On Today's Podcast
After CDC Director Is Ousted, More Senior Officials Resign
Former CDC scientist Demetre Daskalakis left his post, citing political interference and a lack of science in decision-making at the agency.
Listen NowSeptember 5, 2025
A sand dune is much more than just a big pile of sand. But how do sand dunes work, and what else do scientists want to know about sand? Plus, candles, hairstyling products, and other common items can produce toxic air pollution that lingers in our homes. And, former CDC scientist Demetre Daskalakis left his post, citing political interference and a lack of science in decision-making at the agency.
17:00
These Conservation Scientists Are Keeping The Sonoran Desert Diverse
The vast desert spanning southwestern U.S. and Mexico is home to thousands of plant and animal species—and scientists are trying to save it.
16:27
Could Restoring Animal Populations Store More Carbon?
Rewilding certain animal populations like wildebeests and sea otters could help absorb greenhouse gas emissions.
Create An Interactive Game Using AI
Combine a visual programming language, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to program an interactive game using hand gestures.
This Violinist Is Making Ultra-Affordable 3D-Printed Violins For Kids
A concert violinist is developing a 3D-printed violin that costs $7, in hopes of lowering the barrier to getting kids into music.
12:06
Orcas Are Attacking Boats Near Spain. Scientists Don’t Know Why
Orca attacks on boats in the region have increased, leading to three sinkings. Plus, how a Supreme Court decision could affect wetlands.
11:57
The Long And Short Of Telomere Activity
Short sequences of genetic code on the ends of chromosomes called telomeres may be more involved in the cell than previously understood.
5:02
Philadelphia’s Mütter Museum Takes Down Digital Resources
A patient with a rare condition donated his heart to the museum, only to have it caught up in the conversation over how to handle human remains.
11:58
The Ivory-Billed Woodpecker Debate Keeps Pecking Away
The last verified sighting was in 1944, but bill-ievers are still looking for the bird.
9:46
Tracking Pain In Your Brain
Scientists are decoding the brain signals linked to chronic pain.
7:27
What Can We Learn From A Woman Who Feels No Pain?
Understanding the gene mutations causing Jo Cameron’s inability to feel pain could lead to better pain medications for the rest of us.
16:53
Turning To Space While Processing Grief
After her husband’s death, astronomer Michelle Thaller turned to space’s mysteries to find solace in grief.
17:22
A Famous Sled Dog’s Genome Holds Evolutionary Surprises
By looking at 240 mammals’ genomes, including the heroic sled dog Balto, a project called Zoonomia offers a new view of evolutionary history.
Design A One-Of-A-Kind Chatbot
Become a chatbot engineer as you design, create, and adapt your own one-of-a-kind chatbot using artificial intelligence.
AI For Kids: A Chatbox Exploration
Learn about artificial intelligence (AI) by experimenting directly with chatbots and machine learning technology.
12:16
Can Science Find An Antidote To Americium?
Researchers are testing a drug that could help remove radioactive elements from the human body.
16:01
What To Do When 500-1,000 Crows Roost In Your Neighborhood
When hundreds of crows took up long-term residence in a Baltimore neighborhood this past winter, one woman turned to Reddit for answers.
10:01
Science Says Eat More Beans
SciFri staff round up their favorite bean recipes to help address the humble legume’s PR problem.
2:00
The World According To Sound: Feeding Time
The gnarly sound of grizzlies feasting on a bison.
17:20
Bees Have Feelings, Too
After fifty years of studying bees, pollination ecologist Stephen Buchman suggests bees have feelings.
17:09
Pinning Down The Origin Of Butterflies
A new map of butterfly heritage suggests an origin in North or Central America some 100 million years ago.