On Today's Podcast
How Shoddy Science Is Driving A Supplement Boom
Questionable science, lax regulations, and wellness culture have turned dietary supplements into big business.
Listen NowSeptember 5, 2025
A sand dune is much more than just a big pile of sand. But how do sand dunes work, and what else do scientists want to know about sand? Plus, candles, hairstyling products, and other common items can produce toxic air pollution that lingers in our homes. And, former CDC scientist Demetre Daskalakis left his post, citing political interference and a lack of science in decision-making at the agency.
9:34
Studying Rocks Found on Earth for Clues About Space
We’ll take a tour of the Center for Meteorite Studies, and learn how meteorites can teach us about the history of the solar system.
12:01
For Babies, It’s Better to Like What I Like
How green beans, graham crackers, and puppets can give insight into the development of moral behavior.
17:25
Grand Central: An Engine of Scientific Innovation
Standard time zones and electric trains were both pioneered at New York’s Grand Central Terminal.
16:37
Birds Evolve Shorter Wings to Escape Traffic Crush
Cliff swallows with shorter wings appear better suited to avoid becoming roadkill.
29:13
Scientists Search for Gulf War Illness Answers
More than 20 years later, many Gulf War veterans still suffer from an array of unexplained ailments.
16:24
Project Seeks to Bring Extinct Species Back to Life
Michael Archer, leader of the “Lazarus Project,” describes early efforts to bring a frog species back from extinction.
Black Bear for the Win
Jim Stroner’s shot of a bear emerging from its den wins our 2013 Winter Nature Photo Contest.
12:16
Can Just One Concussion Change the Brain?
A single concussion may cause brain damage, but it remains difficult to diagnose these injuries.
7:21
Arming Fat Cells to Fight Brain Cancer
Researchers are investigating ways to turn fat cells into Trojan horses to fight brain cancer.
21:35
Improving Healthcare, One Search at a Time
By combing through 100 million search queries, researchers detected a previously unknown interaction between two commonly prescribed drugs.
5:31
Physicists Tie Water Into Knots
If you thought a smoke ring was fancy, check out these fluid knots.
12:23
Curiosity Hits Paydirt: New Clues to Life on Mars
Microbes may once have thrived in a freshwater lake on Mars, according to clues in an ancient rock.
17:38
‘Bones’ Inspires a New Generation of Crime Fighters
Forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs chats about “Code,” her new crime novel for young adults.
17:19
And the Award for Best Picture Goes To…
See who took first place in SciFri’s Winter Nature Photo Contest.
Tying Water in a Knot
These fluid knots are like smoke rings–but made of water and shaped like a pretzel instead of a donut.
Pi Day Mashup
It’s Pi Day (and Einstein’s birthday). Celebrate with this mix of tributes to the telltale Greek letter that symbolizes that endless number.
Wildlife Portraits by Our Photo Contest Judge
Clay Bolt, co-founder of the Meet Your Neighbours photo project, shares some of his shots.
Painting by Insects
For a unique artistic style, there’s nothing like an insect’s feet to get the job done.
James Watson: Studio Session
In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the structure of DNA — the now-famous double helix.