On Today's Podcast
How Do Bacteria Talk To Each Other?
In a story from May, how understanding the ways bacteria communicate could lead to better disease treatments for humans.
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.
29:38
Reinventing How City Dwellers Get Around
Portland, Oregon, is a hotbed for transit innovation. Will other cities catch on?
16:13
What Happens After the Robot Apocalypse?
In “Robogenesis,” sci-fi author Daniel H. Wilson imagines the world post-robot uprising.
17:23
Untangling the Web of Spider Science
Arachnologist Greta Binford traces the evolution of spiders by examining their venom.
12:03
At Reed College, Nuclear Education That’s Really ‘Hands-On’
At Reed College, undergraduates keep a nuclear reactor running.
16:24
Beer Science: Crafting the Perfect Pint
Two of Oregon’s craft brew experts pore over hops, yeast, malt, and the microbiology of beer.
Milking A Spider
Ever wondered how to milk a spider? In this video, Greta Binford, a researcher at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, extracts venom from a sleeping spider’s fangs.
The Vampire Squid From Hell
Although its Latin name translates as “the vampire squid from hell,” the vampire squid is actually a gentle steward of the ocean’s depths, gracefully foraging on marine detritus.
Caring for Cuttlefish
Using recycled soda bottles, modified cradles, and knowledge of each species’ husbandry, the Monterey Bay Aquarium staff have nurtured to adulthood 95 percent of the cuttlefish eggs spawned.
Teaching Ancient Nautilus New Tricks
A series of experiments involving fish juice, blue lights, and mazes dispels the notion that the ancient Nautilus is incapable of basic learning and memory.
#CephalopodWeek: Celebrating All Things Tentacled
They’re the amazing cephalopods, and Science Friday, public radio’s source for news and entertaining stories about science, celebrates them with Cephalopod Week.
Chinook Salmon Could Make Splashy Return
Some scientists predict that record numbers of fall Chinook will return to the Columbia River Basin this year.
On the Oregon Truffle Scent
Oregon leads the country in commercial truffle production, boasting several native culinary varieties. And the best way to find them is to enlist the help of man’s best friend.
Smarty Pants: Testing the Quality of Textiles
Confidence in our clothing shouldn’t be taken for granted. It owes much to an oft-overlooked the field of study-textile quality assurance.
12:07
Rep. Rush Holt: Science and Congress
Representative Rush Holt talks about how ‘thinking like a scientist’ can help the political process.
25:48
Your Summer Science Book List
Lee Billings and Maria Popova compile your perfect summer science book list.
8:50
The Science of the ‘Brazuca’
How will the “Brazuca” fly? Scientists put the World Cup soccer ball through its paces.
12:19
Pre-Surgery Routine Needs an Update, Says Doc
Robert Cima of the Mayo Clinic says science doesn’t back up pre-surgical practices like fasting and colon cleanses.
17:20
Is NASA Ready To Make The Leap To A Manned Mission To Mars?
What technologies, budget, and partners would NASA needed for a successful manned mission to Mars?
16:34
‘Do Fathers Matter?’ Explores Dad’s Influence
In his new book, Paul Raeburn writes of the surprising biological and genetic connections fathers have with their children.