On Today's Podcast
Octopuses Use Suckers To ‘Taste’ Harmful Microbes
Researchers found that octopuses can use their arms to detect harmful microbes on the surface of objects like crab shells or their own eggs.
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.
What It Looks (And Smells) Like When Mushrooms Hunt Nematodes
Merlin Sheldrake introduces readers to how invisible fungal forces shape our world in unexpected and ecologically important ways.
Where The Fungi Grow: ‘Entangled Life’ Author Q&A
On July 18, join our event with the author of ‘Entangled Life’ for a contemplative afternoon on the mushrooms we should make room for.
Color Me Like A Cuttlefish: Explore Our Digital Cephalopod Coloring Book
We’re suckers for a good coloring book page. If you are too, try our all-ages cephalopod coloring challenge!
Sign Up For Our 2023 Cephalopod Of The Day Newsletter!
Get a cephalopod story in your inbox every day, for all of cephalopod week. Plus, this year we worked with an artist to create a coloring challenge!
Join Our Ship-To-Shore Livestream And Talk To An Ocean Scientist
On June 27, talk to ocean scientists and ask your questions in a special ship-to-shore livestream from the ocean floor.
Grab This Free Kit And Celebrate Cephalopods
Celebrate Cephalopod Week with our free kit full of party tips, mind-blowing videos, book suggestions, and fun STEM activities.
What Do Two Anesthesiologists Do For The Fears Of A General Audience?
Using an Ask-An-Expert model leads to increased knowledge and comfort levels on anesthesia for audiences.
The Impressive Health Benefits Of Engaging With The Arts
We intrinsically know that art is good for us, but now we have much more scientific evidence detailing its health benefits.
The Surprising Ways Art Changes Our Brains And Bodies
‘Your Brain On Art’ examines new research about the effectiveness of art in healthcare and the benefits of picking up a daily arts practice.
12:00
Canadian Wildfire Smoke Drifts Across The United States
Climate change is driving a longer and more intense wildfire season.
16:54
A Biotech Offensive Against Disease-Carrying Mosquitoes
Lee County, Florida is using biotechnology to eradicate mosquitoes. Plus, how CRISPR can engineer a reduction in disease-carrying mosquitoes.
12:04
Exposing Texas’ Excess Emissions Problems
Over the last two decades, state regulators have allowed companies to release more than a billion pounds of excess pollution.
22:14
A Scientist’s Catalog Of 100 Days Under The Sea
Former US Navy diving instructor Joe Dituri shatters records for time underwater in the name of science.
11:49
Unmasking Owls’ Mysteries
Jennifer Ackerman’s new book delves into these fascinating avian predators, including their supersonic hearing, quiet flight, and complex communication.
16:59
30 Years Later, ’Jurassic Park’ Still Inspires
Paleontologists talk about the lasting legacy of ‘Jurassic Park’ and explain how their work was inspired by the classic film.
Exploring The Enigmatic World Of Owls
A new book by Jennifer Ackerman explores the accomplished predator’s contradictions.
Discoveries In The Deep Oceans
Join SciFri as we explore the mysteries of the deep ocean with celebrations, ship-to-shore science missions, and fun design challenges.
Looking For Life In The Deep Ocean: An Engineering Challenge
How would you look for life in the deepest, darkest parts of the ocean? Get ready to investigate and invent as you search the seas.
11:34
Record Number Of People In Space At The Same Time
There is a record number of humans in orbit: 17. Plus, flies are more necessary than we give them credit for—and they’re in trouble.
8:19
Allergy Season Is Blooming With Climate Change
Climate change is triggering plants to produce pollen earlier and earlier, making allergy season longer and more intense.