
The SciFri Book Club Tours ‘The Planets’
The book club reviews Dava Sobel’s 2005 homage to the solar system.
Shooting Stars: Capturing the Night on Camera
Photographer Colin Legg makes time-lapse movies of celestial scenes.
Future Fibers May Be Spun From Slime
The hagfish or “slime eel” shoots out slime containing silk-like fibers of remarkable strength.
Shooting Stars
Photographer Colin Legg makes time-lapse movies of celestial scenes. Legg shares tips, and describes some of the challenges of landscape astrophotography—from babysitting cameras for days and nights on end to running electronics off the grid.
Alan Alda’s Challenge to Scientists: What Is Time?
Calling all scientists! How do you explain the concept of time to an 11-year-old?
How Science Can Keep Your Christmas Tree Merry and Bright
Rick Bates, of Penn State University, shares handy tips for how to care for your Christmas tree.
Is It Possible to Create a Mind?
What does intelligence really mean? Can we build a machine that thinks as humans do?
A View from the Flip Side
Ten days is all it takes your brain to right a world that looks upside down.
Ask a Quantum Mechanic
Teleporting data, time travel, quantum computers. Sci-fi or science reality? ‘Quantum mechanic’ Seth Lloyd joins us to talk about the mysteries of the quantum world.
‘Instant’ Looks at Polaroid’s Land
Edwin Land, the inventor behind Polaroid, is the subject of a new book by Christopher Bonanos.