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?
11:21
What Role Does Partisanship Play Outside of the Polls?
How much of a role does political bias play in daily life outside of the polls?
4:28
Something’s in the Air—It’s Your Microbial Cloud
Even sitting quietly in a room can generate a personalized cloud of microbes.
11:46
Americas Brace for Zika Spread
The typically-mild Zika virus is the top suspect in Brazil’s microcephaly epidemic. Where did it come from, and what can we expect as the outbreak unfolds?
17:22
For Planet-Seekers, a Cautionary Tale
The tale of the planet Vulcan’s “discovery”—and destruction at the hands of Einstein—may hold lessons for today’s planet-hunters.
Discovering Planet Vulcan
The story of how a country doctor thought he found a new planet in the solar system.
16:49
Confessions of a Meteorite Hunter
Meteorite hunter Nina Lanza reports back from six weeks scouring the Antarctic ice for space rocks.
The Bacterium Disappearing From Our Stomachs
A primer on the gut bacterium Helicobacter pylori, and the controversy surrounding it.
Oliver Sacks: Under the Influence
Oliver Sacks was wealthy in friends, mentors, and other inspiring companions. Let’s meet a few of them.
Ira-Witness News: Climate Change Skeptic Meteorologist Feels the Heat
In an interview with Yale Climate Connections, meteorologist Greg Fishel explains how he came to accept anthropogenic climate change.
Make A Home For Microbes To Understand Their Behavior
Build a home for microbes as you create a Winogradsky column, a simple ecosystem for bacteria and other microorganisms.
The Week-After SciFri Quiz! 1/26/16
How much do you know about Planet Nine and prehistoric violence?
Your Very Special Microbial Cloud
At the Biology and the Built Environment Center at the University of Oregon, researchers have revealed that not only can they detect and catalog the microbial cloud of someone in a room, but each person’s cloud is unique.
Can the ‘Godzilla’ El Niño’ Solve California’s Drought Problem?
The effects of El Niño may only be a down payment on a drought with a huge mortgage to pay off.
12:07
PCB Contamination, Space Flowers, and Python Removal
High levels of toxic polychlorinated biphenyls are showing up in European marine mammals. Plus, a look at the pros and cons of a public python removal competition.
12:09
To Compose the Perfect Bite, Listen to Your Food
Dan Pashman, host of WNYC’s The Sporkful podcast, tells us how sound can influence the taste of your food, prevent cooking mishaps, and help you to compose the perfect bite.
7:22
Digging Deep Into the Crust of the Earth
Researchers are drilling through the earth’s crust to learn about the formation of the planet.
The Bodybuilder: Oliver Sacks’ Days on Muscle Beach
The renowned neurologist remembers his bodybuilding days on Venice, California’s Muscle Beach.
8:43
Read ‘On the Move’ With the #SciFriBookClub
The SciFri Book Club celebrates Oliver Sacks’ literary legacy by reading his autobiography, “On the Move.”
SciFri Book Club Meetup: New York Botanical Garden
Discuss Oliver Sacks’ “On the Move” with fellow SciFri Book Clubbers at the New York Botanical Garden.