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?
Science Facts: GMOs
Use these facts when talking with friends and family who don’t believe GMOs can be safe.
What You Said: Was Dr. Victor Frankenstein A Good Scientist?
And what makes a “good” scientist, anyway? SciFri listeners weigh in.
Uber, But For Scientists
The gig economy isn’t just for graphic designers and Uber drivers. Some scientists are forsaking academia—and not always by choice.
Science Friday Presents: Frankenfest!
Science Friday celebrates the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s classic live in New York City.
7:08
NASA Gets Its Moment In The Sun (Finally)
A new NASA heat shield makes a mission to the sun’s atmosphere possible.
5:09
Is Offshore Wind ‘Picking Up Steam’ On Lake Erie?
For years, its been a slow process building wind turbines in the Great Lakes. Now, a new initiative is picking up speed.
11:31
Flu’s Fatal Side Effect: Heart Attacks
Flu infection boosts the risk of heart attack six fold. An infectious disease physician explains why—and how to protect yourself.
11:52
Is Music A Shared Language?
Researchers tested if listeners could identify lullabies, dance, love, and healing songs from different cultures.
23:52
Jellyfish, The Misunderstood Genius Of The Sea
The untold story of jellyfish is one of perception versus reality.
9:58
How To Grow Your Own Crystals
At the United States Crystal Growing Competition, chemistry gleams and sparkles.
22:14
Boosting Vaccination Rates, One Conversation At A Time
What we’re learning about how to convince people that vaccines are safe and necessary.
How Jellyfish Helped A Marine Biologist Find Her Calling
Juli Berwald recounts not the not-so-straight path that led to her work as a marine biologist.
Science Facts: Vaccines
Use these facts when talking with friends and family who don’t “believe” in vaccinating their children.
What You Said: Frankenstein, Today
SciFri listeners weigh in on Frankenstein, Silicon Valley’s tech monsters, and the ethics of modern inventions.
7:44
A Michigan Fireball, An Omnivorous Shark, And An Ancient Epidemic
An exploding meteor gave a spectacular sky show near Detroit.
4:32
As Trump Pushes Offshore Drilling, Local Lawmakers Push Back
How states like California could put up their own barriers to proposed drilling rules.
16:17
Is Silicon Valley Making Its Own Monsters?
The unintended consequences of the tech world, and what CEOs could learn from Mary Shelley.
12:05
The Fiery Mountains Under The Sea
Most of the world’s volcanic activity happens under the sea—but we know very little about it.
17:30
In 2018, The Flu Is Back With A Vengeance
A nasty flu season has researchers doubling down on efforts to create a more effective vaccine.
16:24
Do Sleep Apps And Gadgets Really Help You?
Turns out, clocking in your data doesn’t mean clocking in better sleep.