On Today's Podcast
Why Morbid Curiosity Is So Common—And So Fun
Why do we find joy in the scary and the macabre? Two psychology experts weigh in on humans' affinity for horror and desire to get spooked.
Listen NowOctober 24, 2025
A new documentary puts viewers in the shoes of Neanderthals and early humans, giving an intimate glimpse into humans’ evolutionary history. Plus, cell-cultured salmon is showing up on menus. How does it compare to the real thing? And, how mental health information on social media can be both revelatory and misleading.
12:05
What The Latest Promising Pfizer And Moderna Vaccine Trials Mean
Two encouraging COVID-19 vaccine trials reported strong clinical results this week. So what comes next?
17:18
Puerto Rico’s Famous Arecibo Observatory Decommissioned
The NSF plans to decommission the giant radio observatory after major damage. A look at the loss for science, and for Puerto Rico.
11:55
Ancient Big Game Hunters May Have Included Women
In Peru, a team of researchers uncovered a 9,000-year-old burial site of a possible female big game hunter.
17:05
Big Tech Can’t Stop The Lies
Despite companies taking unprecedented steps to fact-check feeds, misinformation about the election has flourished on social media.
16:42
Roman Mars Explores The Hidden Stories In Your City
Roman Mars talks about the often overlooked details built into our cities and how our urban environments are adapting to the pandemic.
16:51
What Our Climate Can Look Like Under Biden
Joe Biden has a sprawling plan to combat climate change. But if Republicans control the Senate, how much will he be able to accomplish?
The Complicated Sex Lives Of Butterflies
It involves these large, elaborate mating plugs.
12:03
Everywhere In America, COVID-19 Is Surging
Record hospitalizations arrives just in time for flu season. Plus, science you might have missed while you were waiting for election results.
17:15
The Election Shows Americans Are Rethinking The War On Drugs
Both red and blue states approved drug reform in last week’s election.
11:58
Our Average Body Temperature Is Getting Cooler
Some studies have shown that average human body temperature may be dipping below 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
17:16
Fact Check My Feed: How Excited Should You Be About COVID-19 Vaccines?
Pfizer’s promising press release about its vaccine’s efficacy wasn’t accompanied by data. Experts explain the implications.
16:52
How To Decode Your Dog’s DNA
Dog DNA tests have become a popular quarantine pastime. Here’s what you should know about them.
16:51
The New Biden Administration Plans For COVID-19
Less than a week after it became clear he was president-elect, Joe Biden has named the members of a coronavirus task force.
Oregon Voters Decriminalize Possessing Illegal Drugs
The ballot measure makes personally possessing small amounts of drugs a civil violation, while also providing addiction services funding.
South Dakota Voters Pass Marijuana Measures
The federal government may still prohibit the drug, but South Dakota joins the many states who have legalized or decriminalized it.
How To Make A Pop-Up Book With Engineering
Use geometry to make and measure paper pop-up book mechanisms—from the v-fold to the box layer.
Exploring New Suns With The SciFri Book Club
Join Science Friday and Brooklyn Public Library for a new event series—we’re pairing authors with scientific experts for a speculative fiction deep dive.
These Amazing STEM Educators Are Going Above And Beyond
Here’s the quick and comforting cup of hope you’re looking for—inspiring educators share STEM lessons and tidbits of wisdom.
Must Read List Of Speculative Fiction By Writers Of Color
The SciFri Book Club team and writers of color recommend some of their favorite novels, podcasts, anthologies, and films by diverse creators.