Episodes

As federal resources for gun research lag, states like California are trying to do it themselves. Plus, how could the U.S. make the power grid harder to hack into?

Elon Musk says he might fire up his Mars rocket as early as next year for testing. We’ll talk about what life in a Mars colony might be like. Plus, how women in tech are pushing back against ‘Blockchain Bro’ culture.

Silicon Valley may be notoriously male-dominated today. But a new book tells the stories of the women who have been building the internet since day one. Plus, a look at how scientists are developing new viruses for antibiotic treatments.

What will happen to the ISS as companies reach for a piece of space real estate? Plus, we survey a medicine chest’s worth of quacks through the ages, and employ modern-day science to evaluate their effectiveness.

Roboticists are turning to fleshy substances to build a fleet of bio-inspired robots. Plus, a structural engineer talks the crafty physics that keeps a skyscraper standing.

How do ice skaters master the perfect spin? We take a look at the physics. Plus, improvements in AI can make it hard to tell real media from fake.

The SciFri Book Club says farewell to ‘Frankenstein.’ And we explore the menagerie of insects behind your chocolate bar.

China’s leaders are pursuing carbon-free alternatives to coal to solve the country’s growing energy needs and suffocating pollution. Plus, recently discovered fossils in Egypt provides clues on dinosaur evolution.

A look at the crystal chemistry behind snowflakes, chocolates, and diamonds. Plus, how information can help sway those difficult conversations about vaccines and beyond.

Algorithms play a role in many aspects of our lives, but should they be used in public policy? Plus, medical experts examine this year’s dangerous flu.