On Today's Podcast
The Human Obsession With Aliens Goes Way, Way Back
A new book charts the millennia-old history of our fascination with aliens, and how myth transformed into research.
Listen NowSeptember 12, 2025
Octopuses can use their suckers to detect harmful microbes on the surface of objects like crab shells, or their own eggs. Plus, a new book charts the millennia-old history of our fascination with aliens, and how myth transformed into research. And, golden oyster mushrooms have escaped from home growing kits into the wild. Could they affect fungal diversity in North American forests?
27:42
World-Class Tips For The Home Fermenter
The ‘Noma Guide to Fermentation’ reveals the secrets to fermentation.
6:14
The (Model) Rockets’ Red Glare
Model rocketeers are planning to launch thousands of model rockets worldwide in salute to the Apollo anniversary.
33:45
Eating Smarter In A Warming World
Our eating habits produce a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions—but scientists are finding smarter ways to grow and distribute our food.
Why Fermentation Is So Important To One Of The World’s Best Restaurants
Two chefs at the world-famous restaurant Noma explain why the microbes at work in fermentation are key to unlocking flavors in their food.
Talk To Science Friday Using The VoxPop App
We’ve launched a new way for you to talk to us all week long: the SciFri VoxPop app.
28:39
Planning Your Science Travel Itinerary
Suggestions for science-focused locations to add to your summer vacation plans.
42:23
How The Allies Sabotaged The Nazi Atomic Bomb
The Allies were terrified the Nazi atomic bomb would be ready before their own—and they were willing to try anything to stop them.
16:54
Revisiting The Debunked Theory Of Spontaneous Generation
The controversial idea of spontaneous generation—that life could arise from non-living matter—was debunked by Louis Pasteur in an experimental showdown.
17:32
Searching For The Secrets Of Ancient Cultures—From Space
Archaeologist Sarah Parcak explores how modern tools are helping us learn lessons from ancient history.
The Unlikely Origins Of A Space Archaeologist
In this excerpt from “Archaeology from Space,” Sarah Parcak recounts who inspired her to become a space archaeologist, from her grandfather to Indiana Jones.
Keeping The Nuclear Bomb Out Of Hitler’s Hands
During World War II, two French physicist’s assistants escape German occupation with a crucial nuclear weapon ingredient before the Nazis get to it first.
Charlie Chaplin And ‘Paternity’ In Modern Times
In this excerpt from “Paternity” by Nara B. Milanich, a 1940s court case with a Hollywood icon epitomized the shifting meaning of fatherhood.
7:33
A Rollback Of The Clean Power Plan
The Trump administration replaced the greenhouse reducing Clean Power Plan with a proposal that has narrow regulations for power plants.
4:10
New Orleans Sues Energy Companies To Repair Its Wetlands
Climate change is causing parts of Louisiana to sink. Now the city of New Orleans wants energy companies to pay to fix it.
10:13
Investigating The USDA’s Silence On Climate Change
A new Politico investigation suggests the Agriculture Department is avoiding publicizing its research regarding climate change.
12:14
Turning Proteins Into Music
Researchers are using music to unravel the mysteries of life’s complicated building blocks.
10:40
A Tiny Training Partner In Your Gut?
Though the ads tell you it’s gotta be the shoes, a new study suggests that elite runners might get an extra performance boost from the microbiome.
23:13
Solving The Mystery Of Paternity, Once And For All
In her new book, historian Nara Milanich shares the fascinating history of paternity testing.
23:47
Closing Out The Cephalo-Party
Cephalopod genetics, the thrill of the giant squid, and a farewell to Cephalopod Week 2019.
Swimming Down The Runway: Finding A Model Species For Cephalopods
Want to learn more about cephalopods? Start by learning about bobtail squids.